Browse 30 essential chiropractor terms and definitions used by professionals in Savannah.
Term Index
Open any term below for a dedicated definition page.
American Chiropractic Association is the largest professional organization in the United States representing licensed chiropractors. It promotes chiropractic care through advocacy, education, research, And setting practice standards to ensure patient safety and professional excellence across the field.
Back Pain is discomfort or pain anywhere along the spine, from the neck down to the lower back. It can feel sharp, dull, aching, Or burning, And may be constant or come and go. Back Pain often results from muscle strain, injury, poor posture, Or underlying conditions like disc herniation or arthritis. It affects daily activities and can range from mild to severe.
Board Certified Chiropractor is a chiropractor who has passed additional exams and met strict standards set by a recognized chiropractic specialty board. These chiropractors demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills beyond basic licensing, ensuring higher competence in areas like neurology, orthopedics, Or sports injuries. Certification requires ongoing education and periodic re-examination.
Chiropractic Adjustment is a precise manual procedure performed by a licensed chiropractor to restore proper alignment and mobility to joints, particularly in the spine. The adjustment uses controlled force to correct joint dysfunction, reduce pain, And improve nervous system function without surgery or medication. Research supports its effectiveness for conditions like back pain, neck pain.
Chiropractic BioPhysics is a science-based approach to chiropractic care that combines biology, physics, And geometry 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 changes rather than quick fixes.
Chiropractic Care is a health care profession focused on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders, especially those related to the spine. Chiropractic Care uses hands-on spinal adjustments and other techniques to improve alignment, relieve pain, And support the body’s natural ability to heal without surgery or medication. It's commonly used for back pain, neck pain, headaches.
Chiropractic Degree is a professional doctoral degree awarded to individuals who complete a rigorous graduate-level program in chiropractic care. This degree, known as Doctor of Chiropractic (DC), requires at least 3-4 years of full-time study after undergraduate coursework, focusing on spinal health, musculoskeletal disorders.
Chiropractic License is an official credential issued by state regulatory boards that permits a chiropractor to legally diagnose, treat, And manage musculoskeletal conditions. Chiropractic Licenses require completing accredited education, passing national exams.
Chiropractic Manipulation is a hands-on treatment where a licensed chiropractor applies controlled force to a joint, usually in the spine, to improve movement, reduce pain, And restore function. This technique, also called spinal manipulation, often produces a popping sound as gas releases from the joint. It is a core part of chiropractic care and is used for back, neck, And joint problems.
Chiropractic Neurology is a specialized branch of chiropractic care that focuses on diagnosing and treating nervous system disorders through non-surgical, drug-free methods. It combines principles of chiropractic adjustment, functional neurology, And rehabilitation to improve brain-body communication, often addressing conditions like balance disorders, chronic pain, And movement dysfunctions.
Chiropractic School is an accredited educational institution that trains students to become Doctors of Chiropractic (DC). Programs typically require 3-4 years of graduate-level coursework, including anatomy, neurology.
Chiropractic Table is chiropractic tables are specialized medical tables designed for chiropractic care, allowing precise patient positioning and controlled adjustments. These tables often feature adjustable sections, drop mechanisms, And padding to enhance comfort and effectiveness during spinal manipulations, soft tissue therapies.
Decompression Therapy is a non-surgical treatment designed to relieve pressure on the spine and affected nerves. Decompression Therapy uses controlled traction to gently stretch the spine, creating negative pressure within spinal discs. This process helps retract herniated or bulging discs, promoting the movement of water, oxygen.
Disc Herniation is a spinal condition where the soft, gel-like center of a spinal disc pushes through a tear in its tough outer layer. This can irritate nearby nerves, causing pain, numbness, Or weakness in the back, neck, arms, Or legs. Disc Herniation often results from wear-and-tear, injury, Or improper lifting.
Doctor of Chiropractic is a licensed healthcare professional who specializes in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders, particularly those related to the spine. Doctors of Chiropractic use non-surgical, drug-free approaches such as spinal adjustments, manual therapies, And rehabilitative exercises to improve function and relieve pain. Their education includes a four-year doctoral program accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education.
Flexion Distraction is a gentle, non-surgical chiropractic technique designed to relieve pressure on spinal nerves and discs. It involves a specialized table that stretches and decompresses the spine while the chiropractor applies rhythmic, controlled movements to improve mobility and reduce pain.
Graston Technique is a form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization used by trained healthcare providers to detect and treat scar tissue, fascial restrictions, And muscle tightness. Graston Technique involves specialized stainless-steel tools to gently scrape and stretch affected areas, promoting healing and reducing pain for conditions like chronic injuries, post-surgical recovery.
Joint Dysfunction is a condition where a joint in the body fails to move properly, causing pain, stiffness, Or reduced range of motion. It often results from injury, overuse, poor posture, Or muscle imbalances. Joint Dysfunction can affect any joint, including the spine, shoulders, hips, knees, And ankles, And may lead to further complications if left untreated.
Licensed Chiropractor is a healthcare professional who has completed accredited chiropractic education, passed national board exams, And obtained a state license to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal conditions, primarily through spinal adjustments and manual therapies. This licensing ensures they meet legal and professional standards for safe, evidence-based care.
Low Back Pain is discomfort, stiffness, Or aching in the lower part of the spine, between the bottom of the ribcage and the top of the legs. It can range from mild soreness to severe, sharp pain that limits movement. Low Back Pain often comes from muscles, nerves, bones, Or joints in the area and may be caused by injury, poor posture, Or long-term wear and tear.
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 applied to a joint or muscle to restore normal range of motion without sudden force or cracking sounds. It's often used for patients with pain, injury, Or limited flexibility.
National Board of Chiropractic Examiners is the independent organization that creates and administers standardized exams to assess whether chiropractic students and graduates meet the knowledge and clinical skills required for safe, effective practice. These exams serve as a key step in obtaining a chiropractic license in most U.S.
NBCE is the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners, an independent organization that creates and administers standardized exams chiropractic students must pass to earn a license. NBCE exams test knowledge and clinical skills required for safe, effective chiropractic practice in the United States.
Neck Pain is discomfort or stiffness in the cervical spine, the seven vertebrae starting at the base of the skull. Neck Pain can range from mild, temporary soreness to severe, chronic pain that limits daily activities like driving, working, Or sleeping. Causes include muscle strain, poor posture, injury, Or underlying conditions like arthritis or disc problems.
Soft Tissue Therapy is a hands-on treatment method that targets muscles, tendons, ligaments, And fascia to reduce pain, improve mobility, And promote healing. Soft Tissue Therapy uses techniques like massage, stretching, And pressure to release tension, break up scar tissue.
Spinal Adjustment is a controlled, precise force applied to a joint in the spine to restore proper movement and alignment. Performed by licensed chiropractors, it aims to reduce pain, improve function, And support the body’s natural healing process. The technique may involve hands or specialized instruments and is tailored to each patient’s condition.
Spinal Decompression is a non-surgical treatment designed to relieve pressure on the spine and spinal discs. It involves gently stretching the spine using a motorized table or device to create negative pressure within the discs, which can help herniated or bulging discs retract, promote nutrient flow.
Spinal Manipulation is a hands-on treatment technique used by chiropractors and other healthcare providers to apply controlled force to a joint in the spine. This force helps improve spinal motion, reduce pain, And restore function by addressing stiffness or misalignment in the vertebrae. The procedure often produces a popping or cracking sound due to gas releasing from the joint.
Therapeutic Ultrasound is a treatment method used by healthcare providers, including chiropractors, to promote healing and reduce pain in muscles, tendons, And joints. It uses high-frequency sound waves that penetrate deep into tissues, creating gentle heat and micro-vibrations. This process helps increase blood flow, relax tight muscles, And speed up recovery from injuries like sprains or strains.
Trigger Point Therapy is a manual treatment technique that targets tight knots in muscles, called trigger points, which cause pain and stiffness. These knots form when muscle fibers fail to relax, often due to injury, overuse, Or stress. The therapy involves applying focused pressure to release tension, improve blood flow, And restore normal muscle function.
