COMMON CHIROPRACTIC TERMINOLOGY
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Activator Adjusting Instrument- A hand held mechanical device used by some chiropractors. This instrument is used to apply a physical force to the misaligned vertebrae. Acute pain- Pain with a sudden onset, lasting from just a few days to as long as 3 months. If pain lasts for more than 3 months, it is then considered to be “Chronic painâ€. Adjustment- An intervention with the intent of facilitating the body's ability to "right" itself and function more normally.                                                            |
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Annulus Fibrosus- The tough outer casing of an interver
Antalgia- Means "against pain". A body will adapt to a problem by leaning away from a painful posture. A chiropractor is able to use this information to help build a clinical picture of the problem in conjunction with other examination results.
Applied Kinesiology- A method used by some chiropractors of testing muscle strength to detect disease and other problems.
Arthritis- An inflammation or swelling of the joints. There are many different types of arthritis, the most common being osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Asthma- Chronic lung condition, often aggravated by allergens, that includes wheezing, coughing, shotrness of breath, and tightness in the chest.
Atlas- The top vertebra in your neck that connects the spine to the skull.
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Autonomic Nervous System- The part of the nerve system that regulates involuntary action, as of the intestines, heart, and glands, and comprises the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system.
Axis- The second vertebrae from the top of your neck. It allows a lot of rotation or spin which gives it the name of axis.Â
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Back Sprain- A severe pain brought about by a movement with or without there being an extra load. Usually there is some damage to annulus fibrosus, joint ligaments, facet capsule and musculotendinous fibres.
Biomechancies – The application of mechanical laws to living structures. We use the word to describe how we move through space, how we live and how we breakdown.
Bone Spur- A common phrase to describe a calcium deposit on the bone, usually resulting from an injury. A more technical term is an osteophyte.
Bursitis- A inflammation of a bursa, a fluid-filled sac structure that separates a muscle/tendon from friction damage as they go over bone. Bursitis is painful and needs careful diagnosis and management.
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C.A.- Abbreviation for Chiropractic Assistant, a person skilled in the operation of a chiropractic centre but without full chiropractic qualifications or registration.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome- Disorder characterized by tingling in the wrists, usually caused by repetitive flexing and extension of the wrists. Without treatment, it can lead to pain, decreased grip strength, and temperature insensitivity.
Cavitation- The “pop†that may occur during a chiropractic adjustment. This happens when the vertebral joint space is expanded with joint movement creating a “vacuum “ that pulls in nitrogen gas.
Cervical vertebrae- The seven vertebrae in the neck (cervical) area of the spine. Known by professional people as C1 (the top one) all the way down to the shoulders where we find C7. The prominent vertebrae at the base of your neck is C7.
Cervicogenic Headache-Â is pain in the head region with the source of pain being the neck. Trigger-points, disc lesions and joint dysfunction, particularly in the upper neck, can give rise to certain patterns of head pain responsive to chiropractic care.
Chondroitin Sulphate- An effective treatment for arthritic joints. Good for treating inflammatory change.
Chronic pain- Pain that lasts for 3 months or more.Chronic pain has no time limit, often has no apparent cause and serves no apparent biological purpose.It needs very different treatment to acute pain.
Contraindication- A reason why various types of treatment should not be used. For example contraindications to cervical manipulation include tumour, infection, anti-coagulant therapy, vertebro-basilar artery insufficiency or rheumatoid arthritis.
Cox Flexion-Distraction technique- A technique used to stretch specific segments of the spine using a movable table with hinged segments that allow the chiropractor to traction different parts of the spine and remove pressure.
Consultation - A meeting between patient and chiropractor for the purpose of discussing the patient's complaints, history and plan of care.
Corticosteroids- see steroids
CT Scan- Computerized Tomography. A scan that uses x-ray ionizing radiation. It differs from normal x-rays in that the machine and its computer can take images in cross-sectional slices across any region. This is a very useful difference for diagnostic purposes.
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Dermatomes- Tests used to reveal areas of skin, and their sensitivity, serviced by nerves distributed from the spinal cord.
Disc - A cartilage that separates the spinal vertebrae by acting like a cushion. The disc function is to protect and absorb any shocks to the spine and to protect the nervous system. Certain discs by nature of location are more likely to wear than others. Typically these are those at the bottom of the neck and the bottom of the back.
 Disc Bulge- Where an intervertebral disc exceeds its normal limits and spreads into other positions, sometimes with high consequence. A better name for disc bulge is "disc protrusion". The outer membrane of a disc is called the annulus fibrosis. With a bulge or protrusion this membrane is still intact.
Disc Degeneration- A thinning of the disc as a result of excessive use and age.
Disc Herniation- Is like a disc protrusion except in this injury the annulus fibrosis casing is breached by the contents of the disc.
Disc Protrusion- see "disc bulge" above.
Disease-Any deviation from or interruption of the normal structure or function of any part, organ, or system of the body that is manifested by a characteristic set of symptoms whose prognosis may be known or unknown.
D.C.- Doctor of Chiropractic
Derefield Leg Check - Test used by chiropractors to detect and treat “pelvic†imbalances. The test measures the length of the legs to detect imbalances.
Dynamic Thrust - Chiropractic adjustment delivered suddenly and forcefully to move vertebrae, often resulting in a popping sound. May be described as a SLHVLA or Short Lever High Velocity Low Amplitude thrust.
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Epidural- An application of anaesthetic and steroids into the spinal canal for the treatment of back pain and referred pain.
Examination- The time taken to evaluate the patient's complaints and symptoms. Will typically take the form of a history of the problem, previous experiences, other problems, posture evaluation, range of motion exam, neural exam, physical exam, orthopaedic exam, palpatory exam and safety exam. It can take quite a while.
Exercise Therapy- A form of chiropractic treatment used to help manage pain, rehabilitate damaged soft tissues, such as muscles, ligament, and tendons, and restore normal range of motion.
Extension- In anatomy extension is said to occur when the joint angle is increasing. If you were to tilt your neck backwards then the neck is said to be in extension.
Facet - The "facing" joint surface of the spinal bone, mirroring the adjacent bone above or below. Facets are the guides that determine the actions possible at the spinal segment. They vary in orientation at different levels of the spine. Hence different movements are possible. For example the facet orientation of the cervical (neck) vertebrae allow much more rotation than those of the thoracic (mid-back) area.
Fixation - Being held in a fixed position. An area of the spine or specific joint with restricted movement. Each spinal segment has some degree of flexion, extension, rotation and lateral flexion as determined by the facets. They are in fixation if they can't do all of those movements.
Flexion- In anatomy flexion is said to occur when the joint angle is decreasing. For example when your hand is approaching your shoulder then the elbow joint is flexing.
Flexion-Distraction Technique- A method of stretching the spine. The patient is in a face down position during the technique so that flexion and traction can be applied to specific segments of the spine.
Full-spine technique- Adjusting the vertebrae of the spine from the neck down to the pelvis.
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Glucosamine Sulphate- A naturally occuring substance (along with chondroitin sulphate) essential for the maintenance and regeneration of articular cartilage
Gonstead technique- A technique used by chiropractors specially trained in the “Gonstead Systemâ€. The chiropractor will use a visual exam, palpation, instruments and X-rays to determine precisely where, what, when and how to adjust to obtain specific and consistent result.The Gonstead system of chiropractic was developed by Dr. Clarence Gonstead (1898-1978) in Mt Horeb Wisconsin USA.  It is based on the concept that changes in one area of the spine can produce biomechanical and neurophysiological changes in other areas of the spine.
Grostic Procedure - Upper cervical technique that depends upon x-ray examination to measure and detect misalignments between the atlas and the skull. Adjustments can be made with an instrument or be done manually by placing pressure on the side of the neck at the base of the skull.
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Health - A state of optimal physical, mental, and social well being and not merely the absence of disease and infirmity.
Holistic Care-Holistic health care is the art and science of regaining health by treating man as a functioning whole. Health is attained by creating a natural balance of environment, diet, water, rest, exercise, emotional well-being and proper neurological balance.
Homeostasis- The body's ability to maintain normal function and stability.
Hypermobile- a chiropractic reference to excessive joint mobility.
Hypomobile- a chiropractic reference to a lack of full joint mobility.
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Ice Therapy (Cryotherapy)- A form of therapy involving the application of ice to treat several types of acute injuries, including those associated with back or neck pain
Immunity- Resistance to disease
Inflammation-A reaction of soft tissue due to injury that may include malfunction, discomfort, rise in temperature, swelling, and increased blood supply.
Innate Intelligence- The body's inborn ability to heal itself which chiropractors believe is enhanced by spinal adjustments.A major concept behind the Chiropractic theory is that the body can heal itself if the nervous system is functioning properly and any interference is removed.
Intervertebral Disc- The tough cartilage that acts as a “cushion†between two vertebrae.Takes a lot of punishment through the years and manages quite well considering it has a very poor nerve and blood supply.
Intervertebral Foramina - The lateral opening in the spinal vertebrae through which spinal nerve roots exit the spinal column. A potential site of nerve entrapment with disc protrusions limiting the size of the opening.
Kinesiology-The art and science of testing the strength of certain muscles to determine areas of vertebral subluxations, neurological deficits, and certain types of nutritional deficiencies. Also known as Applied Kinesiology or AK.
Kyphosis- From the side, the backward curve of the spine seen in the thoracic spine.
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Leg Length Testing- This is a method used by chiropractors to detect spinal imbalances.
Locked Spinal Joint- A binding that occurs when two joint surfaces become misaligned by some type of sudden and/or awkward body movement. A muscle spasm will normally occur as a result of this binding as well as a “locked backâ€.
Long Lever Manipulation - Method of spinal manipulation in which a general technique is used to stretch or loosen several vertebrae at a time. The technique for example may use an opposing twist between the shoulders and the lower back to loosen the lumbar spine. If the chiropractor contacts the actual vertebrae themselves then this is known as a "short lever " technique. They tend to be more specific techniques.
Lordosis- — From the side, the forward curve of the spine, found in the cervical and lumbar spine
Low Force Technique- A technique used by some chiropractors which replaces a “forceful†manipulation. A chiropractor using this technique will use an “ adjusting machine†or a “reflex techniqueâ€.
Lumbar - The vertebrae of the lower back, typically 5 bones known as L1 down to L5. There are some congenital (from birth) variants such as where a normal sacral bone may not be fused and so becomes the L6 vertebrae.
Lumbo-Pelvic Techniques - Technique used to adjust any movement abnormalities in the joints of the lumbar spine and pelvis. Lumbo-pelvic movement dysfunctions can be due to postural alterations, leg length inequality, lower limb bone fracture or joint problem, tilting of the lumbar vertebrae or other lifestyle disturbances.
Lumbosacral strain- An injury or strain of joints at the base of the spine where the lumbar spine meets the sacrum. A common site of injury due to the biomechanics of the region.
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Maintenance Care- A program recommended by a chiropractor to help the patient maintain good health. This may be referred to as “preventative careâ€.
Manipulation- A chiropractic technique that results in the movement of a joint.
Meric System - Chiropractic system based on the theory that specific spinal joints are associated with specific organs, requiring adjustment of certain vertebrae for certain diseases
Migraine - A severe headache that has a tendency to reoccur when blood vessels and the head and neck spasm, restricting the blood flow to the brain.
Mixer- A chiropractor that uses “modalities†in addition to manual manipulation of the spine. This may include soft-tissue techniques, ultrasound, heat, ice, blocks, exercise therapy, ergonomic advice and other therapies.
Mobilization - Method of manipulation, movement, or stretching to increase range of motion in muscles and joints that does not involve high velocity thrust.
Modalities- Specific therapies used before or after a chiropractic adjustment. Some examples may include: physical therapy, hot or cold therapies, ultrasound, muscle stimulation, massage.
Motion Palpation - Useful method of locating joint fixations and loss of mobility in the spine by feeling the motion of specific spinal segments as the patient moves.
MRI- Magnetic Resonance Imaging. A sophisticated imaging device that uses magnetic fields and radio waves instead of ionizing radiation like x-rays. It uses the protons in water as the basis of the image. Since all tissues have varying amounts of water a computer can organize the signal and give good definition to different structures from ligaments, tendons, muscle and bone through to nerves, skin and organs.
Musculoskeletal- Structures of the body that include tendons, muscles, ligaments and joints. Is a term used to separate these tissues from others such as nerve, skin or organ.
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Nerve Root - One of the two nerve bundles emerging from the spinal cord at each vertebral level, one on each side. They can join with nerve roots above and below to form major nerves that go out to the body. For example the sciatic nerve is created when nerve roots from Lumbar 4 and 5 join with the nerve roots from Sacral 1 and 2 and then move down the leg.
Neurologist-Medical doctor who is a specialist of the nervous system.
Network Chiropractic-The integration of chiropractic techniques, which utilized light touch or taps to relieve spinal tension to clear the body of nervous interference. Major differences in approach is the sequence or timing of adjustments which are determined by objective changes in body parameters, such as leg length, etc. Network Chiropractic releases spinal imprints or facilitation caused by physical, emotional or chemical stress, and promotes overall wellness.
Non-Force Technique-Non Force refers to a light chiropractic adjusting force which is administered to correct a spinal subluxation. Example: Activator, toftness, SOT, Trigger Point Therapy, Logan Basic etc.
NSAID's- Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs. Use a different mechanism of action to the more potent steroids. Includes preparations that incorporate aspirin, indomethacin, clonixin and ibuprofen.
Osteophyte- a bone growth, often around the vertebrae, in response to injury and degenerative change.
Palpation- Musculoskeletal and visceral examination using the fingers.
Paresthesia- Loss of normal sensation leading to tingling, burning, itching and other odd sensations you would not expect in the region.
Peripheral Nerve System- The nervous system that connects the central nervous system with every cell, tissue, and organ of the body.
Preventative Care- Care to a patient designed to reduce the risk of a condition worsening or returning.
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Range of Motion- A joints range of movement measured in degrees of a circle. Different spinal joints have different amounts of flexion, extension, lateral flexion and rotation. This largely is determined by the shape of the facet joints at that level.
Sacrum- A triangular shaped bone at the base of the spinal column that connects the pelvic bones as well as the platform for the lumbar spine.
Sciatica- Not a diagnosis but really a symptom. It suggests injury and/or inflammation of the sciatic nerve or one of its roots resulting in pain, numbness, tingling or weakness of the leg and lower back. A reason for the sciatica still needs to be established.
Scoliosis- Condition where the spine has lateral curvature (side-to-side) as seen from the back. The sufferer is described as having an "s-shaped" spinal column. Severe cases may require braces or surgery for treatment.
S.M.T.- Abbreviation for “spinal manipulative therapyâ€.
Spinal Adjustment - The process of correcting a subluxation. Typically this is done by the hands but other instruments and techniques are used.
Spinal Manipulation- A thrust that stretches a joint in order to increase its mobility where some restrictions (subluxations) have been found in the joint complex.
Spondylolithesis- A relative movement of one vertebra on top of another, "slippage". It can occur as result of trauma, congenital factors or gradual degenerative change. In all cases the rear joint structures have impaired function and so permit the faulty joint position.
Spur- A projecting body from a bone , usually resulting from an injury or wear and tear.
Stenosis- A narrowing of the canal that the spinal cord passes through. It may be congenital (you may be born with a narrower canal than some) or acquired (canal becomes smaller due to invasion by other structures such as bone, disc or ligament).
Steroids- Potent anti-inflammatory drug, commonly used in epidurals and some types of oral anti-inflammatories( see NSAID's)
“Straight†Chiropractor- A Chiropractor that uses only manual manipulation, without the use of “modalitiesâ€. A straight chiropractor focuses on locating and correcting vertebral subluxations only.
Subluxation - Subluxation is when one or more of the bones of your spine (vertebrae) move out of a normal neutral position and irritate spinal nerves or other joint structures. Spinal nerves are the nerves that come out from between each of the bones in your spine. This pressure or irritation on the nerves then causes those nerves to malfunction and interfere with the signals traveling over those nerves. Subluxation also can irritate other pain sensitive joint structures that can cause pain both local or distant to the joint.
SEMG - (Surface Electromyography) - A procedure measuring the skin's temperature and electrical activity in the muscles surrounding the spine.
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Thermography - A procedure that images heat from body surfaces.
Thompson Terminal Point Technique - A chiropractic adjustment performed on a table in which the supporting cushions drop an inch or two when a thrust is applied to the spine.
Thoracic Vertebrae- The twelve vertebrae in the upper back (thoracic) portion of the spine. Each vertebrae in the region has a pair of ribs attached by joints to side. For example the T4 vertebra has the fourth ribs attached to its left and right side.
Thoracic - Pertaining to the part of the spinal column from the base of the neck to about six inches above the waistline. Often known as the mid-back.
Toggle Recoil Technique - Manipulation performed with a sudden shallow thrust (toggle) followed by a quick withdraw (recoil) of the chiropractor’s hands while the patient is relaxed
Treatment - The goal of a chiropractor to locate a point of interference and to remove it by adjustment where indicated.
Trigger Point-Â An involuntarily tight band of muscle that is painful when pressed and can cause referred pain in other parts of the body.
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Ultrasound-High frequency sound waves with muscle stimulation used to treat areas of injury, pain or spasms. A type of modality.
Upper Cervical Specific- A technique used to correct atlas and upper cervical subluxations.
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Vax-D (Vertebral Axial Decompression) – A form of traction using a device that stretches and releases the spine while the patient lies down in a “prone†(face down) position.
Vertebra – The bony segment of the spine that has a number of functions. One is to protect the spinal cord and nerves. The other is to form the basic repeated unit of the spine which when stacked together form the spinal column.
Vitalism - The concept that the functions of an organism are due to a “vital principal†or “life force†distinct from the physical forces explainable by the laws of physics and chemistry. Chiropractors refer to that force as “Innate Intelligenceâ€.
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Whiplash - Pain or injury in the neck resulting from a sudden involuntary forced movement of the head in any direction. May be referred to as acceleration-deceleration injury.
X-Rays- A diagnostic test used by chiropractors to view the spinal column in the effort to locate and treat subluxations.