Browse 34 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 soft-tissue treatment method that combines precise manual pressure with specific patient movements to break up scar tissue and adhesions in muscles, tendons, And ligaments. Developed in 1985 by chiropractor P. Michael Leahy, it aims to restore normal tissue mobility and reduce pain caused by repetitive strain or injury.
Adjustment is a hands-on procedure chiropractors use to apply controlled force to a joint, usually in the spine, to improve alignment, reduce pain, And restore movement. Adjustments are precise, quick, And often produce a popping sound caused by gas releasing from the joint.
American Chiropractic Association is the largest professional organization in the United States representing doctors of chiropractic. It advocates for patient access to chiropractic care, supports research and education, And sets ethical standards for the profession to ensure safe, effective treatment for musculoskeletal conditions.
Chiropractic Adjustment is a manual procedure where a licensed chiropractor applies controlled force to a joint in the spine or other body area. The goal is to improve joint motion, reduce pain, And restore function without surgery or medication. Adjustments are tailored to each patient’s condition and are commonly used for back pain, neck pain.
Chiropractic Board is chiropractic Boards are state-level government agencies that regulate chiropractic practice. They set licensing rules, enforce professional standards, investigate complaints, And protect public health by ensuring chiropractors meet education, exam, And ethical requirements before treating patients.
Chiropractic Care is a health care profession focused on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders, especially those related to the spine. Chiropractic Care uses hands-on spinal manipulation and other alternative treatments to align the body’s musculoskeletal structure, particularly the spine, to enable the body to heal itself without surgery or medication.
Chiropractic License is an official state-issued credential that permits a healthcare professional to legally diagnose and treat musculoskeletal conditions through spinal adjustments and manual therapies. Chiropractic Licenses require graduation from an accredited chiropractic school, passing national board exams, And meeting state-specific education, ethics, And continuing-education requirements.
Chiropractic Manipulation is a hands-on treatment method used by chiropractors to adjust misaligned joints, primarily in the spine. It involves applying controlled, sudden force to improve joint mobility, reduce pain, And support the body’s natural healing process. This technique is often called a spinal adjustment or joint manipulation.
Chiropractic School is an educational program that trains students to become Doctors of Chiropractic (DCs). These schools teach hands-on spinal adjustments, musculoskeletal health, anatomy, And natural healing methods. Programs typically require 3-4 years of graduate-level study after completing prerequisite college courses.
Chiropractic Table is chiropractic Tables are specialized medical tables designed for chiropractic care, allowing precise patient positioning during spinal adjustments and therapies. These tables often include adjustable sections, drop mechanisms, Or cushioned surfaces to support safe and effective manual manipulations, decompression.
Chronic Pain is persistent discomfort lasting longer than three months, even after an injury or illness has healed. Chronic Pain can occur anywhere in the body, interfere with daily activities, And may stem from conditions like arthritis, nerve damage, Or back problems. Unlike short-term pain, it often requires ongoing management rather than a single cure.
DC is the professional title for a Doctor of Chiropractic, a licensed healthcare provider trained to diagnose, treat, And prevent musculoskeletal disorders, primarily through non-surgical, drug-free methods like spinal adjustments. DCs complete a doctoral program, clinical training, And national board exams to earn licensure and deliver evidence-based care for back pain, neck pain, headaches, And joint issues.
Decompression Therapy is a non-surgical, drug-free treatment designed to relieve pressure on spinal discs and nerves. It involves gently stretching the spine using a motorized table or device to create negative pressure within the discs, which can help herniated or bulging discs retract, improve nutrient flow.
Doctor of Chiropractic is a licensed healthcare professional who specializes in diagnosing, treating, And preventing disorders of the musculoskeletal system, particularly the spine. Doctors of Chiropractic use hands-on spinal adjustments and other non-surgical techniques to improve alignment, reduce pain, And support the body’s natural ability to heal itself without medication or surgery.
DOT Physical is a federally mandated medical examination required for commercial motor vehicle drivers in the United States. DOT Physicals ensure drivers meet health standards set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to safely operate large trucks, buses, Or other commercial vehicles.
Electrical Muscle Stimulation is a therapeutic technique that uses controlled electrical impulses to cause muscle contractions. These impulses mimic signals from the nervous system, helping to reduce pain, improve circulation, And promote muscle healing. It's commonly used in rehabilitation settings to prevent muscle atrophy and enhance recovery after injuries or surgeries.
Graston Technique is an evidence-based form of instrument-assisted soft-tissue mobilization used by healthcare providers to detect and treat scar tissue, fascial restrictions, And muscle adhesions. Clinicians use specially designed stainless-steel tools to break down fibrous tissue and stimulate healing, improving range of motion and reducing pain.
Herniated Disc is a spinal condition where the soft inner gel of a spinal disc leaks through a tear in the tough outer layer, often pressing on nearby nerves. This can cause pain, numbness, Or weakness in the back, neck, arms, Or legs. Herniated discs commonly occur in the lower back or neck due to injury, wear and tear.
ICD-10 Codes are a standardized system of medical diagnosis codes used worldwide to classify diseases, injuries, symptoms, And health conditions. Developed by the World Health Organization, these codes help healthcare providers, including chiropractors, document patient conditions accurately for billing, treatment tracking, And research purposes.
Intersegmental Traction is a chiropractic therapy that uses a specialized table with rolling rollers to gently stretch and mobilize the spine. This passive motion helps restore normal joint movement, improves circulation, And reduces stiffness between vertebrae without manual manipulation or discomfort.
Joint Dysfunction is a condition where a joint in the body doesn't move, align, Or function properly, leading to pain, stiffness, Or reduced range of motion. Joint Dysfunction often results from injury, overuse, poor posture, Or underlying conditions like arthritis. It can affect any joint, including the spine, shoulders, hips.
Ligament Sprain is an injury to a ligament—the tough, fibrous tissue that connects bones to other bones at joints—caused by overstretching or tearing. Ligament sprains typically occur during sudden twists, falls, Or impacts, leading to pain, swelling, bruising, And reduced joint stability. Common sites include ankles, knees, wrists, And shoulders.
Low Back Pain is discomfort or pain felt in the lower part of the spine, between the bottom of the rib cage and the top of the legs. It can range from mild to severe, last a short time, Or continue for months. Low Back Pain often comes from muscles, nerves, bones, joints.
Massage Therapy is a hands-on treatment method that applies pressure, kneading, Or manipulation to muscles and soft tissues to relieve pain, reduce stress, improve circulation, And promote relaxation. Massage Therapy is performed by trained professionals and can be used alone or alongside other therapies like chiropractic care to support overall health and recovery from injuries.
Muscle Strain is an injury that occurs when muscle fibers stretch too far or tear due to overuse, sudden movement, Or excessive force. It often causes pain, swelling, And limited movement in the affected area. Muscle strains commonly affect the back, neck, shoulders, And legs, especially during physical activity or heavy lifting.
National Board of Chiropractic Examiners is an independent, nonprofit organization that develops, administers, And scores standardized exams to assess the competency of chiropractic students and graduates. These exams help ensure chiropractors meet national standards for knowledge, skills, And safety before obtaining a license to practice.
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 help ensure chiropractors meet minimum competency standards before obtaining a license to practice in the United States.
Neuromuscular Re-education is a therapeutic technique designed to restore normal movement patterns by retraining the connection between nerves and muscles. It combines guided exercises, manual therapy, And repetition to help the brain and body relearn proper coordination after injury, surgery, Or chronic pain. The goal is to improve strength, balance, And functional movement without relying on compensation.
Physical Rehabilitation is a structured program of exercises, therapies, And interventions designed to restore function, reduce pain, And improve mobility after injury, surgery, Or illness. Physical Rehabilitation helps patients regain strength, flexibility.
Soft Tissue Therapy is a hands-on treatment that targets muscles, tendons, ligaments, And fascia to reduce pain, improve mobility, And speed healing. Soft Tissue Therapy includes techniques like massage, stretching, And pressure to break up scar tissue, ease tension.
Spinal Alignment is the proper positioning of the vertebrae in the spine, ensuring they're correctly stacked and balanced. This alignment supports optimal nerve function, reduces strain on muscles and ligaments, And promotes overall body mechanics. Misalignment can lead to pain, stiffness.
Spinal Decompression is a non-surgical treatment designed to relieve pressure on the spine and spinal discs. This therapy uses gentle stretching to create negative pressure within the discs, helping herniated or bulging discs retract and promoting the movement of water, oxygen, And nutrient-rich fluids into the discs to aid healing.
Therapeutic Ultrasound is a treatment method used by healthcare providers, including chiropractors, to promote tissue healing and reduce pain. It uses high-frequency sound waves delivered through a handheld device to generate deep heat within muscles, tendons, And ligaments without damaging the skin. This process helps increase blood flow, relax tight tissues.
Trigger Point Therapy is a manual treatment technique used to relieve pain and improve muscle function by applying focused pressure to tight, sensitive spots—called trigger points—in muscles. These points often cause referred pain, meaning discomfort felt in another area of the body. The therapy aims to release tension, restore mobility.
