Browse 35 essential chiropractor terms and definitions used by professionals in Savannah.
Term Index
Open any term below for a dedicated definition page.
Active Release Technique is a patented soft-tissue treatment method that combines precise manual pressure with patient movement to break up scar tissue and adhesions in muscles, tendons, ligaments, And nerves. Developed by chiropractor P. Michael Leahy, this hands-on approach aims to restore pain-free motion and function by addressing repetitive strain injuries and overuse conditions.
Adjustment is a precise manual procedure performed by a chiropractor to correct misalignments in the spine or joints. These misalignments, called subluxations, can cause pain, reduced mobility, Or nerve interference. Adjustments restore proper alignment, improve function, And support the body’s natural healing process without surgery or medication.
Atlas Orthogonal is a specialized chiropractic technique focused on correcting misalignments of the atlas, the top vertebra in the spine. Atlas Orthogonal uses precise, gentle adjustments delivered by a calibrated instrument to restore proper alignment without manual twisting or cracking. This method aims to improve nerve function, reduce pain.
Back Pain is discomfort or soreness anywhere along the spine, from the neck to the lower back. Back Pain can be sharp, dull, constant, Or occasional, And may spread to arms, legs, Or other body parts. It often results from muscle strain, joint dysfunction, disc problems.
Chiropractic Adjustment is a hands-on procedure where a licensed chiropractor applies controlled force to a specific joint in the spine or other body part to improve alignment, reduce pain, And restore movement. These adjustments are often performed using the chiropractor’s hands or a small instrument and may produce a popping sound as gas releases from the joint.
Chiropractic Board Certification is a voluntary process that chiropractors complete to demonstrate advanced knowledge, skills, And experience in a specific area of chiropractic care. This certification, granted by specialty boards recognized by the American Chiropractic Association, involves rigorous exams, continuing education, And clinical practice requirements beyond basic licensure.
Chiropractic Care Plan is a personalized roadmap created by a licensed chiropractor to guide treatment for musculoskeletal issues. It outlines specific adjustments, therapies, exercises, And follow-up visits tailored to a patient’s condition, goals, And progress. The plan ensures safe, effective.
Chiropractic License is an official state-issued credential that permits a practitioner to legally diagnose, treat, And manage neuromusculoskeletal conditions using hands-on spinal adjustments and related therapies. It ensures the chiropractor has completed accredited education, passed national board exams.
Chiropractic Manipulation is a hands-on treatment method used by chiropractors to restore joint mobility, reduce pain, And improve function. It involves applying controlled force to joints, especially in the spine, to correct misalignments or restrictions. This technique aims to support the body’s natural healing process without surgery or medication.
Chiropractic Neurology is a specialized branch of chiropractic care that focuses on diagnosing and treating nervous system disorders without drugs or surgery. Chiropractic Neurologists use detailed neurological exams, functional assessments, And specific chiropractic adjustments to improve brain-body communication, balance, And coordination in patients with conditions like vertigo, neuropathy, Or movement disorders.
Chiropractic Table is chiropractic Tables are specialized medical devices designed to support patients during chiropractic adjustments and therapies. These tables provide adjustable sections, cushioning, And mechanical features to enhance precision, comfort, And safety while allowing chiropractors to target specific areas of the spine or joints effectively.
Cox Flexion-Distraction is a gentle, non-surgical chiropractic technique designed to relieve back pain, leg pain, And nerve compression caused by spinal disc problems. It uses a specialized table to stretch and decompress the spine, improving mobility and reducing pressure on nerves and discs. The method is evidence-based and often used for conditions like herniated discs, sciatica, And spinal stenosis.
Degenerative Disc Disease is a condition where the discs between the vertebrae in the spine wear down over time, losing hydration and cushioning ability. This natural aging process can cause pain, stiffness, And reduced mobility, often affecting the lower back or neck. While not a true disease, it may lead to other spinal problems like herniated discs or spinal stenosis.
Disc Herniation is a spinal condition where the soft, gel-like center of an intervertebral 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. Disc herniations often occur in the lower back or neck due to injury, aging.
Diversified Technique is a widely used chiropractic method that involves hands-on spinal adjustments to restore proper joint movement and alignment. Chiropractors apply quick, precise thrusts to specific joints, often producing a popping sound called a cavitation. This technique aims to reduce pain, improve mobility, And support nervous system function without surgery or medication.
Ergonomic Assessment is a systematic evaluation of a workspace, tools, Or tasks to identify how they fit the people using them. It examines posture, movements, equipment design, And environmental factors to reduce physical strain, prevent injuries, And improve comfort and productivity.
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 herniated discs, sciatica, And spinal stenosis. The method combines rhythmic flexion movements with manual adjustments to reduce pressure on nerves and discs.
Graston Technique is a form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization used by chiropractors and physical therapists. It involves specialized stainless-steel tools to detect and treat fascial restrictions, scar tissue, And chronic inflammation in muscles, tendons, And ligaments. The technique aims to improve range of motion, reduce pain.
Herniated Disc is a spinal condition where the soft, gel-like center of an intervertebral disc pushes through a crack in the tougher outer layer, often pressing on nearby nerves. This can cause pain, numbness, Or weakness in the back, neck, arms.
Impaired Range of Motion is a condition where a joint or body part cannot move through its normal, full extent of motion. It often results from injury, inflammation, muscle tightness, Or joint disorders. This limitation can cause pain, stiffness.
Intervertebral Disc is intervertebral Discs are flexible, cushion-like pads located between the vertebrae of the spine. Each disc acts as a shock absorber, allowing the spine to bend, twist, And support body weight without bone-on-bone contact. Composed of a gel-like center (nucleus pulposus) and a tough outer ring (annulus fibrosus), they play a critical role in spinal movement and stability.
Joint Dysfunction is a condition where a joint in the body moves improperly or loses its normal range of motion, often causing pain, stiffness, Or inflammation. It can result from injury, overuse, poor posture, Or underlying conditions like arthritis. Joint Dysfunction may affect any joint, including the spine, shoulders, hips.
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 commonly occur during physical activities, accidents, Or sudden movements that force a joint beyond its normal range of motion, leading to pain, swelling.
Muscle Strain is an injury that occurs when muscle fibers stretch too far or tear due to sudden force, overuse, Or improper movement. It often causes pain, swelling, And limited mobility in the affected area. Muscle strains range from mild discomfort to severe tears requiring medical attention. Common in sports, work, Or daily activities, they typically heal with rest, ice.
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 practicing, supporting public safety and professional consistency across the U.S.
NBCE is the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners, an independent organization that creates and administers standardized exams chiropractic students and graduates must pass to earn a license to practice chiropractic care in the United States. NBCE exams test knowledge of basic and clinical sciences, diagnostic imaging, And clinical skills to ensure safe, competent care.
Nerve Compression is a condition where surrounding tissues such as bones, cartilage, muscles, Or tendons press against a nerve, disrupting its function. This pressure can cause pain, tingling, numbness, Or weakness in the affected area. Nerve Compression often occurs in the spine, wrists, Or elbows and may result from injury, repetitive motion.
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, chiropractic care.
Sciatica is nerve pain that starts in the lower back and travels down one leg, often caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve. Sciatica symptoms include sharp pain, tingling, numbness, Or weakness along the path of the nerve, typically affecting only one side of the body. Sciatica can result from a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, Or muscle tightness.
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 includes techniques like massage, stretching, And pressure application to release tension, break up scar tissue.
Spinal Adjustment is a manual procedure performed by a chiropractor to apply controlled force to a specific joint in the spine. The goal is to improve spinal motion, reduce nerve irritation, And restore proper alignment to help the body function better and relieve pain without surgery or medication.
Spinal Decompression is a non-surgical therapy designed to relieve pressure on the spine and its surrounding structures. It involves gently stretching the spine using a motorized table or device to create negative pressure within spinal discs, promoting retraction of herniated or bulging discs and improving nutrient flow to affected areas.
Spinal Stenosis is a narrowing of the spaces within the spine, which can put pressure on the nerves that travel through it. This condition most commonly occurs in the lower back and neck and is often caused by age-related wear and tear, arthritis, Or injury. Symptoms may include pain, numbness, muscle weakness.
Thompson Drop Technique is a chiropractic adjustment method that uses a specialized table with drop sections to gently realign the spine. Thompson Drop Technique combines precise manual thrusts with the table’s controlled dropping motion to reduce joint tension and improve mobility without excessive force. This approach is often used for patients who prefer a lighter touch or have sensitivity to traditional adjustments.
Vertebral Subluxation Complex is a chiropractic term describing a functional or structural problem in the spine where vertebrae misalign, disrupting nerve function, joint movement, And overall health. It involves changes in muscle tension, inflammation, And nerve irritation, often leading to pain, reduced mobility, Or systemic symptoms without immediate injury signs.
