Browse 36 essential chiropractor terms and definitions used by professionals in Riverdale.
Term Index
Open any term below for a dedicated definition page.
Active Release Technique is a patented soft-tissue treatment method that combines precise movement and manual pressure to break up scar tissue and adhesions in muscles, tendons, And ligaments. Active Release Technique aims to restore pain-free motion, improve flexibility, And accelerate recovery from injuries like strains, sprains, And repetitive stress disorders.
Adjustment is a precise manual procedure chiropractors use to apply controlled force to a joint in the spine or other body part. Adjustments aim to restore proper movement, reduce nerve irritation, And improve function without surgery or medication. Chiropractors train for years to perform adjustments safely and effectively for pain relief and mobility.
American Chiropractic Association is the largest professional organization for chiropractors in the United States, representing over 13,000 members. It advocates for chiropractic care, sets ethical standards, promotes research, And provides education and resources to improve patient health and safety. The association also works with policymakers to shape healthcare laws.
Back Pain is discomfort or soreness anywhere along the spine or muscles of the back, ranging from mild aches to sharp, debilitating pain. Back Pain can occur suddenly due to injury or develop gradually from poor posture, repetitive stress, Or age-related changes in the spine. It affects people of all ages and is a leading reason for missed work or doctor visits.
Board Certified Chiropractor is a Doctor of Chiropractic who has passed additional rigorous exams and met strict training standards set by a recognized chiropractic specialty board. This certification demonstrates advanced expertise in specific areas like orthopedics, neurology, Or sports medicine beyond basic chiropractic licensure.
Cervical Spine is the upper portion of the spinal column located in the neck, consisting of seven vertebrae labeled C1 through C7. These bones support the skull, protect the spinal cord, And enable a wide range of head movements like turning, nodding, And tilting. The cervical spine also houses nerves that control sensation and function in the arms, hands.
Chiropractic Adjustment is a hands-on procedure where a licensed chiropractor applies controlled force to specific joints, usually in the spine, to improve alignment, reduce pain, And restore movement. Chiropractic Adjustments aim to support the body’s natural healing without surgery or medication. They're commonly used for back pain, neck pain, headaches.
Chiropractic BioPhysics is a science-based approach to chiropractic care that combines biology, physiology, And physics to analyze and correct spinal alignment. It uses precise measurements, X-rays, And customized treatment plans to improve posture, reduce pain, And restore spinal health over time. The method focuses on long-term structural improvements rather than quick fixes.
Chiropractic Medicine is a healthcare profession focused on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders, especially those related to the spine. Chiropractic Medicine uses hands-on spinal manipulation and other alternative treatments to align the body’s musculoskeletal structure, particularly the spine, enabling the body to heal itself without surgery or medication. Chiropractic Medicine emphasizes the relationship between the nervous system and overall health.
Chiropractic Neurology is a specialized branch of chiropractic care that focuses on the relationship between the nervous system and spinal function. It uses non-surgical, drug-free methods to diagnose and treat neurological disorders by assessing brain, spinal cord, And nerve function. Chiropractic Neurologists undergo additional training to address conditions like balance disorders, chronic pain, And movement issues.
Chiropractic School is an educational institution that trains students to become Doctors of Chiropractic (DC). These programs typically require 3.5 to 4 years of graduate-level study, including classroom instruction, laboratory work, And clinical training in spinal adjustment, musculoskeletal health, And patient care. Graduates must pass national board exams to obtain licensure.
Chiropractic Table is a specialized medical device designed to support patients during chiropractic adjustments and therapies. Chiropractic Tables provide adjustable surfaces, drop mechanisms, And cushioning to enhance precision, comfort, And effectiveness of spinal manipulations and soft tissue treatments.
Decompression Therapy is a non-surgical, traction-based treatment designed to relieve pressure on the spine and intervertebral discs. It involves gently stretching the spine using a motorized table or device to create negative pressure within the discs, promoting retraction of herniated or bulging disc material and improving nutrient flow to the affected area.
Disc Herniation is a spinal condition where the soft, gel-like center of a spinal 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. It often occurs due to aging, injury, Or repetitive strain on the spine.
Doctor of Chiropractic is a licensed healthcare professional who specializes in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders, particularly those related to the spine. These doctors complete a four-year doctoral program after undergraduate studies, focusing on manual adjustments, therapeutic techniques, And non-invasive treatments to improve nervous system function and overall health.
DOT Physical is a federally required medical exam for commercial motor vehicle drivers to ensure they meet health standards set by the U.S. Department of Transportation. The exam checks vision, hearing, blood pressure, And overall physical ability to safely operate large vehicles. It must be performed by a certified medical examiner listed on the National Registry.
Flexion Distraction is a gentle, non-surgical chiropractic technique designed to relieve back pain, leg pain, And symptoms caused by disc herniation or spinal stenosis. It involves a specialized table that stretches and decompresses the spine while applying rhythmic flexion movements, improving mobility and reducing pressure on spinal nerves.
Graston Technique is a form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization used by chiropractors, physical therapists, And sports medicine professionals. Graston Technique involves specialized stainless-steel tools to detect and treat scar tissue, fascial restrictions, And muscle tightness, helping improve range of motion and reduce pain after injuries or chronic conditions.
Herniated Disc is a spinal condition where the soft, gel-like center of a spinal disc pushes through a tear in the disc’s tough outer layer. This bulging material can press on nearby nerves, causing pain, numbness, Or weakness in the back, arms, Or legs. Herniated discs often occur in the lower back or neck due to injury, aging.
Impulse Adjusting Instrument is a handheld, precision chiropractic tool that delivers controlled, low-force mechanical impulses to specific joints or spinal segments. It uses consistent speed and depth to correct misalignments without manual twisting or cracking, making it suitable for patients who prefer gentler adjustments or have conditions where manual manipulation may not be ideal.
Lumbar Spine is the lower section of the human spine, consisting of five large vertebrae labeled L1 through L5. These bones support most of the body’s weight and enable movements like bending, lifting, And twisting. The lumbar spine connects the upper spine to the pelvis and protects nerves that travel to the legs.
Mobilization is a gentle, hands-on technique used by chiropractors and physical therapists to improve joint movement and reduce stiffness. Mobilization involves slow, controlled movements that stretch and move joints within their natural range, helping to restore flexibility, ease pain, And support healing without forceful cracking or popping.
National Board of Chiropractic Examiners is an independent, nonprofit organization that develops and administers standardized exams to assess the knowledge and skills of chiropractic students and graduates. These exams help ensure chiropractors meet national competency standards before obtaining licensure to practice in the United States.
NBCE is the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners, an independent organization that creates and administers standardized exams chiropractic students must pass to become licensed doctors of chiropractic in the United States. NBCE exams test knowledge of basic sciences, clinical sciences, And hands-on chiropractic skills to ensure safe, competent patient care.
Neck Pain is discomfort, stiffness, Or sharp pain in the area between the base of the skull and the shoulders. Neck Pain can result from poor posture, injury, muscle strain, Or underlying conditions like arthritis or disc herniation. It may cause limited movement, headaches, Or radiating pain into the arms or upper back.
Orthopedic Tests are hands-on examinations chiropractors and doctors use to diagnose muscle, joint, nerve, Or ligament problems. These tests involve specific movements, pressure, Or positions that reproduce pain or reveal weakness, helping identify the exact source of an injury or condition without imaging.
Physical Rehabilitation is a structured process that helps individuals regain strength, mobility, And function after injury, surgery, Or illness. It combines exercises, manual therapy, And education to reduce pain, restore movement, And prevent further health problems. Physical Rehabilitation is often guided by healthcare professionals like chiropractors, physical therapists.
Sciatica is sharp, burning, Or shooting pain that travels from the lower back down the back of one leg, often reaching the foot. Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve—the longest nerve in the body—is compressed, irritated, Or inflamed, usually by a herniated disc, bone spur, Or muscle tightness in the lower spine.
Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine that often appears during the growth spurt just before puberty. It can occur due to conditions like cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy, But the cause of most childhood scoliosis is unknown. While mild cases may not require treatment, severe scoliosis can lead to pain, reduced lung function, Or noticeable physical changes.
Soft Tissue Therapy is a hands-on treatment that targets muscles, tendons, ligaments, And fascia to reduce pain, improve mobility, And speed healing. Soft Tissue Therapy techniques include massage, stretching, And pressure to break up scar tissue, release tension, And restore normal function without surgery or medication.
Spinal Adjustment is a hands-on procedure performed by licensed chiropractors to improve spinal motion and alignment. It involves applying controlled force to specific joints in the spine, often producing a popping sound called a cavitation. The goal is to reduce pain, restore function, And support the body’s natural healing ability without surgery or medication.
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 device to create negative pressure within the spinal discs, which can help herniated or bulging discs retract and promote healing.
Spinal Manipulation is a hands-on treatment technique used by chiropractors and other trained healthcare providers to apply controlled force to joints in the spine. The goal is to improve spinal motion, reduce pain, And restore function by addressing stiffness, misalignment, Or nerve irritation. It often produces a popping or cracking sound caused by gas releasing from joint fluid.
Therapeutic Ultrasound is a non-invasive treatment method that uses high-frequency sound waves to promote healing in soft tissues like muscles, tendons, And ligaments. It generates deep heat within the body to reduce pain, improve circulation, And accelerate recovery from injuries or inflammation. Unlike diagnostic ultrasound, it's not used for imaging.
Thoracic Spine is the middle section of the human spine, consisting of 12 vertebrae labeled T1 through T12. It sits between the cervical spine (neck) and lumbar spine (lower back), supports the rib cage.
Trigger Point Therapy is a manual treatment method that targets tight knots in muscles, called trigger points, which cause pain and stiffness. A trained provider applies focused pressure to these points to release tension, improve blood flow, And restore normal muscle function. This therapy is often used to relieve chronic pain, headaches.
