Glossary of Chiropractic Terms
Also known as a “Chiropractic Adjustment” and “Spinal Manipulation.” The most common therapeutic procedure performed by a chiropractor. This hands-on technique for restoring spinal and other joint mobility is performed by manually applying a controlled force to joints that have either become too restricted in their movement or too mobile, generally as a result of a tissue injury. By realigning the affected vertebrae through a chiropractic adjustment, the chiropractor eliminates this nerve interference and proper bodily function is restored.
A drug- and surgery-free, hands-on system of health care that respects the body’s ability to heal itself. Chiropractors focus on the musculoskeletal and nervous systems and the effects these systems have on general health. They use natural methods to treat the biomechanics, structure, and function of the spine and its effects on the muscle and nervous systems. Chiropractic emphasizes the role played by the proper function of these systems in the preservation and restoration of health. They also concentrate on the factors involved in a patient’s overall health, including diet and proper nutrition, activity levels and exercise, other lifestyle choices, and much more.
Also known as an “Adjustment” and “Spinal Manipulation.” The most common therapeutic procedure performed by a chiropractor. This hands-on technique for restoring spinal and other joint mobility is performed by manually applying a controlled force to joints that have either become too restricted in their movement or too mobile, generally as a result of a tissue injury. By realigning the affected vertebrae through a chiropractic adjustment, the chiropractor eliminates this nerve interference and proper bodily function is restored.
Also known as a “Doctor of Chiropractic,” “Chiropractic Physician,” or “DC.” A health care practitioner licensed to practice chiropractic.
Also known as a “Chiropractic Adjustment” and “Spinal Manipulation.” The most common therapeutic procedure performed by a chiropractor. This hands-on technique for restoring spinal and other joint mobility is performed by manually applying a controlled force to joints that have either become too restricted in their movement or too mobile, generally as a result of a tissue injury. By realigning the affected vertebrae through a chiropractic adjustment, the chiropractor eliminates this nerve interference and proper bodily function is restored.
A subluxation – also known as “subluxation” or a “misalignment” – is the misalignment of vertebrae in the spinal column. When a subluxation occurs, it often affects the function of the nervous system, which may have a negative effect on quality of life.
The use of x-ray to determine subluxations and other abnormalities.
Known as the “Spinal Column” and “Vertebral Column.” Comprised of the cervical spine (neck), thoracic spine (upper and middle back), lumbar spine (lower back), sacral spine (bottom of the spine), and coccyx (tailbone).
Also known as a “Chiropractic Adjustment” and “Adjustment.” The most common therapeutic procedure performed by a chiropractor. This hands-on technique for restoring spinal and other joint mobility is performed by manually applying a controlled force to joints that have either become too restricted in their movement or too mobile, generally as a result of a tissue injury. By realigning the affected vertebrae through a chiropractic adjustment, the chiropractor eliminates this nerve interference and proper bodily function is restored.
A subluxation – also known as “nerve interference” or a “misalignment” – is the misalignment of vertebrae in the spinal column. When a subluxation occurs, it often affects the function of the nervous system, which may have a negative effect on quality of life.
Any of the 33 bones that make up the spinal column.
Glossary of Chiropractic Techniques
There are techniques, such as Activator, that include the use of adjusting instruments to deliver the adjustment to the patient. The objective of using an instrument is to apply an accurate “line of correction” (or specific vector force) and a controlled force with greater precision.
This is a hand-held, spring-loaded instrument-based manipulation/adjustment protocol. Instead of the manipulating/adjusting forces being delivered by hand, force is generated with the small appliance that delivers a lighter, but quicker, thrust that can be delivered by hand. Activator can be used as a primary treatment protocol for all patients or a selective method for patients who may not desire manual manipulation/adjustment or where manual manipulation/adjustment may be contraindicated.
This is an approach to chiropractic treatment in which several specific procedures may be combined. Diversified manipulative/ adjusting techniques may be used with nutritional interventions, together with light massage of various points referred to as neurolymphatic and neurovascular points. Clinical decision-making is often based on testing and evaluating muscle strength.
This is a specific chiropractic technique that uses mechanical and hands-on manipulation/ adjustment utilizing a special table where the spine is tractioned and flexed forward. This technique is primarily utilized to treat cervical and lumbar disc herniations, non-disc spinal disorders, and to increase mobility of spinal joints.
This is not a specific chiropractic technique, but possibly several techniques using the application of chiropractic manipulation/adjustment to joints of the skull (similar to the SOT technique previously mentioned). Since individual anatomy of skull joints is different, the styles of manipulation/ adjustment are different and no cavitation occurs.
This is a widely used type of chiropractic manipulation/ adjustment that includes most of the procedures taught at chiropractic schools. This technique is the most commonly used of all chiropractic techniques and is the one probably most familiar to patients. The Diversified manipulation/adjustment entails a high-velocity, low-amplitude thrust that usually results in a cavitation of a joint (quick, shallow thrusts that cause the popping noise often associated with a chiropractic manipulation/adjustment).
This is the application of chiropractic manipulation/adjustment to joints other than those of the spine, i.e., shoulder, elbow, wrist/hand/finger, hip, knee, ankle/foot/toe. Examples of conditions treated by extremity manipulation/ adjustment: carpal tunnel syndrome, gait, or posture-related problems.
This is a specific chiropractic technique that is distinct from Diversified technique because it focuses primarily on P-A adjusting, rather than on rotary adjusting but is still done by hand, and usually results in joint cavitation. X-ray analysis, palpation, and temperature gradient studies may be used in clinical decision-making (i.e., what segment(s) to manipulate/adjust).
This is a specific chiropractic technique in which light pressure is applied to the ligaments of the sacrum. Light force is concurrently applied to various spinal levels to reduce pain/symptoms and restore muscle balance. This technique is very gentle and effective with children of all ages.
This is not a specific chiropractic technique but refers more to clinical decision-making regarding what spinal levels to manipulate/adjust. Spinal segments are manipulated/adjusted (usually with a diversified technique) corresponding to the nerves that supply the area of patient symptomatology.
This is a specific chiropractic technique based on the presumption that muscles are responsible for causing abnormal joint function. NIMMO addresses muscular problems, usually called trigger points, by applying pressure (referred to as ischemic compression) on the point for variable amounts of time (usually a few seconds) thus allowing the muscle to relax, and re-acquire its normal resting length. This procedure allows the bone(s) to which the muscle(s) attach to move normally to restore proper joint function.
Also referred to as Toggle Recoil, this original upper cervical specific (UC) approach is the basic template for derivative UC techniques that apply high-, low- and no-force thrusts, or instrument-delivered forces for correction. These various techniques focus on joint dysfunctions in the upper cervical spine (C1 and C2). The theory is that treatment of this area may also address problems throughout the entire body. Usually, no cavitation occurs. X-ray analysis is commonly used for making clinical decisions (which segment to adjust) and may also rely on static and motion palpation, and thermographic (atlas fossa) analysis.
This is a specific chiropractic technique that uses supine and prone pelvic adjusting on a drop table, and prone or sitting instrument adjusting in the cervical region. X-ray analysis (from film, or motion assessment from videofluoroscopic analysis) and thermographic analysis is regularly used for making clinical decisions about which spinal level(s) to adjust.
This is a specific chiropractic technique that uses triangular-shaped blocks usually placed under the pelvis of the prone patient to treat problems identified in the low back. Low force, slow pressure types of manipulations/adjustments may be used to address joint problems identified in the skull. SOT may be used as an exclusive treatment technique or as an adjunct method of patient management.
This is a specific chiropractic method and is a variation of the Diversified technique that uses a special table with several segments called drop pieces. These segments can be cocked up a fraction of an inch, so when the thrust is delivered, the table will drop this fraction of an inch. The object of the drop is to distract (open) the joint during the adjustment. The drop pieces assists the thrust, while minimizing the force required for the adjustment. Cavitation of the joint may or may not occur.