Browse 35 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 patented, hands-on soft-tissue treatment that combines precise pressure with patient movement to break up scar tissue and adhesions in muscles, tendons, ligaments, And nerves. Developed by chiropractor Dr. P. Michael Leahy, it targets overused or injured tissues to restore pain-free motion and function. Sessions typically last 10-15 minutes per affected area.
Atlas Orthogonal is a gentle, precise chiropractic technique focused on correcting misalignments of the atlas vertebra, the top bone in the neck. Atlas Orthogonal uses specialized instruments and X-ray analysis to deliver a light, controlled adjustment without twisting or cracking the spine. This method aims to restore proper nerve function and spinal balance.
Back Pain is discomfort, stiffness, Or aching anywhere along the spine, from the neck to the lower back. Back Pain can be sharp, dull, constant, Or occasional, And may spread to arms, legs, Or other body parts. It often results from muscle strain, injury, poor posture.
Chiropractic Adjustment is a precise manual procedure where a licensed chiropractor applies controlled force to a specific joint in the spine or other parts of the body. The goal is to improve alignment, restore motion, reduce nerve irritation, And support the body’s natural healing ability without surgery or medication.
Chiropractic Biophysics is a chiropractic technique that combines spinal adjustments, postural exercises, And traction to improve spinal alignment and overall posture. It uses scientific measurements and X-rays to identify misalignments and track progress over time. The goal is to restore normal spinal curves and reduce pain caused by poor posture or injury.
Chiropractic Care is a healthcare discipline focused on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders, primarily through manual adjustments and manipulations of the spine. Chiropractic Care aims to alleviate pain, improve mobility, And support the body’s natural ability to heal without surgery or medication. Practitioners, called chiropractors, use hands-on techniques and may recommend exercises, ergonomic changes.
Chiropractic License is an official state-issued credential that permits a practitioner to legally diagnose and treat neuromusculoskeletal conditions using spinal adjustments and other manual therapies. Licenses verify completion of accredited chiropractic education, passage of national board exams, And compliance with state laws governing patient safety and professional conduct.
Chiropractic Manipulation is a hands-on treatment method chiropractors use to restore joint motion, reduce pain, And improve function. It involves applying controlled force to specific joints, often in the spine, to correct misalignments or restrictions. The procedure is typically quick and may produce a popping sound as gas escapes the joint.
Chiropractic Neurology is a specialized branch of chiropractic care that focuses on the relationship between the nervous system and spinal health. Chiropractic Neurologists use non-invasive techniques to assess and improve nervous system function, often addressing conditions like balance disorders, chronic pain, And neurological deficits without surgery or medication.
Chiropractic School is an educational program that trains students to become licensed chiropractors. It focuses on spinal health, nervous system function, And non-surgical treatments for musculoskeletal conditions. Programs typically last 3-4 years and include coursework, clinical training, And hands-on practice under supervision.
Chiropractic Table is chiropractic Tables are specialized medical tables designed to support patients during chiropractic adjustments and therapies. They often feature adjustable sections, drop mechanisms, Or cushioned surfaces to enhance comfort, precision, And safety while allowing chiropractors to apply controlled force to the spine or joints.
Cold Laser Therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses low-level lasers or light-emitting diodes to stimulate healing in damaged tissues. Cold Laser Therapy doesn't produce heat, making it painless and safe for reducing inflammation, relieving pain, And accelerating recovery in muscles, joints, And nerves. It's commonly used in chiropractic care, physical therapy, And sports medicine.
Decompression Therapy is a non-surgical treatment designed to relieve pressure on the spine and affected nerves. It involves gently stretching 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.
Disc Herniation is a spinal condition where the soft inner gel of a spinal 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. It often occurs due to aging, injury.
Diversified Technique is the most widely used chiropractic adjustment method. It involves precise manual thrusts to restore joint motion, reduce pain, And improve spinal function. Diversified Technique relies on hands-on manipulation rather than instruments, focusing on correcting misalignments called subluxations in the spine and other joints.
Electrical Muscle Stimulation is a therapeutic technique that uses controlled electrical currents to cause muscle contractions. These contractions help reduce pain, improve circulation, And promote muscle recovery by mimicking the natural signals sent from the brain to muscles during movement.
Flexion Distraction is a gentle, non-surgical chiropractic technique designed to relieve spinal pain and improve mobility. It involves a specialized table that stretches and decompresses the spine, reducing pressure on discs, nerves, And joints. This method is often used for conditions like herniated discs, sciatica.
Gonstead Technique is a precise, hands-on chiropractic method that focuses on identifying and correcting misalignments in the spine. Gonstead Technique uses detailed analysis, including X-rays, palpation, And instrumentation, to locate specific areas of dysfunction. Adjustments are typically delivered with high specificity and minimal force to restore proper spinal alignment and nervous system function.
Graston Technique is a form of manual therapy that uses specially designed stainless steel instruments to detect and treat soft tissue injuries, scar tissue, And chronic inflammation. Graston Technique helps break down adhesions, improve blood flow, And speed up healing in muscles, tendons.
Headache Relief is the reduction or elimination of headache symptoms through methods that address their underlying causes. These methods may include manual therapies, lifestyle changes, stress management, hydration, Or medical interventions. Headache Relief focuses on restoring comfort and function without relying solely on pain medication.
Intersegmental Traction is a chiropractic therapy that gently stretches and mobilizes the spine using a specialized table with rolling rollers. This passive motion helps restore spinal joint mobility, reduce muscle tension.
Joint Dysfunction is a condition where a joint in the body moves improperly or has restricted motion, often causing pain, stiffness, Or inflammation. It can occur in any joint, including the spine, shoulders, hips, Or knees, And may result from injury, overuse, poor posture, Or underlying conditions like arthritis. Joint Dysfunction disrupts normal movement and can lead to further musculoskeletal problems if untreated.
Licensed Chiropractor is licensed Chiropractors are healthcare professionals who specialize in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders, particularly those related to the spine. They complete a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree, pass national board exams, And obtain state licensure to practice legally, ensuring they meet educational and safety standards for patient care.
Low Back Pain is discomfort or pain felt in the area between the bottom of the rib cage and the top of the legs, often including the buttocks. Low Back Pain can range from mild stiffness to severe, sharp pain that limits movement. It may stem from muscle strain, joint problems, nerve irritation.
Mobilization is a manual therapy technique used by chiropractors and physical therapists to gently move joints and soft tissues. Mobilization helps improve mobility, reduce stiffness, And relieve pain without the high-velocity thrusts used in spinal adjustments. The method involves slow, controlled movements to restore normal joint function and range of motion.
National Board of Chiropractic Examiners is an independent, non-profit organization that develops and administers standardized exams to assess the competency of chiropractic students and professionals. These exams ensure chiropractors meet national standards for knowledge, skills, And safety before obtaining or maintaining a license to practice.
NCMIC is a specialized insurance provider focused on serving chiropractors and their practices. NCMIC offers malpractice insurance, business coverage, And risk management resources tailored specifically to the chiropractic profession, helping practitioners comply with legal requirements and protect their practices from financial risks.
Nerve Compression is pressure on a nerve caused by surrounding tissues like bones, muscles, Or tendons. This pressure can disrupt nerve function, leading to pain, tingling, numbness, Or weakness in the affected area. Common causes include injuries, repetitive motions.
Personal Injury Protection is a type of car insurance coverage that pays for medical expenses, lost wages, And other costs after a car accident, regardless of who caused the crash. It's required in some states, optional in others, And covers the policyholder, passengers.
Soft Tissue Therapy is a hands-on treatment method that targets muscles, tendons, ligaments, And fascia to reduce pain, improve mobility, And promote healing. Soft Tissue Therapy uses techniques like massage, stretching, And pressure to break up scar tissue, release tension, And restore normal function without surgery or medication.
Spinal Decompression is a non-surgical treatment designed to relieve pressure on the spine and spinal nerves. It uses gentle stretching or traction to create space between vertebrae, allowing herniated or bulging discs to retract and promoting healing by improving blood flow and nutrient delivery to the affected area.
Spinal Manipulation is a hands-on treatment technique used by chiropractors and other trained healthcare providers to apply controlled force to a joint in the spine. This force helps improve spinal motion, reduce pain, And restore function by addressing stiffness or misalignment in the vertebrae.
Thompson Technique is a chiropractic method that uses a specialized drop-table to deliver precise, low-force spinal adjustments. Thompson Technique involves analyzing leg length differences to identify spinal misalignments, then applying gentle thrusts to specific areas while the table’s sections drop slightly, enhancing the adjustment’s effectiveness and patient comfort.
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 fail to relax, often due to injury, overuse, Or stress. The therapy involves applying pressure to these points to release tension, improve blood flow.
Upper Cervical Chiropractic is a specialized branch of chiropractic care focusing on the top two vertebrae in the neck, called the atlas and axis. These vertebrae protect the brainstem and influence the entire spine. Upper Cervical Chiropractic uses precise, gentle adjustments to correct misalignments, aiming to improve nerve function and overall health without forceful manipulation.
