Browse 36 essential chiropractor terms and definitions used by professionals in Duluth.
Term Index
Open any term below for a dedicated definition page.
Active Release Technique is a patented, hands-on soft tissue treatment that targets muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, And nerves. It combines precise pressure with patient movement to break up scar tissue, restore motion, And reduce pain caused by repetitive strain, injury, Or overuse.
Adjustment is a precise manual procedure chiropractors use to apply controlled force to a joint, usually in the spine, to restore proper movement, reduce pain, And improve function. Adjustments are often called spinal manipulations and are a core part of chiropractic care, helping relieve pressure on nerves and muscles.
Atlas Orthogonal is a precise chiropractic technique focused on correcting misalignments of the atlas vertebra, the top bone in the neck. Atlas Orthogonal uses gentle, low-force adjustments delivered by a specialized instrument to restore proper spinal alignment and nervous system function without manual twisting or cracking.
Back Pain is discomfort, soreness, Or ache felt anywhere along the spine, from the neck to the lower back. Back Pain can be sharp, dull, constant, Or occasional, And may limit movement or daily activities. It often results from muscle strain, poor posture, injury, Or underlying medical conditions like disc herniation or arthritis.
Chiropractic Adjustment is a hands-on procedure where a licensed chiropractor applies controlled force to a specific joint in the spine or other body part. This force helps improve alignment, reduce nerve irritation, And restore normal movement. Adjustments are used to relieve pain, improve function.
Chiropractic BioPhysics is a specialized chiropractic approach that combines biology, physics, And geometry to analyze and correct spinal alignment. It uses precise measurements, X-rays, And individualized treatment plans to improve posture, reduce pain, And restore spinal health over time. The method focuses on long-term structural changes rather than temporary symptom relief.
Chiropractic License is an official state-issued credential that permits a practitioner to legally diagnose and treat musculoskeletal conditions using chiropractic methods. Chiropractic Licenses require completing an accredited Doctor of Chiropractic program, passing national board exams, And meeting state-specific education, ethics, And continuing education requirements. Without this license, practicing chiropractic care is illegal.
Chiropractic Manipulation is a hands-on treatment where a licensed chiropractor applies controlled force to joints, especially in the spine, to improve motion, reduce pain, And help the body heal. It's often called a spinal adjustment and is used to treat back pain, neck pain, headaches, And other musculoskeletal conditions.
Chiropractic Neurology is a specialized branch of chiropractic care that focuses on the relationship between the nervous system and spinal function. Chiropractic Neurologists assess how misalignments or dysfunctions in the spine may affect nerve signals, brain function, And overall health, often using non-surgical, drug-free techniques to improve neurological performance.
Chiropractic Table is a specialized medical device designed for chiropractic care. It provides support, stability, And controlled movement to help chiropractors perform spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapies, And other treatments safely and effectively. These tables often include adjustable sections, drop mechanisms.
Cold Laser Therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses low-level light energy to reduce pain and inflammation and promote healing in damaged tissues. Cold Laser Therapy doesn't produce heat, making it safe for use on skin, muscles, And joints without burning or cutting. It's commonly used by chiropractors, physical therapists, And sports medicine professionals to treat injuries and chronic conditions.
Decompression Therapy is a non-surgical 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, promoting healing and reducing pain caused by herniated discs, sciatica, Or spinal stenosis.
Disc Herniation is a spinal condition where the soft, gel-like center of a spinal disc pushes through a tear in the tougher outer layer, often pressing on nearby nerves. This can cause pain, numbness, Or weakness in the back, neck, arms, Or legs. Disc herniation typically occurs in the lower back or neck and is often caused by aging, injury, Or strain.
Diversified Technique is the most widely used chiropractic adjustment method. It involves hands-on thrusts applied to specific joints to restore proper movement, reduce pain, And improve function. Chiropractors use precise force, direction, And speed to address joint restrictions without surgery or medication.
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 healing in injured or weakened muscles. The treatment is non-invasive and often used alongside chiropractic care to support recovery from injuries, surgeries.
Flexion Distraction is a gentle, non-surgical chiropractic technique designed to relieve back pain and leg pain caused by disc herniation, spinal stenosis, Or sciatica. Flexion Distraction involves a specialized table that moves in a rhythmic, pumping motion to decompress spinal discs, reduce pressure on nerves.
Gonstead Technique is a precise, hands-on chiropractic method that targets specific spinal misalignments using detailed analysis and gentle adjustments. Developed by Dr. Clarence Gonstead in the 1920s, this technique emphasizes identifying the exact location of nerve interference caused by spinal dysfunction and correcting it with controlled force to restore proper movement and relieve pain.
Graston Technique is a specialized form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization used by trained healthcare providers to detect and treat scar tissue, fascial restrictions, And muscle adhesions. It involves using stainless steel tools to break down fibrous tissue, improve blood flow, And promote healing in injured muscles, tendons, Or ligaments.
Herniated Disc is a spinal condition where the soft, gel-like center of a spinal disc pushes through a tear in the tougher outer layer. This can irritate nearby nerves, causing pain, numbness, Or weakness in the back, legs, Or arms. Herniated discs often occur in the lower back or neck and may result from injury, aging.
Intersegmental Traction is a chiropractic therapy that gently stretches and mobilizes the spine using a specialized table with rolling rollers. These rollers move along the spine, applying controlled pressure to separate vertebrae, improve joint motion, And reduce stiffness. The treatment aims to restore flexibility, enhance circulation, And relieve tension in the back muscles and spinal discs.
Ligament Injury is damage to the tough, fibrous tissues that connect bones to other bones at joints. Ligament injuries often occur during sports, falls, Or accidents and range from mild sprains to complete tears. They cause pain, swelling, And instability in the affected joint, limiting movement and strength until healing occurs.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging is a non-invasive medical test that uses strong magnets, radio waves, And a computer to create detailed pictures of the inside of the body. Magnetic Resonance Imaging helps doctors diagnose injuries, diseases, Or abnormalities in bones, muscles, nerves.
Muscle Strain is an injury that occurs when muscle fibers stretch or tear due to overexertion, sudden movement, Or improper use. Muscle strains commonly affect the back, neck, shoulders, And legs, causing pain, swelling, And limited movement. They range from mild discomfort to severe tears requiring medical attention.
Myofascial Release is a hands-on therapy technique that applies gentle, sustained pressure to the connective tissue (fascia) surrounding muscles, bones, And organs. This method aims to relieve tension, improve mobility, And reduce pain by releasing tight or restricted areas in the fascia, often caused by injury, inflammation.
National Board of Chiropractic Examiners is an independent, nonprofit organization that develops and administers standardized exams to assess the knowledge and skills of chiropractic students and graduates. These exams help ensure chiropractors meet national competency standards 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 competency for chiropractic licensure in the United States. NBCE exams cover foundational sciences, clinical knowledge, And practical skills required for safe and effective chiropractic practice.
Neck Pain is discomfort, stiffness, Or soreness in the cervical spine—the seven vertebrae that support the head and connect to the upper back. Neck Pain can range from mild, temporary aches to severe, chronic pain that limits movement and daily activities. Causes include muscle strain, poor posture, injury, arthritis.
Pinched Nerve is a condition where surrounding tissues, such as bones, cartilage, muscles, Or tendons, press too tightly against a nerve. This pressure disrupts the nerve’s function, causing pain, tingling, numbness, Or weakness in the affected area. Pinched nerves often occur in the neck, back, Or wrists and can result from injury, poor posture.
Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine that often appears during the growth spurt just before puberty. While most cases are mild, some curves worsen as children grow. Severe scoliosis can reduce space within the chest, making it difficult for the lungs to function properly. It's typically diagnosed through physical exams and X-rays.
Soft Tissue Injury is damage to the body’s muscles, tendons, ligaments, Or fascia caused by sudden trauma, overuse, Or repetitive stress. These injuries often result in pain, swelling, bruising, Or reduced movement and can occur during sports, accidents, Or daily activities. Unlike bone fractures, soft tissue injuries affect non-bony structures that support and connect the body.
Spinal Decompression is a non-surgical treatment designed to relieve pressure on the spine and spinal nerves. It involves gently stretching the spine using a motorized table or device to create negative pressure within the spinal discs, which can help herniated or bulging discs retract, promote healing.
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 commonly occurs in the lower back and neck and often develops due to aging, wear-and-tear, Or conditions like arthritis. Symptoms may include pain, numbness, muscle weakness.
Subluxation is a partial dislocation of a joint, particularly in the spine, where the bones shift out of their normal alignment but don't fully separate. This misalignment can irritate nerves, cause pain, reduce mobility, And interfere with the body’s natural healing ability. Chiropractors identify and correct subluxations to restore proper function and relieve discomfort.
Thompson Drop Technique is a chiropractic adjustment method that uses a specialized table with segmented sections that drop slightly when gentle pressure is applied. This drop creates a quick, low-force thrust to help realign the spine or joints, reducing discomfort and improving mobility without harsh cracking or twisting.
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 focused pressure to these points to release tension, improve blood flow, And restore normal muscle function.
X-Ray is a quick, painless imaging test that uses small amounts of radiation to create pictures of bones, joints, And soft tissues inside the body. X-Rays help chiropractors see misalignments, fractures, arthritis, infections, Or tumors without surgery. The test takes only minutes and shows clear images of hard structures like the spine and ribs.
