Browse 36 essential chiropractor terms and definitions used by professionals in Newnan.
Term Index
Open any term below for a dedicated definition page.
Active Release Technique is a patented, hands-on soft-tissue treatment that combines precise pressure with patient movement to break up scar tissue and adhesions in muscles, tendons, ligaments, And nerves. Developed by chiropractor P. Michael Leahy, it aims to restore pain-free movement and improve function in injured or overused tissues.
Adjustment is a hands-on procedure chiropractors use to apply controlled force to a joint, usually in the spine, to improve alignment, restore motion, And reduce pain or nerve irritation. Adjustments are precise, quick movements that often produce a popping sound caused by gas releasing from the joint.
Atlas Orthogonal is a precise, gentle chiropractic technique focused on aligning the atlas vertebra—the top bone of the spine—using a specialized instrument. This method aims to restore proper spinal balance without manual twisting or cracking, often used to address headaches, neck pain.
Back Pain is discomfort, aching, Or stiffness felt anywhere along the spine, from the neck to the lower back. It can range from mild to severe and may be short-lived or long-lasting. Back Pain often results from muscle strain, poor posture, injury, Or underlying conditions like disc herniation or arthritis. It affects daily activities and may require medical or chiropractic care for relief.
Cervical Spine is the uppermost part of the spinal column, consisting of seven vertebrae labeled C1 to C7. It supports the skull, protects the spinal cord, And allows for head movement. Located in the neck, it plays a critical role in flexibility, nerve function.
Chiropractic Adjustment is a precise, hands-on procedure where a licensed chiropractor applies controlled force to a specific joint in the spine or other body part. The goal is to improve alignment, restore proper movement, And reduce pain or discomfort caused by misaligned bones, muscles, Or nerves. Adjustments are typically quick and may produce a popping sound as gas escapes the joint.
Chiropractic Biophysics is a specialized chiropractic technique that combines spinal adjustments, postural correction, And spinal traction to improve spinal alignment and reduce pain. It uses precise measurements, X-rays, And customized treatment plans to restore normal spinal curves and function, focusing on long-term structural changes rather than temporary relief.
Chiropractic Care is a health profession focused on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders, primarily through manual adjustments of the spine and joints. Chiropractors use hands-on techniques to improve mobility, reduce pain, And support the body’s natural healing processes without surgery or medication. This care often addresses back pain, neck pain, headaches.
Chiropractic License is an official permit'ssued by a state government that allows a chiropractor to legally practice chiropractic care. It proves the chiropractor has met education, examination, And ethical standards set by the state licensing board. Without this license, providing chiropractic services is illegal and unsafe.
Chiropractic Manipulation is a hands-on treatment where a licensed chiropractor uses controlled force to move joints, especially in the spine, to improve motion, reduce pain, And support the body’s natural healing. These quick, precise movements often produce a popping sound called a cavitation, which is harmless and caused by gas releasing from the joint.
Chiropractic Neurology is a specialized branch of chiropractic care that focuses on diagnosing and treating neurological disorders through non-surgical, drug-free methods. Chiropractic Neurology combines principles of chiropractic adjustment with neuroscience to improve brain-body communication, often addressing conditions like balance issues, chronic pain, And movement disorders.
Chiropractic Table is a specialized piece of equipment designed to support patients during chiropractic adjustments and therapies. Chiropractic Tables provide adjustable surfaces, drop mechanisms, And cushioning to enhance safety, comfort, And precision while allowing chiropractors to target specific areas of the spine or joints effectively.
Cold Laser Therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses low-level lasers or light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to stimulate healing and reduce pain and inflammation. Cold Laser Therapy doesn't produce heat, making it safe for skin and tissue. It's commonly used by chiropractors, physical therapists, And sports medicine professionals to treat musculoskeletal injuries, arthritis.
Decompression Therapy is a non-surgical, traction-based treatment designed to relieve pressure on the spine and spinal discs. Decompression Therapy gently stretches the spine using a motorized table or device, creating negative pressure within the discs to promote healing, reduce pain, And improve mobility for conditions like herniated discs, sciatica, And spinal stenosis.
Disc Herniation is a spinal condition where the soft inner gel of a spinal disc leaks through a tear in the disc’s tough outer layer. This leakage can press on nearby nerves, causing pain, numbness, Or weakness in the back, arms, Or legs. Disc herniations often occur in the lower back or neck and are commonly linked to 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 alignment, improve mobility, And reduce pain. Chiropractors use precise manual pressure to target misaligned vertebrae or joints, often producing a popping sound as gas releases from the joint.
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 strengthen muscles, reduce pain, improve circulation, And promote healing after injuries or surgery. It's commonly used in rehabilitation and chiropractic care to support recovery and enhance physical function.
Extremity Adjusting is a chiropractic technique focused on correcting misalignments in joints outside the spine, such as shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees, ankles, And feet. These adjustments aim to restore proper movement, reduce pain, And improve function by applying controlled force to the affected joint.
Flexion-Distraction is a gentle, non-surgical chiropractic technique used to treat spinal conditions like disc herniation, sciatica, And stenosis. It involves a specialized table that rhythmically stretches and flexes the spine to reduce pressure on spinal nerves, improve disc hydration, And restore motion. The method is evidence-based and widely used for patients who need low-force care.
Gonstead Technique is a precise, hands-on chiropractic method developed by Dr. Clarence Gonstead in the 1920s. Gonstead Technique focuses on identifying and correcting misalignments in the spine using detailed analysis, X-rays, And specific adjustments. This approach targets only the problematic vertebrae to restore proper function and reduce pain without unnecessary force.
Graston Technique is a form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization used by chiropractors and physical therapists to detect and treat scar tissue, fascial restrictions, And muscle tightness. It involves specialized stainless-steel tools to break down adhesions and improve range of motion, often reducing pain and accelerating recovery from injuries.
Intersegmental Traction is a chiropractic therapy that uses a specialized table to gently stretch and mobilize the spine. Rolling rollers move along the spine, creating space between vertebrae, improving flexibility, And promoting circulation to spinal discs. This passive treatment aims to restore spinal motion and reduce stiffness without manual adjustments.
Lumbar Spine is the lower part of the human spine, consisting of five large vertebrae labeled L1 through L5. These bones support most of the body’s weight, allow bending and twisting, And protect the spinal cord and nerves that connect to the legs. Problems in the lumbar spine often cause low back pain or sciatica.
Mobilization is a gentle, hands-on technique chiropractors use to restore movement in stiff or restricted joints. Mobilization involves slow, controlled stretches and movements applied to the spine or other joints to improve flexibility, reduce pain, And support natural healing without forceful thrusts.
Motion Palpation is a hands-on diagnostic technique chiropractors use to assess joint movement and identify areas of stiffness, restriction, Or abnormal motion in the spine or other joints.
National Board of Chiropractic Examiners is 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 national competency standards before receiving a license to practice in the United States.
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.
Orthopedic Testing is a series of hands-on examinations chiropractors and medical professionals use to identify musculoskeletal injuries or conditions. These tests involve specific movements, pressure, Or positions that reproduce symptoms, helping pinpoint the source of pain, stiffness.
Posture Correction is the process of identifying and improving improper body alignment to reduce strain, pain, And long-term damage. It involves exercises, ergonomic adjustments, And professional treatments like chiropractic care to restore natural spinal curves and muscle balance. Proper posture supports overall health, prevents injuries.
Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction is a condition where the sacroiliac joints, which connect the lower spine to the pelvis, become painful due to too much or too little movement. These joints support body weight and absorb shock during walking, running, Or standing. Dysfunction often causes lower back, hip.
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 be disabling and may reduce the space within the chest, making it harder for the lungs to function properly.
Soft Tissue Therapy is a hands-on treatment that targets muscles, tendons, ligaments, And fascia to reduce pain, improve mobility, And aid recovery. Soft Tissue Therapy uses techniques like massage, stretching, And pressure to break up scar tissue, release tension, And enhance blood flow to injured or overworked areas.
Spinal Decompression is a non-surgical treatment designed to relieve pressure on the spine and nerves. It involves gently stretching the spine using a motorized table or device to create negative pressure within spinal discs, which may help herniated or bulging discs retract, improve nutrient flow, And reduce pain in the back, neck, Or legs.
Spinal Stenosis is a condition where the spaces within the spine narrow, putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. This narrowing often occurs in the neck or lower back and can cause pain, numbness, Or weakness in the arms, legs, Or back. It typically develops slowly over time due to aging, arthritis.
Thompson Technique is a chiropractic method that uses a specialized drop-table to deliver gentle, low-force spinal adjustments. Developed by Dr. J. Clay Thompson in the 1950s, this technique relies on gravity and precise table mechanics to help realign vertebrae with minimal discomfort. It's commonly used for patients who prefer a lighter touch or have conditions requiring careful handling.
Trigger Point Therapy is a manual treatment method that targets tight knots in muscles, called trigger points, which cause pain and stiffness. A chiropractor or therapist applies focused pressure to these points to release tension, improve blood flow, And relieve referred pain in other parts of the body. This therapy helps restore muscle function and reduce discomfort without surgery or medication.
