Chiropractic Glossary

A low-force chiropractic technique using a small spring-loaded handheld instrument (the Activator adjusting instrument) to deliver a precise, gentle impulse to specific spinal or extremity joints. Often chosen for patients who prefer a non-thrusting approach, older adults, or cases where forceful manipulation is contraindicated.

A patented, movement-based soft tissue therapy used to treat problems in muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, and nerves. The provider applies precise tension to a restricted tissue while the patient moves the affected area through a specific range of motion, breaking up adhesions and restoring normal tissue function. Frequently used for repetitive-strain injuries, carpal tunnel, and sciatic nerve conditions.

Pain that has been present for fewer than 12 weeks, typically resulting from a specific injury, tissue damage, or sudden onset. Acute pain is the body's warning signal. Most acute musculoskeletal pain resolves within weeks with appropriate conservative treatment. Contrast with chronic pain.

The primary treatment intervention in chiropractic care. A controlled, directed force applied to a specific vertebral joint to restore proper motion, reduce nerve irritation, relieve pain, and improve spinal function. The terms "adjustment" and "spinal manipulation" are often used interchangeably, though chiropractors typically prefer "adjustment" to describe their specific clinical technique. Adjustments can be delivered by hand (manual) or with instruments.

See also: HVLA, Diversified Technique, Activator Method

The first cervical vertebra (C1), which sits directly beneath the skull and supports the weight of the head. The atlas allows the nodding motion of the head. Dysfunction at the atlas is associated with headaches, upper neck pain, and certain neurological symptoms. Upper cervical specialists place particular emphasis on atlas alignment.

The study of how mechanical forces act on and within the human body during movement, posture, and everyday activity. Chiropractors use biomechanical analysis to evaluate how you stand, walk, lift, and move — identifying abnormal stress patterns on the spine, joints, and soft tissues that may be contributing to pain or injury.

A condition in which the outer ring of an intervertebral disc (the annulus fibrosus) weakens and bulges outward beyond the normal disc margin, without fully rupturing. A bulging disc may or may not cause symptoms — it depends on whether the bulge presses on adjacent nerves or the spinal cord. Chiropractors often treat bulging discs with decompression, flexion-distraction, and postural rehabilitation. Contrast with disc herniation, where the disc material actually breaks through the outer ring.

The uppermost region of the spinal column, consisting of seven vertebrae labeled C1 through C7, running from the base of the skull to the top of the thoracic spine. The cervical spine supports the head, protects the upper spinal cord, and allows for a wide range of head and neck movement. It is a common site of pain, especially in people with poor posture or sedentary work habits.

A secondary headache that originates from structural dysfunction in the cervical spine — typically the upper three vertebral segments (C1–C3). Symptoms include one-sided head and neck pain, pain that worsens with neck movement or sustained postures, and reduced cervical range of motion. Cervicogenic headaches are distinguished from migraine and tension headaches by their neck origin and respond well to cervical manipulation and soft tissue therapy.

A licensed healthcare discipline focused on the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the musculoskeletal system — particularly the spine — and their effects on the nervous system and overall health. Founded in 1895 by D.D. Palmer, chiropractic emphasizes the relationship between spinal structure and function, and the body's inherent ability to heal. It is practiced in all 50 US states and is regulated by state licensing boards.

A licensed healthcare professional who has completed a four-year Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree program — typically requiring three or more years of prerequisite undergraduate study — and has passed national and state board examinations. Chiropractors are primary care providers for musculoskeletal conditions: they can diagnose, treat, order imaging (X-ray, MRI), and refer patients to other healthcare providers. All chiropractors practicing in the US are assigned an NPI number by CMS.

Pain that persists for 12 weeks or more, often beyond the normally expected period of tissue healing. Chronic pain may involve complex neurological sensitization, psychological factors (such as anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbance), and social contributors. Management often requires a multidisciplinary approach. Chiropractic care can be an effective component of chronic pain management, particularly for spinal conditions. Contrast with acute pain.

The tailbone — the small, triangular bony structure at the very base of the spine, formed from three to five fused vertebral segments. The coccyx can become painful (coccydynia) after a fall, childbirth, or prolonged sitting. Chiropractors may treat coccyx pain through targeted soft tissue work, sacroiliac adjustments, and postural guidance.

A specific condition, finding, or factor that makes a particular treatment inadvisable or potentially harmful. For chiropractic spinal manipulation, absolute contraindications include severe osteoporosis, spinal fracture, spinal cord compression, active infection of the spine, and certain vascular conditions. A qualified chiropractor will screen for contraindications during the initial examination and will modify or avoid techniques accordingly.

A treatment approach designed to relieve pressure on compressed spinal nerves, disc material, or the spinal cord by creating a gentle distractive force along the spine. Non-surgical spinal decompression can be achieved through traction, flexion-distraction technique, or motorized decompression tables. It is commonly used for disc herniations, bulging discs, sciatica, and spinal stenosis. Not to be confused with surgical decompression procedures.

See also: Flexion-distraction therapy, Traction

A condition in which the soft, gel-like inner material of an intervertebral disc (the nucleus pulposus) breaks through or bulges past a weakened area of the outer ring (annulus fibrosus), potentially pressing on nearby spinal nerves or the spinal cord. Symptoms can include sharp localized pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness radiating into the arm (cervical herniation) or leg (lumbar herniation, i.e., sciatica). Chiropractic care, particularly flexion-distraction and spinal manipulation, is a common conservative treatment option.

The most widely taught and practiced chiropractic technique, involving manual high-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) thrusts applied to specific spinal and extremity joints to restore proper movement and reduce pain. The audible "pop" (cavitation) commonly associated with chiropractic adjustments occurs most often with Diversified Technique. It is the foundation taught in most Doctor of Chiropractic programs.

See also: HVLA, Adjustment

The professional degree earned upon completing an accredited chiropractic college program, typically four years in length following undergraduate prerequisites. DC programs include coursework in anatomy, physiology, pathology, radiology, nutrition, and clinical sciences, plus extensive supervised clinical training. After graduating, candidates must pass four parts of the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) exam plus individual state licensing exams. See also: Chiropractor, NPI.

The science of designing workplaces, tools, tasks, and environments to fit the capabilities and limitations of the human body, reducing the risk of musculoskeletal strain and injury. Chiropractors frequently provide ergonomic counseling as part of a treatment plan — addressing workstation setup (monitor height, chair support, keyboard position), sleeping position, driving posture, and safe lifting mechanics to reduce spinal stress and prevent recurrence of pain.

Small paired synovial joints at the back of each vertebral segment that guide and limit spinal movement while allowing the vertebrae to glide against each other. Each spinal level has two facet joints (left and right). Facet joint dysfunction, injury, or osteoarthritis (facet syndrome) is a common cause of localized back or neck pain that often worsens with extension (bending backward) or rotation. Chiropractic manipulation and mobilization are frequently used to restore facet joint mobility.

A gentle, non-thrusting chiropractic technique performed on a specialized table that gently flexes and distracts (separates) the lumbar spine in a cyclical rhythmic motion. This decompresses intervertebral discs, increases disc height, and stretches spinal muscles and ligaments without high-velocity force. It is particularly effective for disc herniations, sciatica, lumbar spinal stenosis, and failed back surgery syndrome. Developed by Dr. James Cox.

See also: Decompression, Traction

A systematic evaluation of a patient's movement patterns during functional tasks — such as squatting, lunging, stepping, or reaching — to identify asymmetries, movement restrictions, and compensations that may predispose a person to injury or contribute to existing pain. Many chiropractors incorporate standardized screens (such as the Functional Movement Screen) to guide rehabilitation planning and exercise prescription.

A chiropractic technique system developed by Dr. Clarence Gonstead emphasizing very specific spinal analysis before adjusting. Analysis involves five components: visualization (posture and gait), instrumentation (heat-sensing instruments to detect inflammation), static palpation (feeling spinal segments for tenderness and swelling), motion palpation (assessing joint movement), and X-ray analysis (full-spine standing films). Only the vertebral segments identified as dysfunctional are adjusted, using a precise, specific thrust.

The technical biomechanical term for the classic chiropractic adjustment. "High-velocity" means the thrust is applied quickly; "low-amplitude" means it moves the joint only a short distance — just past the normal passive range of motion into the paraphysiological space. This combination produces the joint cavitation (audible "pop" or "crack") caused by gas rapidly releasing from the synovial joint fluid. HVLA manipulation is the basis of the Diversified Technique and is the most-studied form of chiropractic intervention.

See also: Adjustment, Diversified Technique

A soft tissue technique using specially designed handheld stainless steel or synthetic tools to detect and treat areas of scar tissue, fascial restriction, and chronic inflammation in muscles and connective tissue. The instruments transmit feedback to the clinician's hands, helping identify and break down fibrotic adhesions. The Graston Technique is the most well-known branded IASTM system. IASTM promotes tissue remodeling, improves circulation, and reduces pain associated with overuse injuries, tendinopathies, and surgical scars.

A cartilaginous structure positioned between adjacent vertebral bodies that acts as a cushion, shock absorber, and spacer, allowing spinal movement while distributing load. Each disc has a tough outer ring called the annulus fibrosus and a soft, gel-like center called the nucleus pulposus. The health of intervertebral discs is central to spinal function; disc degeneration, bulging, or herniation are among the most common sources of spinal pain treated by chiropractors.

See also: Nucleus pulposus, Disc herniation, Bulging disc

A manual therapy technique in which the practitioner moves a joint through its range of motion using slow, sustained, or rhythmic low-velocity forces — without the high-velocity thrust of a traditional HVLA adjustment. Joint mobilization restores normal joint play, reduces stiffness, and decreases pain. It is used when forceful manipulation is not appropriate — for example, in osteoporosis, acute inflammation, or patient preference. Grades I through V describe the force and amplitude used.

See also: HVLA, Adjustment

The application of a thin, stretchy elastic therapeutic tape (such as Kinesio Tex Tape or KT Tape) to the skin over muscles, joints, and fascial lines. Unlike rigid athletic tape, kinesiology tape allows full range of motion. It is used to support injured muscles and joints, reduce pain and swelling, improve proprioception (body position awareness), and facilitate or inhibit specific muscle activation. Many chiropractors apply kinesiology tape as an adjunct to manual therapy and rehabilitation.

The natural inward (concave, anterior) curvature of the spine present in the cervical (neck) and lumbar (lower back) regions. A healthy lordotic curve acts as a spring to absorb mechanical forces. Hyperlordosis refers to an exaggerated inward curve (sometimes called "swayback" in the lumbar spine); hypolordosis or a "flat back" refers to a reduced curve. Both deviations can alter spinal load distribution and contribute to pain. Chiropractors frequently address lordotic abnormalities through spinal adjustments and corrective exercises.

The lower section of the spinal column, consisting of five large vertebrae labeled L1 through L5, situated between the thoracic spine above and the sacrum below. The lumbar spine bears the majority of the body's weight during standing and is responsible for most bending and lifting movement. It is the most common site of back pain and disc herniation, and a primary area of focus for chiropractic treatment.

A hands-on procedure in which a clinician applies a controlled force to a vertebral joint to restore motion, reduce pain, and improve function. The terms "spinal manipulation" and "chiropractic adjustment" are often used interchangeably, though "spinal manipulation" is the clinical and insurance term used in Medicare billing ("spinal manipulation for subluxation"). Spinal manipulation is also performed by some osteopathic physicians (DOs) and physical therapists.

See also: Adjustment, HVLA, Subluxation

A hands-on soft tissue technique targeting the fascia — the dense connective tissue that surrounds, separates, and interconnects muscles, organs, and other structures throughout the body. Fascia can become restricted, thickened, or scarred from injury, surgery, inflammation, or postural strain. By applying sustained, low-load pressure to areas of fascial restriction, the practitioner aims to restore tissue mobility, reduce pain, and improve movement. Myofascial release is often used alongside spinal adjustments in chiropractic care.

See also: Soft tissue therapy, Trigger point, IASTM

The initial segment of a spinal nerve as it exits the spinal cord and passes through an opening (intervertebral foramen) in the vertebral column. At each vertebral level, there is a left and right nerve root. Compression or irritation of a nerve root — from a herniated disc, bone spur, inflamed ligament, or narrowed foramen — causes radiculopathy: pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that travels along the nerve's pathway into the arm or leg.

See also: Radiculopathy, Sciatica, Disc herniation

A unique, permanent 10-digit identification number issued by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to every licensed healthcare provider in the United States, including all practicing chiropractors. The NPI is used for insurance billing, claims processing, and provider lookups. It is publicly searchable in the NPPES (National Plan and Provider Enumeration System) database maintained by CMS. All providers listed in the MyChiros directory are NPI-verified.

The soft, gel-like inner core of an intervertebral disc, composed primarily of water, proteoglycans, and collagen. It functions as a hydraulic cushion, distributing compressive forces evenly across the disc. As discs age, the nucleus loses water content and becomes less effective at shock absorption. In a disc herniation, the nucleus pulposus pushes through or ruptures the outer annulus fibrosus, potentially pressing on spinal nerves.

See also: Intervertebral disc, Disc herniation

A clinical examination procedure used to stress specific anatomical structures — joints, muscles, ligaments, or nerves — to help diagnose the source of pain or dysfunction. A positive orthopedic test suggests the tested structure may be involved. Common examples include the Straight Leg Raise (testing for lumbar disc herniation or sciatica), Spurling's Test (for cervical radiculopathy), Kemp's Test (for lumbar facet involvement), and Ortolani's/Patrick's FABER test (for hip or sacroiliac joint pathology). Chiropractors perform a battery of orthopedic and neurological tests during the initial examination.

A degenerative joint disease characterized by the gradual breakdown of articular cartilage, leading to increased friction between bones, pain, stiffness, reduced range of motion, and sometimes bony overgrowth (bone spurs or osteophytes). It is the most common form of arthritis and frequently affects the spinal facet joints, hips, and knees. While chiropractic care cannot reverse joint degeneration, it can help manage symptoms, maintain joint mobility, reduce pain, and slow functional decline.

A hands-on examination method in which the chiropractor uses their fingertips and hands to feel the spine and surrounding soft tissues. Static palpation assesses tenderness, muscle spasm, swelling, and tissue texture while the patient is at rest. Motion palpation evaluates the quality and quantity of movement at each individual spinal segment as the chiropractor moves the patient through various positions. Palpation findings help identify which joints need to be adjusted and which tissues need soft tissue treatment.

A neuromuscular condition in which the piriformis muscle — located deep in the buttock — becomes tight, inflamed, or spasmed and irritates or compresses the sciatic nerve as it passes through or near the muscle. Symptoms include deep buttock pain, hip pain, and sciatica-like radiating pain down the leg, often worsened by prolonged sitting. Sometimes called "wallet neuritis" because sitting on a wallet in the back pocket can aggravate it. Chiropractic treatment typically includes soft tissue work on the piriformis, sacroiliac adjustment, and stretching.

See also: Sciatica, Referred pain

A systematic evaluation of a patient's body alignment in standing, sitting, and lying positions. The chiropractor looks for postural deviations such as forward head posture, uneven shoulder or hip height, abnormal spinal curvatures, and pelvic tilt. Postural assessment helps identify structural imbalances that may be contributing to pain and guides treatment planning. It is typically repeated over the course of care to track improvement.

See also: Scoliosis, Lordosis, Functional movement assessment

Pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that radiates from the spine along the path of a compressed or irritated spinal nerve root. Cervical radiculopathy radiates into the shoulder, arm, or hand; lumbar radiculopathy (commonly called sciatica when it follows the sciatic nerve) radiates into the buttock, leg, or foot. Radiculopathy is diagnosed based on symptom pattern, physical examination findings, and imaging (MRI, CT scan). Conservative chiropractic care — including manipulation, decompression, and flexion-distraction — is a common first-line treatment.

See also: Sciatica, Nerve root, Disc herniation

The extent to which a joint can move through its full arc of movement, measured in degrees. Normal ranges are established for each spinal region and each direction of movement (flexion, extension, lateral bending, rotation). Restricted range of motion is a key indicator of joint dysfunction, muscle tightness, or structural pathology. Chiropractors measure ROM during the initial examination and throughout care to assess impairment and document functional improvement.

Pain perceived at a location other than its actual anatomical source. For example, trigger points in the gluteal or hip muscles may cause referred pain that feels like sciatica down the leg; cervical facet joint problems can cause referred pain into the shoulder or head. Understanding referred pain patterns is important for accurate diagnosis — it helps distinguish pain originating from the spine versus local structures. Chiropractors are trained to recognize common referral patterns to avoid misdiagnosis.

See also: Trigger point, Radiculopathy

The joint connecting the sacrum (the triangular bone at the base of the spine) to the ilium (the large pelvic bone) on each side. The SI joint transfers forces between the spine and the lower extremities and acts as a shock absorber during walking. SI joint dysfunction is a frequently overlooked but common cause of low back pain, buttock pain, and sometimes leg pain. Chiropractors diagnose SI joint problems through orthopedic testing and treat them with targeted pelvic adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and stabilization exercises.

Pain, numbness, or tingling that travels along the path of the sciatic nerve — the largest nerve in the body — from the lower back or buttock through the back of one leg and into the foot. Sciatica is a symptom, not a diagnosis; its underlying causes include lumbar disc herniation, spinal stenosis, piriformis syndrome, and sacroiliac joint dysfunction. Most cases involve nerve roots L4–S1. Chiropractic care, particularly spinal manipulation and flexion-distraction therapy, is a well-studied conservative treatment for sciatic nerve pain.

See also: Radiculopathy, Disc herniation, Piriformis syndrome

An abnormal lateral (sideways) curvature of the spine, typically appearing as a "C" or "S" shape on a standing X-ray. In structural scoliosis, the vertebrae rotate along with the lateral curve, producing rib cage asymmetry. Most cases (80%) are idiopathic (no known cause) and are detected in adolescence. Functional scoliosis is caused by postural habits, muscle imbalances, or leg length differences and may be correctable. Chiropractic care can help manage pain and improve function in mild-to-moderate scoliosis; severe curves may require orthotic bracing or surgical evaluation.

A broad category of manual treatment techniques that target the soft tissues of the body — muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia — rather than the bones and joints. Includes therapeutic massage, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, stretching, Active Release Technique, and instrument-assisted methods (IASTM). Soft tissue therapy is frequently used alongside spinal adjustments to address muscle tension, scar tissue, and restricted mobility that contribute to pain and dysfunction.

See also: Myofascial release, Trigger point, IASTM, Active Release Technique

A narrowing of the spinal canal (central stenosis) or the openings through which spinal nerve roots exit (foraminal stenosis), which can compress the spinal cord or nerve roots. Most common in adults over 50 due to disc degeneration, bone spurs, and ligament thickening. Symptoms include pain, cramping, numbness, or weakness — especially in the legs — that typically worsens with standing or walking and is relieved by sitting or bending forward (neurogenic claudication). Chiropractic care, particularly flexion-distraction and postural rehabilitation, can help manage symptoms in moderate cases.

In chiropractic terminology, a "vertebral subluxation complex" refers to a spinal segment that is restricted in motion, misaligned, or causing altered neurological function — and which the chiropractor addresses through adjustment. This is the term used by Medicare when covering chiropractic services ("spinal manipulation for subluxation"). Note that the chiropractic definition differs from the medical/orthopedic definition, in which subluxation means a partial joint dislocation. When your chiropractor uses this term, they are referring to a joint that is not moving or functioning optimally.

See also: Adjustment, Manipulation, Vertebral subluxation

The middle section of the spinal column, consisting of twelve vertebrae labeled T1 through T12, each of which articulates with a pair of ribs to form the posterior thoracic cage. The thoracic spine is less mobile than the cervical or lumbar regions due to the ribcage attachment. Thoracic dysfunction can contribute to mid-back pain, rib pain, breathing discomfort, and — through postural compensation — neck and lower back pain. Thoracic adjustments are also commonly used to treat certain types of headaches and shoulder pain.

A treatment technique that applies a steady pulling force along the axis of the spine to separate vertebrae, decompress intervertebral discs, stretch paraspinal muscles, and relieve nerve root pressure. Traction can be applied mechanically (motorized traction table), manually by the practitioner, or through gravity (inversion therapy). It is used for disc herniations, radiculopathy, facet joint pain, and spinal stenosis. Flexion-distraction is a form of manual traction specific to chiropractic practice.

See also: Flexion-distraction therapy, Decompression

A hyperirritable spot within a taut band of skeletal muscle that produces local tenderness and a predictable pattern of referred pain when pressed or needled. Trigger points (colloquially called "muscle knots") develop from acute trauma, repetitive overuse, sustained postural strain, or stress. Active trigger points cause pain at rest and with movement; latent trigger points are only painful when compressed. Treatment includes sustained manual pressure, dry needling, spray-and-stretch techniques, and soft tissue massage. Many chiropractors integrate trigger point therapy into their practice.

See also: Referred pain, Myofascial release, Soft tissue therapy

A physical therapy modality that uses high-frequency sound waves (above the range of human hearing) delivered through a handheld transducer moved over the skin surface. Therapeutic ultrasound can produce thermal effects (deep tissue heating to increase circulation and tissue extensibility) and non-thermal mechanical effects (cavitation and streaming to reduce inflammation and promote tissue healing). It is commonly used in chiropractic offices for soft tissue injuries, tendinopathies, muscle spasm, and scar tissue breakdown — typically as an adjunct to manual therapy rather than a standalone treatment.

One of the individual bones that make up the spinal column. A typical vertebra has a body (the large, weight-bearing anterior portion), a vertebral arch (which surrounds and protects the spinal canal), and several processes (spinous, transverse, and articular) that serve as attachment points for muscles and ligaments and form the facet joints. The 33 vertebrae are organized into five regions: cervical (C1–C7), thoracic (T1–T12), lumbar (L1–L5), sacral (S1–S5, fused into the sacrum), and coccygeal (3–5 fused segments forming the coccyx).

The chiropractic term — and the Medicare-recognized term for billing purposes — for a spinal joint that is not functioning optimally due to restricted movement, misalignment, or associated neurological interference. Chiropractors identify vertebral subluxations through palpation, postural analysis, range-of-motion testing, and sometimes imaging, and correct them through spinal adjustment. The concept of the "vertebral subluxation complex" encompasses not only joint dysfunction but also the surrounding muscle, nerve, and vascular changes associated with it.

See also: Subluxation, Adjustment

A chiropractic analysis and treatment technique developed by Dr. Larry Webster, most commonly applied during pregnancy. It involves specific sacral analysis and adjustment combined with soft tissue release of the round ligament (a uterine support ligament). The Webster Technique aims to optimize pelvic alignment and reduce intrauterine constraint, which may encourage favorable fetal positioning. It is recognized by the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) and widely sought by pregnant patients in the third trimester.

An injury to the soft tissues of the neck caused by a rapid back-and-forth acceleration-deceleration motion of the head, most commonly occurring in rear-end automobile collisions. Whiplash can sprain cervical muscles and ligaments, cause disc injury, stress the facet joints, and sometimes cause neurological symptoms. The formal term is Cervical Acceleration-Deceleration (CAD) injury or Whiplash-Associated Disorder (WAD). Chiropractic care — including cervical manipulation, soft tissue therapy, and rehabilitative exercise — is one of the most common and evidence-supported treatments for whiplash injuries.

Radiographic imaging used by chiropractors to assess spinal alignment, disc height, vertebral structure, bone density, fractures, scoliosis curves, and structural abnormalities. Chiropractic X-rays are typically taken in standing (weight-bearing) positions to reflect real-life loading on the spine. X-rays are useful for ruling out serious pathology (fracture, tumor, infection) and for measuring scoliosis or spinal curvatures. However, current clinical guidelines generally discourage routine X-rays for uncomplicated acute low back pain without red-flag symptoms. When your chiropractor recommends X-rays, ask about the clinical reason for the imaging.