Browse 36 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 hands-on soft tissue treatment used by chiropractors and therapists to break up scar tissue and adhesions in muscles, tendons, And ligaments. It combines precise pressure with patient movement to restore normal function, reduce pain, And improve flexibility. Developed in the 1980s, it targets repetitive strain injuries, sports injuries, And chronic muscle tightness.
Adjustment is a precise manual procedure chiropractors use to apply controlled force to a joint, usually in the spine, to restore proper movement, reduce pain, And improve function. Adjustments are often accompanied by a popping sound caused by gas bubbles releasing from the joint fluid. This technique is a core part of chiropractic care and is tailored to each patient’s specific needs.
Atlas Orthogonal Technique is a precise, low-force chiropractic method focused on correcting misalignments of the atlas vertebra, the top bone in the neck. Atlas Orthogonal Technique uses specialized X-ray imaging and a gentle adjusting instrument to restore balance to the spine without manual twisting or cracking. This technique aims to relieve headaches, neck pain, And postural issues linked to atlas misalignment.
Back Pain is discomfort, aching, Or stiffness felt anywhere along the spine, from the neck to the lower back. Back Pain can range from mild, temporary soreness to severe, chronic pain that limits daily activities. It often results from muscle strain, injury, poor posture.
Chiropractic Adjustment is a precise, hands-on procedure chiropractors use to correct misalignments in the spine or joints. These misalignments, called subluxations, can cause pain, reduced mobility, Or nerve irritation. The adjustment applies controlled force to restore proper movement and alignment, helping the body heal naturally without surgery or medication.
Chiropractic Biophysics is a science-based chiropractic technique that combines physics, biomechanics, And spinal alignment principles to correct posture and spinal deformities. It uses precise measurements, X-rays, And mirror-image adjustments to restore normal spinal curves and improve overall health.
Chiropractic Care is a healthcare discipline focused on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders, particularly those related to the spine. Chiropractic Care uses non-surgical, drug-free methods, primarily spinal adjustments, to alleviate pain, improve mobility, And support the body’s natural healing processes. Practitioners, called chiropractors, undergo extensive training to assess and address issues like back pain, neck pain.
Chiropractic Neurology is a specialized branch of chiropractic care that focuses on how the nervous system and spinal health interact. It uses non-surgical, drug-free techniques to diagnose and treat neurological conditions by improving communication between the brain, spine, And body. Practitioners assess nerve function, balance, And coordination to address issues like chronic pain, movement disorders.
Chiropractic X-ray is a specialized imaging technique used by chiropractors to examine the spine, joints, And skeletal structure for misalignments, injuries, Or abnormalities. It helps identify issues like spinal curvature, fractures, Or degenerative conditions before treatment begins. Unlike standard medical X-rays, chiropractic X-rays focus on alignment and posture to guide safe, effective adjustments.
Cox Flexion-Distraction is a gentle, non-surgical chiropractic technique designed to relieve spinal pain and improve mobility. It uses a specialized table to stretch and decompress the spine, reducing pressure on discs and nerves. Developed by Dr. James Cox, this method is commonly used for herniated discs, sciatica, And chronic back pain.
Decompression Therapy is a non-surgical treatment designed to relieve pressure on the spine and affected nerves. Decompression Therapy uses a motorized table or device 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 a spinal disc pushes through a tear in the disc’s tougher outer layer. This can irritate nearby nerves, causing pain, numbness, Or weakness in the back, legs, Or arms. Disc herniation often occurs in the lower back or neck and is typically caused by aging, injury, Or strain.
Diversified Technique is the most widely used chiropractic adjustment method. It involves hands-on thrusts applied to specific joints to restore proper movement, reduce pain, And improve function. Diversified Technique targets spinal misalignments and extremity joints using quick, controlled force to produce a popping or cracking sound known as a cavitation.
DOT Physical is a medical examination required by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to ensure commercial drivers meet health and safety standards. DOT Physicals assess vision, hearing, blood pressure, And overall physical ability to safely operate commercial vehicles. The exam must be performed by a certified medical examiner listed on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) National Registry.
Extremity Adjusting is a chiropractic technique focused on correcting misalignments in joints outside the spine, such as shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees, And ankles. It involves gentle, targeted manipulations to restore proper joint function, reduce pain, And improve mobility. This method is often used alongside spinal adjustments to support overall musculoskeletal health.
Functional Movement Screen is a standardized assessment tool used by healthcare and fitness professionals to evaluate fundamental movement patterns in individuals. It consists of seven movement tests that identify limitations, asymmetries.
Gonstead Technique is a precise, hands-on chiropractic method that focuses on identifying and correcting misalignments in the spine and joints. Gonstead Technique uses detailed analysis, including X-rays, palpation, And instrumentation, to locate specific areas of dysfunction before applying targeted adjustments to restore proper alignment and nerve function.
Graston Technique is an evidence-based form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization used by chiropractors, physical therapists, And athletic trainers. Graston Technique helps break down scar tissue and fascial restrictions, improves range of motion, And reduces pain in muscles, tendons, And ligaments after injury or overuse.
Intersegmental Traction is a chiropractic therapy that gently stretches and mobilizes the spine using a specialized table with rolling rollers or mechanical devices. Intersegmental Traction helps restore spinal motion, reduce stiffness, And improve circulation between vertebrae without manual adjustments or sudden force.
Joint Dysfunction is a condition where a joint in the body moves abnormally or loses its normal range of motion. It often causes pain, stiffness, Or reduced flexibility and may result from injury, overuse, poor posture, Or underlying health issues. Chiropractors commonly assess and treat joint dysfunction to restore proper movement and relieve discomfort.
Laser Therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses specific wavelengths of light to reduce pain, inflammation, And promote healing in muscles, joints, And soft tissues. Laser Therapy involves applying low-level lasers or light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to injured areas, stimulating cellular activity without generating heat or damaging tissue. It's commonly used in chiropractic care, physical rehabilitation, And sports medicine.
Ligament Injury is damage to the tough, flexible bands of tissue that connect bones to other bones at joints. Ligament injuries often occur during sports, falls, Or sudden twists, causing pain, swelling, And reduced joint stability. Common types include sprains, which range from mild stretching to complete tears, And may require rest, therapy.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging is a non-invasive medical test that uses a powerful magnetic field, radio waves, And a computer to produce detailed pictures of the body’s internal structures, including bones, muscles, nerves, And organs. Unlike X-rays, MRI doesn't use radiation and provides clearer images of soft tissues, helping doctors diagnose injuries, diseases, Or abnormalities.
Myofascial Release is a hands-on therapy that gently stretches and loosens tight fascia, the connective tissue surrounding muscles. This technique helps reduce pain, improve movement, And restore flexibility by applying sustained pressure to release tension in the fascia and underlying muscles.
Neck Pain is discomfort, stiffness, Or soreness in the cervical spine—the seven vertebrae that support the head and enable movement. It can range from mild irritation to severe, disabling pain, often caused by poor posture, injury, muscle strain, Or degenerative conditions like arthritis. Symptoms may include limited mobility, headaches.
Nerve Compression is pressure on a nerve from 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. Common sites include the spine, wrists, And elbows, often resulting from injury, repetitive motion.
Nimmo Technique is a chiropractic method focused on identifying and releasing tender trigger points in muscles to relieve pain and improve mobility. Developed by Dr. Raymond Nimmo, this approach uses sustained manual pressure on specific points to reduce muscle tension and restore normal function without cracking joints or using forceful adjustments.
Palmer Technique is a foundational chiropractic method developed by Daniel David Palmer, the founder of chiropractic care. It focuses on manual spinal adjustments to correct misalignments, Or subluxations, believed to interfere with the body’s nervous system and natural healing abilities. This technique emphasizes precise, hands-on corrections to improve spinal function and overall health.
Physical Rehabilitation is a structured healthcare process designed to help individuals regain strength, mobility, And function after injury, surgery, Or illness. Physical Rehabilitation involves exercises, manual therapies, And education to restore movement, reduce pain, And improve daily activities. It's often supervised by licensed professionals like physical therapists, chiropractors.
Posture Correction is the process of identifying and adjusting misalignments in the spine, muscles, And joints to improve body alignment. It involves exercises, stretches, ergonomic adjustments, And sometimes chiropractic care to reduce strain, pain, And long-term damage caused by poor posture. Proper posture correction helps maintain balance, supports organ function, And prevents injuries related to slouching or uneven weight distribution.
Sacro Occipital Technique is a chiropractic method that focuses on the relationship between the sacrum (base of the spine) and the occiput (base of the skull) to improve nervous system function and spinal alignment. It uses gentle, non-force adjustments, pelvic blocking, And cranial techniques to restore balance, reduce pain, And support natural healing processes in the body.
Soft Tissue Therapy is a hands-on treatment method that targets muscles, tendons, ligaments, And fascia to reduce pain, improve mobility, And aid recovery. Soft Tissue Therapy uses techniques like massage, stretching, And pressure to break up scar tissue, relieve tension, And restore normal function without surgery or medication.
Spinal Adjustment is a precise manual procedure chiropractors perform to improve spinal motion, reduce nerve irritation, And ease back or neck pain. It involves applying controlled force to a specific joint in the spine, often producing a popping sound as gas escapes the joint. The goal is restoring proper alignment and function without surgery or medication.
Spinal Decompression is a non-surgical treatment designed to relieve pressure on the spine and its surrounding structures, such as discs and nerves. It involves gently stretching the spine using a motorized table or device to create negative pressure within the spinal discs, which can help herniated or bulging discs retract and promote healing.
Spinal Manipulation is a hands-on treatment method used by chiropractors and other healthcare providers to apply controlled force to joints in the spine. The goal is to improve spinal motion, reduce pain, And restore function by realigning vertebrae that may have shifted out of place or become restricted. It often produces a popping or cracking sound caused by gas bubbles releasing from the joint.
Thompson Technique is a chiropractic method that uses a specialized drop-table to deliver gentle, low-force spinal adjustments. Thompson Technique focuses on identifying and correcting misalignments in the spine and pelvis by utilizing gravity-assisted drops in the table’s sections, enhancing precision and comfort for the patient during treatment.
