Browse 35 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 manual technique used by chiropractors to apply controlled force to a joint in the spine or other body parts. Adjustments aim to improve mobility, reduce pain, And restore proper function by correcting misalignments or restricted movement. This process is often accompanied by a popping sound caused by gas releasing from the joint.
Atlas Orthogonal is a precise, gentle chiropractic technique focused on correcting misalignment of the atlas vertebra, the top bone in the neck. Atlas Orthogonal uses specialized instruments to deliver a low-force adjustment without twisting or cracking the spine, aiming to restore proper nervous system function and spinal balance.
Back Pain is discomfort, aching, Or stiffness felt anywhere along the spine or muscles of the back, from the neck down to the hips. Back Pain can be sharp, dull, constant, Or occasional, And may limit movement or daily activities. It often results from injury, strain, poor posture, Or medical conditions affecting bones, nerves, Or soft tissues.
Chiropractic is a healthcare profession focused on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders, particularly those related to the spine. Chiropractors use hands-on spinal manipulation and other therapies to help the body heal itself without surgery or medication. The goal is to improve function, reduce pain, And support overall health by ensuring proper alignment of the body’s structure.
Chiropractic Adjustment is a precise manual procedure where a licensed chiropractor applies controlled force to a joint in the spine or other body part to improve alignment, reduce nerve irritation, And restore mobility. These adjustments are tailored to each patient’s condition and are a core treatment in chiropractic care for pain relief and functional improvement.
Chiropractic BioPhysics is a science-based approach to chiropractic care that combines biology, physics, And geometry to analyze and correct spinal alignment. It uses detailed measurements, X-rays, And mirror-image adjustments to restore normal posture and spinal curves, aiming to reduce pain and improve function over time.
Chiropractic Licensing Board is chiropractic Licensing Boards are state-level government agencies that regulate chiropractic practice. They set education requirements, administer licensing exams, enforce professional standards, investigate complaints, And issue or revoke licenses to ensure chiropractors meet legal and ethical guidelines for safe patient care.
Chiropractic Manipulation is a hands-on treatment technique chiropractors use to apply controlled, sudden force to a spinal joint. The goal is to improve spinal motion, reduce nerve irritation, And restore function. Chiropractic Manipulation often produces a popping sound caused by gas releasing from the joint.
Chiropractic Neurology is a specialized branch of chiropractic care that focuses on how the nervous system and brain interact with the spine and body. It uses non-surgical, drug-free methods to diagnose and treat conditions affecting nerve function, such as balance disorders, chronic pain, And movement problems. Chiropractic Neurologists complete extra training to assess brain and nerve health using exams and therapies.
Chiropractic Radiology is a specialized branch of chiropractic care that uses medical imaging, such as X-rays, MRI scans, And CT scans, to diagnose and evaluate musculoskeletal conditions. Chiropractic Radiology helps chiropractors identify spinal misalignments, fractures, arthritis, disc problems, And other structural issues before creating a treatment plan.
Cold Laser Therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses low-level light lasers to stimulate healing in damaged tissues. Cold Laser Therapy doesn't produce heat, making it safe for use on injuries, inflammation, And chronic pain without damaging skin or muscle. The therapy is commonly used in chiropractic care, physical therapy.
Decompression Therapy is a non-surgical treatment designed to relieve pressure on the spine and surrounding nerves. It involves gentle stretching of the spine using a motorized table or device to create negative pressure within spinal discs, promoting healing and pain relief for conditions like herniated discs, sciatica.
Doctor of Chiropractic is a licensed healthcare professional who specializes in diagnosing, treating, And preventing disorders of the musculoskeletal system, particularly the spine. Doctors of Chiropractic focus on manual adjustments, spinal manipulation, And other non-invasive techniques to improve function, reduce pain, And support the body’s natural healing processes without surgery or medication.
Electrotherapy is a non-invasive treatment method that uses controlled electrical currents to stimulate nerves, muscles, Or tissues. It helps reduce pain, improve circulation, And promote healing in injured or overworked areas of the body. Electrotherapy is often used alongside chiropractic care to support recovery from injuries, chronic conditions, Or post-surgical rehabilitation.
Extremity Adjusting is a chiropractic technique focused on joints outside the spine, such as shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees, And ankles. It involves precise manual pressure or gentle thrusts to restore proper joint movement, reduce pain, And improve function. This method is often used alongside spinal adjustments to support overall musculoskeletal health.
Flexion-Distraction is a gentle, non-surgical chiropractic technique used to treat spinal conditions like herniated discs, sciatica, And back pain. It involves a specialized table that stretches and flexes the spine to relieve pressure on nerves, improve mobility, And promote healing without forceful manipulation.
Graston Technique is a form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization used by healthcare providers to detect and treat muscle, tendon, ligament, And fascia restrictions. Graston Technique involves specialized stainless-steel tools to break down scar tissue and fascial restrictions, improve blood flow.
Herniated Disc is a spinal condition where the soft, jelly-like center of a spinal disc pushes through a tear in the tougher 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 and may result from aging, injury, Or strain.
Intersegmental Traction is a chiropractic therapy that gently stretches and mobilizes the spine using a specialized table with rolling rollers. Intersegmental Traction helps restore spinal motion, reduce stiffness.
Ligament Injury is damage to the tough, fibrous bands connecting bones at joints, often caused by sudden twists, falls, Or impacts. These injuries range from mild overstretching to complete tears, leading to pain, swelling, And joint instability. Common sites include ankles, knees, And wrists, And recovery depends on the severity of the damage.
Manual Therapy is a hands-on treatment method used by chiropractors, physical therapists, And other healthcare providers to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal conditions. Manual Therapy involves skilled techniques like joint mobilization, soft tissue manipulation, And stretching to reduce pain, improve mobility, And restore function without surgery or medication.
Myofascial Release is a hands-on therapy technique that targets tightness and pain in the myofascial tissues—thin, strong layers of connective tissue surrounding muscles, bones, And organs. By applying gentle, sustained pressure, this method helps release tension, improve mobility, And reduce discomfort caused by restricted fascia.
National Board of Chiropractic Examiners is an independent organization that creates 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 organization that creates and administers standardized exams to assess the knowledge and skills of chiropractic students and graduates. These exams help ensure chiropractors meet minimum competency standards before obtaining a license to practice in the United States.
Nerve Compression is a condition where surrounding tissues, such as bones, cartilage, muscles, Or tendons, press on a nerve. This pressure disrupts the nerve’s normal function, causing pain, tingling, numbness, Or weakness in the affected area. Nerve Compression can occur in various parts of the body, including the spine, wrists, And legs.
Orthotic Devices are medical tools designed to support, align, prevent, Or correct deformities or improve the function of movable parts of the body, especially the feet. Orthotic Devices include custom-made or prefabricated shoe inserts, braces, And splints that help distribute pressure, reduce pain, And improve mobility for people with foot, leg, Or back problems.
Physical Rehabilitation is a structured process designed to help individuals regain strength, mobility, And function after injury, surgery, Or illness. Physical Rehabilitation uses exercises, manual techniques, And assistive tools to reduce pain, restore movement, And improve daily activities. It's often guided by healthcare professionals like chiropractors, physical therapists.
Pinched Nerve is a condition where surrounding tissues, such as bones, cartilage, muscles, Or tendons, press too tightly against a nerve, causing pain, tingling, numbness, Or weakness. This pressure disrupts the nerve’s normal function and can occur in the neck, back, arms, Or legs. Symptoms may appear suddenly or develop over time.
Scoliosis is a medical condition where the spine curves sideways instead of staying straight. This curve can look like an 'S' or 'C' shape and may develop during growth spurts in children or due to aging, injury, Or muscle imbalances in adults. Mild curves often cause no problems, But severe cases can affect breathing, movement, And comfort.
Soft Tissue Therapy is a hands-on treatment method that targets muscles, tendons, ligaments, And fascia to reduce pain, improve mobility, And speed healing. Soft Tissue Therapy uses techniques like massage, stretching, And pressure to break up scar tissue, release tension.
Spinal Alignment is the proper positioning of the vertebrae in the spine, ensuring they're correctly stacked and balanced. This alignment supports optimal nerve function, posture, And movement while reducing stress on muscles, ligaments, And joints. Misalignment can cause pain, stiffness.
Spinal Decompression is a non-surgical treatment designed to relieve pressure on the spine and spinal discs. It involves gently stretching the spine to create negative pressure, which helps herniated or bulging discs retract, improves nutrient flow, And reduces nerve compression. This therapy is often used for conditions like sciatica, herniated discs, And chronic back pain.
Spinal Manipulation is a hands-on technique used by chiropractors and other trained healthcare providers to apply controlled force to a joint in the spine. The goal is to improve spinal motion, reduce pain, And restore function by realigning vertebrae that may be misaligned or restricted. This method is commonly used to treat back pain, neck pain, And headaches.
Therapeutic Ultrasound is a non-invasive treatment method used in physical therapy and chiropractic care to promote healing and reduce pain in soft tissues. Therapeutic Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create deep heat within muscles, tendons, And ligaments, improving blood flow and accelerating recovery from injuries like strains, sprains.
Trigger Point Therapy is a manual treatment method that targets tight knots in muscles, called trigger points, which cause pain and stiffness. These knots form when muscle fibers contract and fail to release, often due to injury, overuse, Or stress. The therapy uses focused pressure, stretching, Or massage to relax the muscle, improve blood flow.
