Browse 37 essential chiropractor terms and definitions used by professionals in Savannah.
Term Index
Open any term below for a dedicated definition page.
Adjustment is a controlled, precise force applied by a chiropractor to a specific joint in the spine or other body part to restore proper motion, reduce pain, And improve function. Adjustments are often performed manually but may also use specialized tools or tables to assist the process.
American Chiropractic Association is the largest professional organization in the United States representing doctors of chiropractic. It advocates for patient-centered care, sets ethical standards, And provides education, research, And legislative support to ensure safe and effective chiropractic practice across the country.
Atlas Orthogonal is a specialized chiropractic technique focused on correcting misalignments of the atlas, the top vertebra in the spine. This method uses precise, gentle adjustments delivered by a handheld instrument to restore proper alignment without manual twisting or cracking. It aims to relieve nerve pressure, improve posture, And reduce pain linked to spinal misalignment.
Back Pain is discomfort, soreness, Or stiffness felt anywhere along the spine or in the muscles of the back. It can range from mild, temporary aches to severe, chronic pain that limits daily activities. Back Pain may originate from muscles, nerves, bones, joints, Or other structures in the spine and often results from injury, poor posture, Or medical conditions.
Chiropractic Adjustment is a manual procedure performed by a licensed chiropractor to apply controlled force to a specific joint, usually in the spine, to improve alignment, reduce nerve irritation, And restore normal movement. These adjustments aim to relieve pain, enhance function, And support the body’s natural healing process without surgery or medication.
Chiropractic Board is chiropractic Boards are state-level government agencies that license, regulate, And oversee chiropractors. They set education requirements, issue licenses, investigate complaints.
Chiropractic Care is a healthcare discipline focused on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders, primarily through hands-on spinal adjustments and manipulations. Chiropractic Care aims to improve joint function, reduce pain, And support the body’s natural ability to heal without surgery or medication. Practitioners, called chiropractors, undergo extensive training to assess and address conditions related to the spine, nerves, muscles.
Chiropractic License is an official state-issued credential that permits a practitioner to legally diagnose and treat musculoskeletal conditions using spinal adjustments and other non-surgical techniques. Chiropractic Licenses ensure providers meet education, examination, And ethical standards set by regulatory boards before practicing on patients.
Chiropractic Manipulation is a hands-on treatment where a licensed chiropractor applies controlled force to joints, especially in the spine, to improve mobility, reduce pain, And support the body’s natural healing. It often produces a popping sound as gas releases from the joint, signaling realignment.
Chiropractic Neurology is a specialized branch of chiropractic care that focuses on diagnosing and treating neurological disorders through non-surgical, drug-free methods. It combines principles of neurology and chiropractic to assess how the nervous system interacts with the spine, joints, And muscles, aiming to improve brain-body communication and overall function.
Chiropractic School is a graduate-level educational program that trains students to become licensed chiropractors. Chiropractic Schools require a minimum of 3-4 years of study after completing undergraduate coursework and focus on spinal health, nervous system function, And non-surgical musculoskeletal treatments. Programs include classroom learning, laboratory work, And clinical training.
Chiropractic Table is a specialized medical device designed to support patients during chiropractic adjustments and therapies. Chiropractic Tables allow precise positioning of the spine, limbs, Or joints while providing stability, comfort, And controlled movement to assist chiropractors in performing safe and effective treatments for musculoskeletal conditions.
Degenerative Disc Disease is a condition where the spinal discs, which act as cushions between the vertebrae, gradually wear down over time. This wear can lead to pain, weakness, Or numbness due to reduced disc height, less flexibility, Or nerve irritation. It commonly affects the lower back or neck and often occurs with aging or repetitive stress.
Disc herniation is a spinal condition where the soft inner gel of an intervertebral disc leaks through a tear in the disc’s tough outer layer. This leakage can press on nearby nerves, causing pain, numbness, Or weakness in the back, arms, Or legs. Disc herniation often occurs in the lower back or neck and is commonly linked to aging, injury.
Diversified Technique is a widely used chiropractic method that involves hands-on spinal adjustments to restore proper alignment, improve joint function, And reduce pain. Diversified Technique relies on precise, high-velocity, low-amplitude thrusts applied to specific joints, often producing an audible popping sound known as a cavitation.
Gonstead Technique is a chiropractic method focused on precise spinal adjustments to correct misalignments. It uses detailed analysis, including X-rays, palpation, And motion assessment, to identify specific problem areas. Adjustments are typically delivered by hand with controlled force, targeting only the affected vertebrae to restore proper alignment and nerve function.
Graston Technique is a form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization used by chiropractors and physical therapists to treat muscle, tendon, And ligament injuries. Graston Technique involves specialized stainless-steel tools to break down scar tissue, reduce inflammation, And promote healing in injured soft tissues. The method aims to restore mobility and reduce pain without surgery or medication.
Headache is pain or discomfort in the head, scalp, Or neck, ranging from mild to severe. Headaches may occur on one or both sides of the head, be isolated to a specific location, Or spread across the entire head. They can last from less than an hour to several days and may be caused by stress, tension, dehydration, poor posture, Or underlying health conditions.
Intervertebral Disc is a flexible, rubbery cushion located between each vertebra of the spine. It acts as a shock absorber, allowing the spine to bend and twist while protecting nerves and maintaining spinal stability. Each disc consists of a gel-like center and a tough outer ring.
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 degenerative changes like arthritis. Joint Dysfunction may affect any joint, including the spine, shoulders, hips, Or knees, And can disrupt daily activities.
Low Back Pain is discomfort, stiffness, Or aching in the lower part of the spine, often caused by muscle strain, poor posture, injury, Or wear-and-tear on spinal structures. It can range from mild to severe and may limit daily activities like sitting, standing, Or lifting. Most cases improve with rest, exercise, Or professional care, But chronic pain may signal deeper issues.
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 earning a license to 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, tingling, numbness, Or weakness. This pressure disrupts the nerve’s ability to send signals properly, often affecting areas like the back, neck, wrists, Or legs. It can result from injuries, repetitive motions, Or medical conditions like herniated discs.
Nerve Impingement is a condition where a nerve becomes compressed or irritated by surrounding tissues, such as bones, muscles, Or tendons. This pressure can cause pain, tingling, numbness, Or weakness along the path of the affected nerve. Nerve Impingement often occurs in areas like the spine, wrists, Or shoulders and may result from injury, poor posture, Or repetitive motions.
Nimmo Technique is a chiropractic method focused on identifying and treating trigger points—tight, painful knots in muscles—that contribute to musculoskeletal pain. Developed by Dr. Raymond Nimmo, this technique uses sustained pressure on these points to relieve tension, improve circulation.
Orthopedic Testing is a series of physical examinations chiropractors and medical professionals use to identify musculoskeletal injuries or conditions. These tests involve specific movements, pressure, Or positions to reproduce symptoms and pinpoint the source of pain, stiffness.
Palmer Technique is a foundational chiropractic method developed by Daniel David Palmer, the founder of chiropractic care. Palmer Technique focuses on manual spinal adjustments to correct misalignments, called subluxations, believed to interfere with the nervous system and overall health. This approach emphasizes precise, hands-on corrections to restore proper spinal function and alleviate pain.
Physical Rehabilitation is a structured program of exercises, therapies, And education designed to help individuals regain strength, mobility, And function after injury, surgery, Or illness. Physical Rehabilitation restores independence, reduces pain, And improves quality of life by addressing physical limitations through guided, progressive techniques performed by trained professionals.
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. Pinched nerves often occur in the spine, wrists, Or elbows and may result from injury, poor posture.
Posture Correction is the process of identifying and adjusting misaligned body positions to improve spinal health, reduce strain on muscles and joints, And prevent long-term discomfort. It involves exercises, ergonomic changes, And sometimes chiropractic care to retrain the body to hold itself naturally and efficiently. Proper posture supports breathing, digestion.
Scoliosis is a medical condition where the spine curves sideways instead of running straight down the back. This curve often looks like an 'S' or 'C' shape and can range from mild to severe. Scoliosis usually develops in children and teens but can also affect adults, sometimes causing pain or limiting movement.
Soft Tissue Therapy is a hands-on treatment method used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, And improve movement in muscles, tendons, ligaments, And fascia. Soft Tissue Therapy includes techniques like massage, stretching.
Spinal Alignment is the proper positioning of the vertebrae in the spine, ensuring each bone is correctly stacked and balanced. This alignment supports healthy posture, reduces stress on muscles and nerves, And allows the body to move efficiently. Misalignment can cause pain, stiffness, Or nerve irritation and may result from injury, poor posture, Or daily wear and tear.
Spinal Decompression is a non-surgical treatment designed to relieve pressure on the spine and spinal nerves. It involves gently stretching the spine using a motorized table or similar device to create negative pressure within spinal discs. This process can help herniated or bulging discs retract, improving nutrient flow and promoting healing for conditions like sciatica or disc degeneration.
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 often develops due to aging, arthritis, Or wear-and-tear changes in the spine. Symptoms may include pain, numbness, muscle weakness, And impaired balance.
Thompson Technique is a chiropractic method that uses a specialized drop-table to apply gentle, precise adjustments to the spine and joints. Developed by Dr. J. Clay Thompson, this technique relies on gravity and the table’s segmented sections to enhance the effectiveness of spinal corrections while minimizing force.
Trigger Point Therapy is a manual treatment technique used to relieve muscle pain and stiffness by applying focused pressure to tight, sensitive areas called trigger points. These points, often felt as knots, can cause referred pain in other body parts. The therapy aims to release tension, improve blood flow.
