Browse 36 essential chiropractor terms and definitions used by professionals in Hendersonville.
Term Index
Open any term below for a dedicated definition page.
Active Release Technique is a hands-on soft-tissue treatment method that combines precise pressure with patient movement to break up scar tissue and adhesions in muscles, tendons, ligaments, And nerves. Developed by chiropractor P. Michael Leahy, it aims to restore pain-free motion and function by targeting repetitive strain injuries, overuse conditions, And trauma-related soft-tissue problems.
Adjustment is a precise manual procedure chiropractors use to apply controlled force to a joint, often in the spine, to improve alignment, reduce pain, And restore function. Adjustments are tailored to each patient’s condition and are a core part of chiropractic care for musculoskeletal issues.
Chiropractic Activator is a handheld, spring-loaded instrument used by chiropractors to deliver a precise, low-force impulse to specific joints in the spine or extremities. This tool aims to restore proper joint motion, reduce pain, And improve nervous system function without the twisting or cracking associated with manual adjustments.
Chiropractic Adjustment is a 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. These adjustments are often 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 and treating musculoskeletal disorders, especially those related to the spine. Chiropractic Care uses hands-on spinal manipulation and other alternative treatments to help the body heal itself without surgery or medication. The practice is based on the idea that proper alignment of the body’s musculoskeletal structure allows the nervous system to function optimally, improving overall health.
Chiropractic Manipulation is a hands-on treatment where a licensed chiropractor applies controlled force to a joint in the spine or other body part to improve motion, reduce pain, And restore function. This technique, also called a chiropractic adjustment, targets misaligned or stiff joints to help the body heal naturally without surgery or medication.
Chiropractic Neurology is a specialized branch of chiropractic care that focuses on the relationship between the nervous system and spinal health. Chiropractic Neurology uses non-surgical, drug-free methods to diagnose and treat neurological disorders by assessing brain, spinal cord.
Chiropractic Physician is a licensed healthcare professional who specializes in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders, primarily through hands-on spinal adjustments and other non-surgical therapies. Chiropractic Physicians focus on the relationship between the spine and nervous system to improve overall health and relieve pain without medication or surgery.
Chiropractic School is an educational institution that trains students to become Doctors of Chiropractic (D.C.). These programs teach anatomy, spinal health, manual adjustments, And patient care over 3.5 to 4 years of graduate-level study. Graduates must pass national board exams to earn licensure and practice chiropractic care professionally.
Chiropractic Spinal Adjustment is a hands-on procedure where a licensed chiropractor applies controlled force to a specific joint in the spine. The goal is to improve spinal motion, reduce nerve irritation, And help the body function better. Adjustments are based on clinical exams and may include audible pops or cracks.
Chiropractic Table is a specialized medical device designed to support patients during chiropractic adjustments and therapies. Chiropractic Tables provide adjustable surfaces, drop mechanisms, And padding to enhance safety, comfort, And precision while allowing chiropractors to apply controlled force to specific areas of the spine or joints.
Chiropractic X-Ray is a specialized imaging technique used by chiropractors to view bones, joints, And spinal alignment. It helps identify misalignments, fractures, arthritis, Or other structural issues that may affect nerve function or mobility. These images guide safe, precise adjustments and treatment plans for patients.
Coccyx Pain is discomfort or tenderness in the tailbone area, located at the very bottom of the spine. Coccyx Pain often results from trauma, prolonged sitting, childbirth, Or degenerative changes. It can cause sharp or dull aching, especially when sitting, standing up, Or during bowel movements. The pain may be temporary or chronic, affecting daily activities.
Decompression Therapy is a non-surgical treatment designed to relieve pressure on the spine and nerves. It uses controlled stretching on a specialized table to gently separate spinal vertebrae, improving blood flow, reducing pain, And promoting healing in conditions like herniated discs, sciatica.
Disc Herniation is a spinal condition where the soft inner gel of a spinal disc leaks through a tear in the disc’s tough outer layer. This can press on nearby nerves, causing pain, numbness, Or weakness in the back, legs, Or arms. Disc Herniation often results from aging, injury, Or strain and is most common in the lower back or neck.
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, to improve function, reduce pain, And support the body’s natural ability to heal itself. They complete extensive education and training, including a doctoral degree and clinical internships, to earn licensure.
Electromyography is a medical test that measures the electrical activity of muscles and the nerves controlling them. It helps diagnose muscle or nerve disorders by recording signals when muscles are at rest or contracted. The test involves small needles or surface electrodes placed on the skin to detect electrical impulses.
Flexion-Distraction is a gentle, non-surgical chiropractic technique designed to relieve back pain, disc herniations, And sciatica. It uses a specialized table to stretch and decompress the spine, improving movement and reducing pressure on spinal nerves. This method is safe for most patients, including those with chronic pain or recent injuries.
Graston Technique is a form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization used by chiropractors and physical therapists to treat muscle, tendon, ligament, And fascia injuries. Graston Technique involves specialized stainless-steel tools to break down scar tissue, reduce inflammation, And promote healing in injured soft tissues.
Intersegmental Traction is a chiropractic therapy that gently stretches and mobilizes the spine using a specialized table with rolling rollers. This process helps restore spinal motion, reduce stiffness, And improve circulation between vertebrae without manual adjustments. The treatment targets individual spinal segments to promote flexibility and relieve tension in the back muscles and ligaments.
Ligament Sprain is an injury to a ligament—a tough band of tissue connecting bones at joints—caused by overstretching or tearing. Ligament sprains commonly occur during sports, falls, Or sudden twists, leading to pain, swelling, bruising, And reduced joint stability. They range from mild (Grade I) to severe (Grade III), requiring different levels of care.
Muscle Strain is an injury that happens when muscle fibers tear or stretch too far, often from overuse, sudden movement, Or improper lifting. Muscle Strains cause pain, swelling, And weakness in the affected area. They range from mild discomfort to severe tears that limit movement. Rest, ice, And gentle stretching usually help healing.
National Board of Chiropractic Examiners is an independent, nonprofit organization that creates and administers standardized exams to assess the knowledge, skills, And clinical competency of chiropractic students and graduates. These exams ensure that chiropractors meet national standards before entering professional practice in the United States.
Nerve Compression is a condition where surrounding tissues, such as bones, muscles, Or tendons, press against a nerve, causing pain, numbness, tingling, Or weakness. It often occurs in the spine, wrists, Or other joints and can result from injury, repetitive motion, Or poor posture. Symptoms may develop gradually or suddenly and require medical attention to prevent long-term damage.
Nerve Root is the initial segment of a nerve as it exits the spinal cord, carrying signals between the brain and the rest of the body. Each nerve root connects to specific muscles, skin areas, Or organs, controlling movement, sensation, And function. Damage or compression of a nerve root can cause pain, weakness, Or numbness in the areas it serves.
Palmer College of Chiropractic is the first and founding chiropractic educational institution, established in 1897 in Davenport, Iowa. Palmer College trains students to become doctors of chiropractic through science-based curricula, hands-on clinical training.
Pinched Nerve is a condition where too much pressure is applied to a nerve by surrounding tissues, such as bones, cartilage, muscles, Or tendons. 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 due to injury, poor posture, Or repetitive motions.
Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction is a condition where the sacroiliac joints, located where the spine meets the pelvis, become painful due to improper movement or alignment. These joints support the weight of the upper body and can cause lower back, hip, Or leg pain when irritated or inflamed. It often results from injury, arthritis, pregnancy.
Sciatica is nerve pain that starts in the lower back and travels down one leg, often caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve. This pain can feel sharp, burning, Or like an electric shock and may include numbness or tingling. Sciatica usually affects only one side of the body at a time.
Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine that often appears during the growth spurt just before puberty. Scoliosis can be caused by conditions like cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy, But the cause of most scoliosis is unknown. While mild cases may not require treatment, severe scoliosis can affect lung function and mobility.
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 to release tension, break up scar tissue.
Spinal Decompression is a non-surgical treatment designed to relieve pressure on the spine and nerves. This therapy uses gentle stretching to create space between vertebrae, helping to reduce pain from conditions like herniated discs, sciatica, Or spinal stenosis. It aims to improve mobility and promote healing by allowing nutrients and oxygen to reach affected areas.
Spinal Stenosis is a narrowing of the spaces within the spine, which puts pressure on the nerves traveling through it. This condition most often occurs in the lower back and neck, leading to pain, numbness, Or weakness in the legs, arms, Or torso. Spinal Stenosis typically develops slowly over time due to aging, arthritis, Or injury.
Thompson Drop Technique is a chiropractic adjustment method that uses a specialized table with drop sections to assist in spinal corrections. Thompson Drop Technique combines gentle thrusts with the table’s dropping motion to improve joint mobility, reduce muscle tension.
Trigger Point Therapy is a manual treatment technique used to relieve pain and muscle tightness by applying focused pressure to specific tender spots, called trigger points, within tight bands of muscle. These points often cause referred pain in other areas of the body. The therapy aims to release tension, improve blood flow, And restore normal muscle function.
Workers Compensation is a state-mandated insurance program that provides medical benefits and wage replacement to employees who suffer job-related injuries or illnesses. Workers Compensation covers treatment costs, rehabilitation, And partial lost wages without requiring the employee to prove employer fault. In exchange, employees typically can't sue their employer for the injury.
