Browse 32 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 hands-on soft tissue treatment method used by chiropractors and physical therapists to relieve pain and restore movement. It combines precise pressure with patient movements to break up scar tissue, adhesions, Or tension in muscles, tendons, ligaments, And nerves. The technique targets specific areas of tightness or injury to improve flexibility and function.
Adjustment is a precise, controlled force applied by a chiropractor to a specific joint in the spine or other body part to improve alignment, restore motion, And reduce pain. Adjustments are a core chiropractic technique used to address joint dysfunction, muscle tension, And nerve irritation without surgery or medication.
Cervical Spine is the uppermost part of the spinal column, consisting of seven vertebrae labeled C1 through C7. These bones support the skull, protect the spinal cord, And enable head movement. The cervical spine allows flexibility while housing nerves that control sensation and function in the arms, hands, And other areas.
Chiropractic Adjustment is a precise, hands-on procedure where a licensed chiropractor applies controlled force to a joint in the spine or other body part. The goal is to improve joint motion, reduce pain, And restore function without surgery or medication. Adjustments are based on clinical examination and may involve quick thrusts or gentle pressure.
Chiropractic Biophysics is a research-based chiropractic technique that combines spinal adjustments, corrective exercises, And postural remodeling to restore the spine’s natural alignment and improve overall health. It uses precise measurements, X-rays, And biomechanical analysis to identify spinal misalignments and design individualized treatment plans for long-term structural correction.
Chiropractic Care is a healthcare discipline focused on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders, primarily those related to the spine. Chiropractic Care uses hands-on spinal adjustments and other manual therapies to improve joint function, reduce pain, And support the body’s natural ability to heal without surgery or medication. It's commonly used for back pain, neck pain, headaches.
Chiropractic License is an official government-issued credential that permits a chiropractor to legally diagnose, treat, And manage musculoskeletal conditions in patients. Licenses ensure practitioners meet education, examination.
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 restore function. The technique often produces a popping sound caused by gas bubbles releasing from the joint fluid. Chiropractic Manipulation is used to address back pain, neck pain, headaches.
Chiropractic Neurology is a specialized branch of chiropractic care that focuses on how the nervous system and brain function together. It uses non-surgical, drug-free methods to diagnose and treat neurological conditions by assessing brain-body connections, often improving balance, coordination, And pain without medication or surgery.
Chiropractic School is a graduate-level educational program that trains students to become Doctors of Chiropractic (DC). These programs teach anatomy, neurology, spinal adjustment techniques, And patient care over 3 to 4 years of full-time study, including clinical rotations. Graduates must pass national board exams to earn a license to practice chiropractic care.
Chiropractic Table is a specialized medical table designed for chiropractic care, allowing precise patient positioning and controlled spinal adjustments. These tables feature adjustable sections, drop mechanisms.
Cold Laser Therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses low-level light lasers to reduce pain and inflammation and promote healing in muscles, joints, And soft tissues. Unlike surgical lasers, cold lasers don't produce heat, making the procedure painless and safe for most patients. It's commonly used in chiropractic care, physical therapy, And sports medicine to accelerate recovery from injuries.
Decompression Therapy is a non-surgical treatment designed to relieve pressure on the spine and nerves by gently stretching the spine. This therapy aims to create space between vertebrae, allowing herniated or bulging discs to retract and promoting the flow of oxygen, water, And nutrients to the discs for healing.
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 complete a four-year doctoral graduate program, including clinical training, And must pass national board exams to practice. Their focus is on improving joint function, reducing pain.
Electrotherapy is a medical treatment that uses electrical currents to reduce pain, stimulate muscles, And promote healing in injured or overworked tissues. Electrotherapy devices deliver controlled pulses through electrodes placed on the skin, targeting nerves or muscles to improve circulation, reduce inflammation, And accelerate recovery without surgery or medication.
Flexion Distraction is a gentle, non-surgical chiropractic technique used to treat spinal conditions like herniated discs, sciatica, And back pain. It involves a specialized table that stretches and flexes the spine to relieve pressure on nerves, improve mobility, And promote healing without forceful manipulation.
Graston Technique is a form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization used by trained healthcare providers to detect and treat scar tissue, fascial restrictions, And muscle tightness. Graston Technique involves specialized stainless-steel tools to break down adhesions, improve blood flow.
Herniated Disc is a spinal condition where the soft, gel-like center of a spinal disc pushes through a tear in the disc’s tough outer layer. This bulging material 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 are commonly linked to aging, injury.
Intersegmental Traction is a chiropractic therapy that gently stretches and mobilizes the spine using a specialized table with rolling rollers or mechanical nodes. This passive treatment aims to improve spinal joint mobility, reduce stiffness.
Lumbar Spine is the lower part of the spine, made up of five large vertebrae labeled L1 to L5. It supports most of the body’s weight and allows movements like bending, twisting, And lifting. The lumbar spine connects the upper body to the pelvis and legs, playing a key role in mobility and stability.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging is a non-invasive medical test that uses a strong magnetic field, radio waves, And a computer to create detailed pictures of the body’s internal structures, including bones, muscles, nerves, And organs. Unlike X-rays, MRI doesn't use radiation and is especially useful for viewing soft tissues like the brain, spinal cord.
Mobilization is a gentle, controlled manual therapy technique used by chiropractors and physical therapists to improve joint movement and reduce stiffness. Mobilization involves slow, repetitive motions applied to a joint to restore its natural range of motion without forceful thrusts, making it suitable for patients with pain, injury, Or limited mobility.
National Chiropractic Mutual Insurance Company is a professional liability insurance provider specializing in coverage for chiropractors. It offers malpractice insurance, risk management resources, And tailored policies designed to protect chiropractic practices from lawsuits related to patient care, errors, Or omissions. The company operates as a mutual organization, meaning policyholders may receive dividends or benefits from profits.
Personal Injury Protection is a type of car insurance coverage that pays for medical expenses, lost wages, And other related costs after a vehicle accident, regardless of who caused the crash. It's required in some states, including Georgia, And covers the policyholder, passengers.
Sciatica is sharp, shooting pain that travels from the lower back down one or both legs, caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve. This large nerve runs from the lower spine through the buttocks and down each leg. Pain often feels like burning, tingling, Or numbness and may worsen with sitting or sudden movements. Sciatica usually affects only one side of the body at a time.
Scoliosis is a medical condition where the spine curves sideways instead of being straight. This curvature can range from mild to severe and may develop in children or adults. It often appears during growth spurts before puberty and can cause uneven shoulders, waist, Or hips. Severe cases may affect lung and heart function.
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. It's commonly used for injuries, chronic pain, And postural imbalances.
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 similar device to create negative pressure within spinal discs. This process aims to promote healing, reduce pain.
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 is commonly caused by age-related wear and tear, arthritis, Or injury. Symptoms may include pain, numbness, muscle weakness.
Thoracic Spine is the middle section of the human spine, located between the cervical spine (neck) and lumbar spine (lower back). It consists of 12 vertebrae labeled T1 to T12, which connect to the rib cage, providing stability and protection for the chest organs while allowing limited movement.
Ultrasound Therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses high-frequency sound waves to promote healing in soft tissues, reduce pain, And decrease inflammation. Ultrasound Therapy delivers deep heat to muscles, tendons, And ligaments without surgery or medication, commonly used in physical therapy and chiropractic care for injuries like sprains, strains, And tendonitis.
X-Ray is x-Rays are a type of medical imaging that uses safe, invisible electromagnetic waves to create pictures of the inside of the body, especially bones. X-Rays help chiropractors and doctors see fractures, misalignments, Or other problems without surgery. The images show dense structures like bones in white and softer tissues in shades of gray.
