Browse 32 essential chiropractor terms and definitions used by professionals in Riverdale.
Term Index
Open any term below for a dedicated definition page.
Adjustment is a precise, controlled force applied by a chiropractor to a specific joint in the spine or other body part. This manual procedure aims to improve joint motion, reduce pain, And restore proper function without surgery or medication. Adjustments are a core technique in chiropractic care and are tailored to each patient’s condition and comfort level.
American Chiropractic Association is the largest professional organization representing chiropractors in the United States. It provides education, research, advocacy, And resources to support chiropractic care, ensuring high standards of practice and patient safety. The association also works to advance the profession through public policy and collaboration with healthcare organizations.
Atlas Orthogonal is a gentle chiropractic technique focused on correcting misalignment of the atlas vertebra, the top bone of the spine. This method uses a precise, low-force adjustment delivered by a specialized instrument to restore proper spinal alignment and nervous system function without manual twisting or cracking of the neck.
Back Pain is discomfort or pain felt anywhere along the spine, from the neck down to the lower back. It can range from a dull ache to sharp, debilitating pain and may be caused by muscle strain, injury, poor posture, Or underlying medical conditions. Back Pain affects daily activities and may limit movement, making it one of the most common reasons people seek medical care.
Chiropractic Activator is a handheld, spring-loaded instrument used by chiropractors to deliver a precise, low-force impulse to specific joints or vertebrae. It helps restore motion, reduce pain, And improve nervous system function without manual twisting or cracking of the spine. The device is often used for patients who prefer gentler adjustments or have conditions where traditional manual techniques may not be suitable.
Chiropractic Adjustment is a hands-on procedure chiropractors use to apply controlled force to a specific joint, usually in the spine, to improve alignment, reduce pain, And restore motion. Chiropractic Adjustments are based on the idea that proper spinal function supports overall health and nervous system communication. The process is non-invasive and typically involves a quick thrust or gentle pressure.
Chiropractic Board is chiropractic Boards are state-level government agencies that regulate chiropractic practice. They set education requirements, issue licenses, enforce professional standards, And investigate complaints to protect public safety. Each U.S. State and some Canadian provinces have their own Chiropractic Board with legal authority over chiropractors practicing in that area.
Chiropractic Care is a health care profession focused on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders, particularly those related to the spine. Chiropractors use hands-on spinal manipulation and other alternative treatments to align the body’s musculoskeletal structure, enabling the body to heal itself without surgery or medication. Treatment often emphasizes improving joint mobility and reducing pain.
Chiropractic License is an official government-issued credential that permits a practitioner to legally diagnose and treat neuromusculoskeletal conditions using spinal adjustments and other manual techniques. Licenses ensure chiropractors meet education, examination.
Chiropractic Manipulation is a hands-on procedure chiropractors use to apply controlled force to a joint, usually in the spine, to improve motion, reduce pain, And restore function. These quick, precise movements often produce a popping sound caused by gas releasing from the joint. The technique targets misalignments or restricted areas to support the body’s natural healing process.
Chiropractic Neurology is a specialized branch of chiropractic care that focuses on the relationship between the nervous system and spinal function. It combines principles of neurology with chiropractic techniques to assess and address neurological disorders, brain-body connections, And functional imbalances without surgery or medication. Practitioners use detailed neurological exams and targeted adjustments to improve nerve signaling and overall health.
Chiropractic School is an educational institution that trains students to become licensed chiropractors. Chiropractic Schools teach anatomy, spinal health, manual adjustments, And patient care over 3-4 years of graduate-level coursework. Graduates must pass national board exams to practice legally.
Chiropractic Table is chiropractic Tables are specialized medical tables designed for chiropractic adjustments and treatments. These tables provide proper support, positioning, And flexibility to help chiropractors safely and effectively manipulate the spine, joints, And soft tissues. They often include adjustable sections, drop mechanisms, Or cushioned surfaces to enhance patient comfort and treatment precision.
Disc Herniation 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 can irritate nearby nerves, causing pain, numbness, Or weakness in the back, neck, arms, Or legs. It often occurs due to aging, injury.
Diversified Technique is the most widely used chiropractic adjustment method. It involves hands-on thrusts applied to specific joints to restore proper movement, reduce pain, And improve spinal function. Diversified Technique targets misaligned vertebrae, joint restrictions, Or muscle tension using precise, controlled force delivered by a chiropractor’s hands.
Flexion Distraction is a gentle, non-surgical chiropractic technique designed to relieve spinal pain and improve mobility. It involves a specialized table that stretches and decompresses the spine, targeting conditions like disc herniation, sciatica, And low back pain by reducing pressure on spinal discs and nerves.
Gonstead Technique is a chiropractic method focused on precise spinal adjustments to correct misalignments, Or subluxations, using detailed analysis and hands-on manipulation. Gonstead Technique emphasizes specific contact points on the spine, often targeting the pelvis and lower back, to restore proper alignment and improve nervous system function without excessive force.
Graston Technique is a form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization used by chiropractors and physical therapists to break down scar tissue and fascial restrictions. Graston Technique involves specialized stainless-steel tools to detect and treat areas of soft tissue fibrosis or chronic inflammation, helping restore range of motion and reduce pain.
Joint Dysfunction is a condition where a joint in the body doesn't move, align, Or function properly. It often causes pain, stiffness, Or reduced range of motion and may result from injury, overuse, poor posture, Or underlying health issues. Chiropractors and other healthcare providers assess and treat joint dysfunction to restore normal movement and relieve discomfort.
Low Back Pain is discomfort, stiffness, Or aching in the lower part of the spine, between the bottom of the ribs and the top of the legs. Low Back Pain can be sharp, dull, constant, Or occasional and may spread to the hips, buttocks, Or legs. It often results from muscle strain, injury, poor posture, Or underlying spinal conditions.
Massage Therapy is a hands-on treatment that uses pressure, kneading, And strokes on muscles and soft tissues to reduce pain, improve circulation, And promote relaxation. Trained therapists apply techniques to help with stress, muscle tension, injuries, And overall wellness. It's often used alongside other treatments like chiropractic care for better results.
National Board of Chiropractic Examiners is an independent organization that develops and administers standardized exams to assess the knowledge and skills of chiropractic students and graduates. These exams ensure chiropractors meet national competency standards before obtaining a license to practice in the United States.
NBCE is the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners, an independent nonprofit organization that develops and administers standardized exams to assess the knowledge, skills, And abilities required for entry-level chiropractic practice in the United States. NBCE exams are a key step for chiropractors to obtain licensure and demonstrate competency in patient care.
Neck Pain is discomfort, stiffness, Or soreness in the area between the base of the skull and the shoulders, often caused by muscle strain, poor posture, injury, Or underlying conditions. It may radiate to the shoulders, arms, Or head and can limit movement or cause headaches. Neck pain ranges from mild to severe and may be temporary or chronic.
Physical Rehabilitation is a structured, health-focused process that helps individuals regain strength, mobility, And function after injury, surgery, Or illness. It combines exercises, manual therapies, And education to restore daily activities, reduce pain, And prevent future problems. Licensed professionals design personalized plans to meet each person’s specific recovery goals.
Pinched Nerve is a condition where surrounding tissues, such as bones, cartilage, muscles, Or tendons, apply too much pressure to a nerve. This pressure disrupts the nerve’s function, causing pain, tingling, numbness, Or weakness in the affected area. Pinched nerves often occur in the spine, wrists, Or elbows and may result from injury, poor posture.
Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine that often appears during growth spurts just before puberty. Scoliosis can be mild, moderate, Or severe, And may cause uneven shoulders, waist, Or hips. While most cases are mild, severe scoliosis can lead to breathing difficulties or chronic back pain if left untreated.
Soft Tissue Therapy is a hands-on treatment method that targets muscles, tendons, ligaments, And fascia to reduce pain, improve mobility, And speed recovery. Soft Tissue Therapy uses techniques like massage, stretching, And pressure to break up scar tissue, relieve tension.
Spinal Alignment is the precise positioning of the vertebrae in the spine to maintain its natural curves and optimal function. Proper alignment ensures nerves, muscles, And joints work together without strain, reducing pain and improving mobility. Misalignment can result from injury, poor posture.
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, promote healing.
Spinal Manipulation is a hands-on treatment where a trained chiropractor applies controlled force to a joint in the spine. The goal is to improve movement, reduce pain, And help the body function better. It often produces a popping sound as gas bubbles release from the joint. This technique is commonly used for back, neck, And headache relief.
Thompson Technique is a chiropractic method that uses a specialized drop table to deliver gentle, precise spinal adjustments. Thompson Technique involves analyzing leg length discrepancies to identify misalignments, then applying quick thrusts synchronized with the table’s dropping segments to restore proper joint motion and reduce nerve interference.
