Browse 35 essential chiropractor terms and definitions used by professionals in Nashville.
Term Index
Open any term below for a dedicated definition page.
Adjustment is a controlled, manual force applied by a chiropractor to a specific joint, typically in the spine, to improve mobility, reduce pain, And restore proper function. Adjustments are precise, quick movements that often produce a popping or cracking sound due to gas releasing from the joint fluid.
American Chiropractic Association is the largest professional organization for chiropractors in the United States, representing over 130,000 licensed practitioners. It advocates for chiropractic care, sets ethical standards, supports research, And provides education and resources to improve patient health and safety. The association also influences healthcare policies and public awareness about chiropractic practices.
Atlas Orthogonal is a gentle, precise chiropractic technique that focuses on correcting misalignments of the atlas vertebra, the top bone in the neck. This method uses a specialized instrument to deliver a low-force adjustment, aiming to restore proper spinal alignment and improve nervous system function without manual twisting or cracking of the neck.
Cervical spine is the uppermost section of the vertebral column, consisting of seven vertebrae labeled C1 to C7, which support the skull, protect the spinal cord, And enable neck movement. These vertebrae are smaller and more flexible than those in other spinal regions, allowing for a wide range of motion such as turning, tilting.
Chiropractic Activator is a handheld, spring-loaded instrument used by chiropractors to deliver a precise, low-force impulse to specific joints or vertebrae. Chiropractic Activators help restore proper motion and alignment without the twisting or cracking associated with manual adjustments, making them suitable for patients of all ages, including those with osteoporosis or acute pain.
Chiropractic Adjustment is a precise, hands-on procedure performed by a licensed Doctor of Chiropractic to correct misalignments in the spine or other joints. These adjustments aim to restore proper movement, reduce nerve irritation, And support the body’s natural healing ability. The process typically involves controlled force applied to specific areas, often producing a popping sound caused by gas releasing from the joint.
Chiropractic Biophysics is a chiropractic technique that combines spinal adjustments, exercises, And traction to improve posture and spinal alignment. It uses scientific measurements and X-rays to identify misalignments and track progress over time. The goal is to restore the spine to its natural, healthy shape for long-term pain relief and better function.
Chiropractic Care is a health care profession focused on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders, particularly those related to the spine. Chiropractic Care uses 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.
Chiropractic License is an official government-issued credential that permits a Doctor of Chiropractic to legally diagnose and treat neuromusculoskeletal conditions using spinal adjustments and related therapies. Licenses ensure practitioners meet education, examination, And ethical standards set by state chiropractic boards before practicing on patients.
Chiropractic Neurology is a specialized branch of chiropractic care that focuses on how the nervous system and spinal function interact to affect overall health. Chiropractic Neurologists use detailed neurological exams and non-surgical, drug-free techniques to identify and treat imbalances in brain, spinal cord, And nerve function that may cause pain, movement disorders, Or other health issues.
Chiropractic School is an educational institution where students train to become doctors of chiropractic (DC). These programs teach anatomy, spinal health, manual adjustments, And natural healing methods. Chiropractic School typically requires 3-4 years of graduate-level study after completing prerequisite college courses. Graduates must pass national board exams to earn a license to practice.
Chiropractic Table is a specialized piece of medical equipment designed to support patients during chiropractic adjustments and therapies. Chiropractic Tables provide stability, adjustability, And features like drop mechanisms or flexion-distraction to assist chiropractors in safely and effectively manipulating the spine and joints. These tables are essential tools in chiropractic clinics to enhance treatment precision and patient comfort.
Chiropractic X-ray is a specialized imaging technique chiropractors use to view the spine, joints, And bones. It helps identify misalignments, fractures, arthritis, Or other structural issues that may affect nervous system function and overall health. Unlike general medical X-rays, chiropractic X-rays focus on spinal alignment and posture to guide safe, precise adjustments.
Concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury caused by a blow, bump, Or jolt to the head or body that shakes the brain inside the skull. Concussion temporarily disrupts normal brain function, leading to symptoms like headache, dizziness, confusion, Or memory problems, But doesn't always involve loss of consciousness.
Decompression Therapy is a non-surgical treatment designed to relieve pressure on the spine and surrounding nerves. It uses controlled traction to gently stretch the spine, creating negative pressure within spinal discs. This process helps retract herniated or bulging discs, promotes nutrient flow, And reduces pain in the back, neck, Or legs.
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 press on nearby nerves, causing pain, numbness, Or weakness in the back, neck, arms, Or legs. Disc herniation often results from aging, injury, Or strain and is most common in the lower back or neck.
Diversified Technique is a widely used chiropractic method that involves hands-on spinal adjustments to restore proper joint function and alignment. Chiropractors apply precise, high-velocity, low-amplitude thrusts to specific vertebrae, often producing a popping sound known as a cavitation. This technique aims to reduce pain, improve mobility.
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 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.
Gonstead Technique is a chiropractic method focused on precise spinal adjustments to correct misalignments. Gonstead Technique uses detailed analysis, including X-rays, palpation, And patient symptoms, to identify specific areas needing adjustment. Practitioners apply hands-on pressure or specialized tools to realign the spine, aiming to reduce pain and improve function.
Graston Technique is a specialized form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization used by trained healthcare providers to detect and treat scar tissue, fascial restrictions, And muscle adhesions. It involves stainless-steel tools to break down tissue restrictions and promote healing in muscles, tendons, And ligaments, often used alongside chiropractic care or physical therapy.
Intervertebral Disc is a flexible, cushion-like pad located between each bone (vertebra) in the spine. Intervertebral Discs act as shock absorbers, allowing the spine to bend, twist, And support body weight without bones rubbing together. Each disc has a tough outer ring and a soft, gel-like center.
Ligament is ligaments are strong, flexible bands of fibrous tissue that connect bones to other bones at joints, providing stability and limiting excessive movement. Ligaments help maintain proper alignment of the skeleton, support weight-bearing activities, And prevent injuries by controlling joint motion. Without ligaments, joints would lack structural integrity and be prone to dislocation or strain.
Lumbar Spine is the lower portion of the human spine, consisting of five large vertebrae labeled L1 through L5. These bones support most of the body’s weight, enable bending and twisting, And protect the spinal cord and nerves that connect to the legs and lower organs.
Medicare Chiropractic Coverage is the specific set of benefits provided by Medicare Part B that pays for manual spinal manipulation performed by a licensed chiropractor to correct a subluxation. Medicare does not cover other chiropractic services, exams, X-rays.
Motion Palpation is a hands-on diagnostic technique chiropractors use to assess joint movement and identify restrictions or dysfunctions in the spine and other joints. By gently moving joints through their natural range of motion, practitioners detect abnormal movement patterns, stiffness, Or pain that may indicate underlying issues requiring chiropractic care.
Muscle Spasm is a sudden, involuntary contraction of one or more muscles that can cause pain, stiffness, And limited movement. Muscle spasms often occur due to overuse, dehydration, poor posture, Or nerve irritation. They may feel like a tight knot or twitch and can last from seconds to several minutes. Common areas affected include the back, neck.
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 obtaining licensure 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 are required for licensure in most U.S. States, including Tennessee, ensuring chiropractors meet national competency standards before practicing.
Personal Injury Protection is a type of car insurance coverage that pays for medical expenses, lost wages, And other related costs after a vehicle accident, regardless of who caused the crash. It's often called 'no-fault' insurance because it covers the policyholder and passengers without needing to determine fault first.
PIP Insurance is a type of auto insurance coverage that pays for medical expenses, lost wages, And other related costs after a car accident, regardless of who caused the crash. PIP stands for Personal Injury Protection.
Soft Tissue Injury is damage to the body’s muscles, tendons, ligaments, Or other non-bony structures caused by sudden impact, overuse, Or repetitive motion. Soft Tissue Injuries often result in pain, swelling, bruising, Or reduced movement and commonly occur in sports, car accidents.
Spinal Alignment is the proper positioning of the vertebrae in the spine, ensuring each bone is correctly oriented and spaced to support healthy posture, movement, And nervous system function. Misalignment can cause pain, stiffness, Or nerve irritation. While proper alignment helps the body function efficiently and reduces stress on muscles and joints.
Spinal Manipulation is a hands-on therapy technique where a trained healthcare provider applies controlled force to a specific joint in the spine. This force helps improve spinal motion, reduce pain, And restore function by addressing stiffness or misalignment. It's commonly used by chiropractors, osteopaths, And physical therapists to treat back, neck, And joint issues.
Thoracic Spine is the middle section of the human spine, located between the cervical spine (neck) and lumbar spine (lower back). It consists of 12 vertebrae labeled T1 to T12, which connect to the rib cage and protect the chest organs like the heart and lungs. This section supports posture, allows limited movement, And absorbs stress from daily activities.
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 ensures injured workers receive prompt treatment and financial support without needing to prove employer fault. While employers gain protection from lawsuits related to workplace injuries.
