Browse 31 essential chiropractor terms and definitions used by professionals in Hermitage.
Term Index
Open any term below for a dedicated definition page.
Adjustment is a precise, controlled force applied by a licensed chiropractor to a specific joint in the spine or other body part to restore proper movement, reduce pain, And improve function. Adjustments are typically performed using hands or specialized instruments and aim to correct misalignments that may interfere with the nervous system or musculoskeletal health.
Chiropractic Adjustment is a precise, hands-on procedure where a licensed chiropractor applies controlled force to a joint in the spine or other body part to improve alignment, reduce pain, And restore movement. It's commonly used to treat back pain, neck pain, headaches, And joint stiffness without surgery or medication.
Chiropractic Care is a health care profession focused on diagnosing, treating, And preventing disorders of the musculoskeletal system, particularly the spine. Chiropractors use hands-on spinal adjustments and other manual therapies to improve joint function, reduce pain.
Chiropractic Manipulation is a hands-on treatment technique used by licensed chiropractors to improve joint function, reduce pain, And restore mobility. It involves applying controlled force to specific joints, often in the spine, to correct misalignments called subluxations. The goal is to support the body’s natural healing without surgery or medication.
Chiropractic Table is a specialized medical device designed to support patients during chiropractic adjustments and therapies. Chiropractic Tables provide controlled movement, padding, And adjustable sections to improve comfort, accuracy.
Concussion Management is a structured healthcare process designed to safely assess, monitor, And guide recovery after a concussion injury. It involves medical evaluation, symptom tracking, gradual physical and cognitive rest, And a step-by-step return to daily activities, school, work, Or sports to prevent further harm and support full healing.
Decompression Therapy is a non-surgical, motorized traction treatment designed to relieve pressure on the spine and promote healing of damaged intervertebral discs and nerves. Decompression Therapy gently stretches the spine, creating negative pressure within the discs to help retract herniated or bulging material, improve nutrient flow, And reduce pain in the back, neck, And limbs.
Disc herniation is a spinal condition where the soft, gel-like center of an intervertebral disc pushes through a tear in the disc’s tougher outer layer. This can irritate nearby nerves, causing pain, numbness, Or weakness in the back, neck, arms, Or legs. Disc herniation often results from aging, injury, Or repetitive strain on the spine.
Electrical Muscle Stimulation is a therapeutic technique that uses controlled electrical impulses to cause muscles to contract. These impulses mimic the natural signals sent by the brain to activate muscle fibers, helping to reduce pain, improve circulation.
Ergonomic Assessment is a systematic evaluation of a workspace, task, Or tool to identify how well it fits the people using it. Ergonomic Assessments aim to reduce physical strain, prevent injuries like back pain or repetitive stress, And improve comfort and productivity by adjusting chairs, desks, computer setups.
Flexion-Distraction Technique is a gentle, non-surgical chiropractic method used to treat spinal conditions like disc herniations and sciatica. It involves a specialized table that stretches and flexes the spine in rhythmic motions, reducing pressure on spinal discs and nerves. The technique aims to improve mobility, relieve pain, And promote healing without invasive procedures or medications.
Graston Technique is a form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization used by trained healthcare providers to detect and treat muscle, tendon, ligament, And fascia restrictions. Graston Technique involves specialized stainless-steel tools to break down scar tissue and fascial restrictions, improve circulation, And promote healing in injured soft tissues.
Intervertebral Disc is intervertebral discs are soft, flexible cushions located between the vertebrae of the spine. Each disc acts as a shock absorber, preventing bones from rubbing together during movement. They consist of a gel-like center called the nucleus pulposus and a tough outer ring known as the annulus fibrosus, enabling spinal flexibility and load distribution.
Licensed Chiropractor is a healthcare professional who completes accredited doctoral training, passes national board exams, And obtains state licensure to diagnose and treat neuromusculoskeletal conditions using non-surgical, drug-free methods such as spinal adjustments, soft-tissue therapies, And rehabilitative exercises. Licensure ensures competency, safety, And adherence to state-specific practice laws.
Ligament Sprain is an injury to a ligament, the tough band of tissue connecting bones at a joint, caused by overstretching or tearing. Ligament Sprains typically occur during sudden twists, falls, Or impacts that force a joint beyond its normal range of motion, leading to pain, swelling, And reduced stability.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging is a non-invasive medical test that uses a powerful magnetic field, radio waves, And a computer to produce detailed pictures of the body’s internal structures, including bones, muscles, nerves, And organs. Unlike X-rays, MRI doesn't use radiation, making it safer for repeated use and better for soft-tissue imaging.
Massage Therapy is a hands-on treatment that uses pressure, movement, And stretching to relax muscles, improve blood flow, reduce pain, And support healing. Licensed massage therapists apply techniques like kneading, tapping, Or deep pressure to soft tissues such as muscles, tendons, And ligaments. It's often used alongside other treatments for injuries, stress, Or chronic conditions.
Medical Legal Report is medical Legal Reports are detailed documents prepared by healthcare professionals, such as chiropractors, to provide objective medical evidence for legal proceedings. These reports explain injuries, treatments, prognosis, And causation in clear, factual language for courts, insurance companies, Or lawyers to review and use as evidence.
Muscle Strain is an injury that occurs when muscle fibers stretch or tear due to overuse, sudden force, Or improper movement. Muscle Strains often cause pain, swelling, And limited mobility, commonly affecting the back, neck, legs, Or shoulders. They range from mild discomfort to severe tears requiring medical attention.
Myofascial Release is a hands-on therapy technique that applies gentle, sustained pressure to the connective tissue (fascia) surrounding muscles, bones, And organs. This method aims to relieve tension, improve mobility, And reduce pain by releasing tight or restricted areas in the fascia, often caused by injury, inflammation.
Neuromuscular Re-education is a therapeutic approach that retrains the brain, nerves, And muscles to work together correctly after injury, surgery, Or chronic conditions. It uses targeted exercises, manual techniques, And sensory feedback to restore normal movement, balance, And coordination. The goal is to improve function and reduce pain by rebuilding healthy movement patterns.
Personal Injury Protection is a type of car insurance coverage that pays for medical expenses, lost wages, And other costs after a vehicle accident, regardless of who caused the crash. It's often called 'no-fault' insurance because it covers the policyholder’s own injuries and those of passengers without needing to prove fault.
Physical Rehabilitation is a structured process designed to help individuals recover strength, mobility, And function after injury, surgery, Or illness. Physical Rehabilitation involves exercises, manual therapies, And education to reduce pain, restore movement, And prevent future problems. It's often guided by licensed professionals such as chiropractors, physical therapists, Or physicians to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Posture Correction is the process of identifying and adjusting misaligned body positions to improve spinal alignment, reduce strain on muscles and joints, And enhance overall physical function. It involves exercises, ergonomic adjustments.
Rest Ice Compression Elevation is a first-aid treatment method used to reduce pain, swelling, And tissue damage after acute injuries like sprains, strains, Or bruises. It combines four steps: resting the injured area, applying ice to reduce inflammation, wrapping it with compression to limit swelling, And elevating it above heart level to improve blood flow and drainage.
Soft Tissue Injury is damage to the muscles, tendons, ligaments, Or other non-bony parts of the body caused by sudden trauma, overuse, Or repetitive stress. Soft Tissue Injury often results in pain, swelling, bruising, Or limited movement and can occur during sports, accidents, Or daily activities. Proper care helps healing and prevents long-term problems.
Spinal Adjustment is a controlled, precise manual force applied by a licensed chiropractor to a specific joint in the spine. This procedure aims to improve spinal motion, reduce nerve irritation, And restore proper alignment, often resulting in decreased pain and improved function. It's a core technique in chiropractic care used to address musculoskeletal conditions.
Spinal Decompression is a non-surgical treatment designed to relieve pressure on the spine and spinal nerves. It involves gently stretching the spine using a motorized table or similar device to create negative pressure within the discs, which can help herniated or bulging discs retract and promote healing by allowing oxygen, water, And nutrient-rich fluids to flow into the discs.
Spinal Manipulation is a hands-on technique used by licensed chiropractors to apply controlled force to a joint in the spine. The goal is to improve spinal motion, reduce pain, And restore function by realigning vertebrae that may be misaligned or restricted. This method is often used to treat back pain, neck pain, And headaches without surgery or medication.
Workers Compensation is a state-mandated insurance program that provides medical benefits, wage replacement, And rehabilitation services to employees who suffer job-related injuries or illnesses. Workers Compensation ensures injured workers receive prompt care without proving employer fault. While employers gain protection from lawsuits related to workplace injuries.
X-Ray Imaging is a quick, painless medical test that uses a small amount of radiation to create pictures of the inside of the body, especially bones. X-Ray Imaging helps doctors and chiropractors see fractures, infections, arthritis, Or other problems in bones and some soft tissues without surgery.
