Browse 31 essential chiropractor terms and definitions used by professionals in Nashville.
Term Index
Open any term below for a dedicated definition page.
Adjustment is a controlled, precise force applied by a chiropractor to a joint in the spine or other part of the body to restore proper movement, reduce pain, And improve function. Adjustments are typically performed manually but may also use specialized tools or tables to assist with the technique.
Chiropractic Adjustment is a hands-on procedure where a licensed chiropractor applies controlled force to a specific joint, usually in the spine, to improve alignment, reduce pain, And restore movement. The adjustment often produces a popping sound caused by gas releasing from the joint, which is normal and not painful.
Chiropractic Care is a health care profession focused on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders, particularly those related to the spine. Chiropractic Care involves manual adjustments, spinal manipulations, And other non-invasive techniques to relieve pain, improve mobility.
Chiropractic Manipulation is a hands-on treatment where a licensed chiropractor applies controlled force to a joint in the spine or other body part to improve motion, reduce pain, And support the body’s natural healing. It often produces a popping sound as gas releases from the joint, But the goal is better function, not just noise.
Chiropractic Medicine is a healthcare profession focused on diagnosing, treating, And preventing disorders of the musculoskeletal system, particularly the spine, And their effects on the nervous system and overall health. Chiropractic Medicine emphasizes manual techniques, such as spinal adjustments, to improve function, reduce pain.
Chiropractic Neurology is a specialized branch of chiropractic care that focuses on the relationship between the nervous system and spinal health. It uses non-surgical, drug-free methods to diagnose and treat neurological disorders by assessing brain function, nerve pathways, And spinal alignment. Practitioners often evaluate balance, coordination.
Chiropractic Physician is chiropractic Physicians are licensed healthcare professionals who specialize in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders, primarily through manual adjustments and manipulations of the spine. They focus on the relationship between the spine and nervous system to improve overall health, relieve pain.
Chiropractic School is a graduate-level educational program that trains students to become licensed chiropractors. Chiropractic School programs typically require 3-4 years of study after completing prerequisite college courses and include hands-on clinical training in spinal adjustments, patient care, And musculoskeletal health.
Chiropractic Table is a specialized medical device designed to support patients during chiropractic adjustments and therapies. Chiropractic Tables allow precise positioning, controlled movement, And targeted pressure to the spine, joints, And soft tissues. They often include adjustable sections, drop mechanisms, Or traction features to enhance treatment effectiveness and patient comfort.
Chiropractic Techniques are hands-on or instrument-assisted methods chiropractors use to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal conditions, primarily focusing on the spine. These techniques aim to improve joint mobility, reduce pain, And support the body’s natural healing processes without surgery or medication. Common approaches include spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapy.
Doctor of Chiropractic is a licensed healthcare professional who specializes in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders, primarily through manual adjustments and manipulations of the spine. Doctors of Chiropractic focus on the relationship between the spine and nervous system to promote overall health and alleviate pain without surgery or medication. They complete extensive graduate-level education and clinical training to earn the Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree.
Flexion-Distraction Technique is a gentle, non-surgical chiropractic method used to treat back pain, herniated discs, And spinal stenosis. Flexion-Distraction Technique involves a specialized table that stretches and flexes the spine in a rhythmic motion, reducing pressure on spinal discs and nerves while improving mobility.
Herniated Disc 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 press on nearby nerves, causing pain, numbness, Or weakness in the back, arms, Or legs. Herniated discs often occur in the lower back or neck and may result from injury, aging, Or improper lifting.
Intersegmental Traction is a chiropractic therapy that gently stretches and mobilizes the spine using a specialized table with rolling rollers. These rollers move slowly along the spine, creating a rhythmic motion that separates vertebrae, improves spinal flexibility.
Ligament Damage is an injury to the tough, fibrous bands that connect bones to other bones at joints. Ligament Damage occurs when these bands stretch too far or tear, often from sudden twists, falls, Or impacts. Common sites include knees, ankles, And wrists. Symptoms typically include pain, swelling, bruising.
Lumbar Spine is the lower section of the human spine, consisting of five large vertebrae labeled L1 through L5. These bones support the weight of the upper body, enable bending and twisting, And protect the spinal cord and nerves that connect to the legs and lower organs.
Manual Therapy is a hands-on clinical approach used by trained healthcare providers to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. Manual Therapy techniques include joint mobilizations, soft tissue manipulation, stretching, And muscle energy methods to improve movement, reduce pain, And restore function without surgery or medication.
Muscle Strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon caused by overstretching, tearing, Or excessive force. It often results from sudden movements, heavy lifting, Or repetitive use, leading to pain, swelling, And limited mobility. Muscle strains range from mild discomfort to complete tears requiring medical attention.
Myofascial Release is a manual therapy technique that applies gentle, sustained pressure to the connective tissue (fascia) surrounding muscles, bones, And organs. This method aims to release tension, improve mobility, And reduce pain by addressing restrictions in the fascia caused by injury, inflammation.
Nerve Compression is a condition where surrounding tissues, such as bones, cartilage, muscles, Or tendons, press against a nerve, disrupting its normal function. This pressure can cause pain, tingling, numbness, Or weakness in the area served by the affected nerve. Nerve Compression often occurs in areas where nerves travel through narrow spaces, like the spine or wrists.
Personal Injury Protection is a type of auto insurance coverage that pays for medical expenses, lost wages, And other related costs for the policyholder and passengers after a car accident, regardless of who caused the crash. It is often called 'no-fault' coverage because it applies no matter who is at fault and is required in some states but optional in others, including Tennessee.
Pinched Nerve is a condition where surrounding tissues like bones, cartilage, muscles, Or tendons apply too much pressure to a nerve, disrupting its function. This pressure can cause pain, tingling, numbness, Or weakness along the nerve’s path. Pinched Nerves often occur in areas with narrow spaces, such as the neck, lower back, Or wrists, And may result from injury, poor posture.
Sciatica is sharp, burning pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back through the hips, buttocks, And down each leg. Sciatica typically affects only one side of the body and often results from a herniated disk, bone spur, Or spinal stenosis compressing part of the nerve.
Soft Tissue Injury is damage to the body’s muscles, tendons, ligaments, Or other connective tissues caused by sudden trauma, overuse, Or repetitive motion. These injuries often result in pain, swelling, bruising, Or reduced mobility and can occur during sports, accidents, Or daily activities. Common examples include sprains, strains, And contusions.
Spinal Adjustment is a hands-on procedure performed by a chiropractor to apply controlled force to a specific joint in the spine. The goal is to improve spinal motion, reduce nerve irritation, And restore function without surgery or medication. Adjustments are often used to relieve back pain, neck pain, And headaches caused by misaligned vertebrae or joint restrictions.
Spinal Decompression is a non-surgical treatment method designed to relieve pressure on the spine and spinal nerves. It uses gentle stretching or mechanical traction to create space between vertebrae, reduce disc herniation, And promote healing of damaged spinal discs and surrounding tissues. The procedure aims to alleviate back pain, sciatica, And other nerve-related symptoms.
Spinal Manipulation is a hands-on technique used by chiropractors and other trained healthcare providers to apply controlled force to a joint in the spine. The goal is to improve spinal motion, reduce pain, And restore function by realigning vertebrae that may be misaligned or restricted in movement. It is often accompanied by a popping or cracking sound caused by gas bubbles releasing from the joint.
Spinal Stenosis is a narrowing of the spaces within the spine, which can put pressure on the nerves that travel through it. This condition most often occurs in the lower back (lumbar spine) and neck (cervical spine) and may cause pain, numbness, muscle weakness, Or problems with bladder or bowel function. Spinal Stenosis is typically caused by age-related wear and tear but can also result from injuries, tumors, Or congenital factors.
Thompson Drop Technique is a gentle chiropractic adjustment method that uses a specialized table with padded sections that drop slightly during the adjustment. This technique helps reduce joint restrictions in the spine and other areas by combining a quick thrust with the natural drop of the table, making the adjustment more comfortable and precise for patients.
Workers Compensation is a state-mandated insurance program that provides medical benefits and wage replacement to employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. Workers Compensation covers medical expenses, rehabilitation costs.
X-Ray is x-Rays are a type of medical imaging that uses electromagnetic radiation to create pictures of the inside of the body, especially bones. X-Rays pass through soft tissues but are absorbed by denser materials like bones, producing clear images that help chiropractors and doctors diagnose fractures, misalignments.
