Browse 33 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 tension with patient movement to break up scar tissue, adhesions, And tight muscles. Developed by chiropractor P. Michael Leahy, it targets overused muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, And nerves to restore mobility and reduce pain without surgery or medication.
Acute Pain is sudden, sharp, Or intense discomfort that lasts for a short period, typically less than three to six months. Acute Pain serves as a warning signal from the body that injury, illness, Or tissue damage has occurred or may be occurring. It usually resolves once the underlying cause is treated or healed.
Adjustment is a controlled, precise force applied by a chiropractor to a specific joint in the spine or other body part to restore proper movement, reduce pain, And improve function. Adjustments are often accompanied by a popping or cracking sound caused by gas releasing from the joint, which is normal and harmless.
Atlas Orthogonal is a gentle, precise chiropractic technique focused on correcting misalignment of the atlas vertebra, the top bone in the neck. Atlas Orthogonal uses a specialized instrument to deliver a low-force adjustment without cracking or twisting the spine, aiming to restore proper nerve function and spinal balance.
Back Pain is discomfort, soreness, Or stiffness felt anywhere along the spine, from the neck to the lower back. Back Pain can be sharp, dull, constant, Or occasional, And may result from injury, poor posture, muscle strain, Or underlying medical conditions like herniated discs or arthritis. It affects daily activities and quality of life for millions of people.
Board Certified Chiropractic Neurologist is a chiropractor who completes additional training and passes rigorous exams to specialize in diagnosing and treating neurological disorders without surgery or drugs. This certification focuses on brain, spine, And nervous system health, often addressing balance issues, chronic pain, And movement disorders.
Chiropractic is a healthcare profession focused on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders, particularly those related to the spine. Chiropractors use hands-on spinal manipulation and other alternative treatments to align the body’s musculoskeletal structure, aiming to enable the body to heal itself without surgery or medication. The practice emphasizes the relationship between the spine and nervous system and its impact on overall health.
Chiropractic BioPhysics is a chiropractic technique that combines biology, physiology, And physics to analyze and correct spinal alignment and posture. It uses precise measurements, x-rays, And mirror-image adjustments to restore the spine to its ideal shape, aiming to reduce pain, improve function, And enhance overall health.
Chronic Pain is persistent discomfort lasting three months or longer, often continuing even after the initial injury or illness has healed. Unlike short-term pain, chronic pain can affect daily activities, mood, And overall quality of life, requiring ongoing management rather than a quick cure.
Coccyx Pain is discomfort or soreness in the small triangular bone at the base of the spine, known as the coccyx or tailbone. It often results from injury, prolonged sitting, childbirth, Or repetitive strain, causing sharp or dull pain that worsens with movement, pressure, Or sitting for long periods.
Cold Laser Therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses low-level light lasers to promote healing and reduce pain and inflammation in muscles, joints, And soft tissues. Unlike surgical lasers, cold lasers don't generate heat, making the procedure painless. It's often used in chiropractic care, physical therapy, And sports medicine to accelerate recovery from injuries and chronic conditions.
Degenerative Disc Disease is a condition where the spinal discs, which act as cushions between the vertebrae, wear down over time. This wear can lead to pain, reduced flexibility, And nerve irritation, often due to aging, injury, Or repetitive stress. It's not a disease but a natural process that can cause discomfort and limit movement.
Diversified Technique is the most widely used chiropractic adjustment method. It involves precise manual thrusts to restore joint motion, reduce pain, And improve spinal function. Chiropractors use their hands to apply controlled force to misaligned vertebrae or joints, often producing a popping sound called cavitation.
Flexion Distraction is a gentle, non-surgical chiropractic technique used to treat lower back pain, herniated discs, And sciatica. It involves a specialized table that stretches and decompresses the spine, improving mobility and reducing pressure on spinal nerves. The method combines slow, rhythmic movements with targeted pressure to restore spinal function without forceful manipulation.
Graston Technique is a form of manual therapy that uses specialized stainless-steel instruments to detect and treat soft-tissue restrictions, scar tissue, And fascial adhesions. These instruments help clinicians identify areas of dysfunction and apply controlled pressure to break down adhesions, improve circulation.
Herniated Disc is a spinal condition where the soft inner gel of a spinal disc leaks through a tear in its tough 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 are sometimes called slipped or ruptured discs.
Intervertebral Disc is intervertebral Discs are flexible, cushion-like pads located between the vertebrae of the spine. Each disc acts as a shock absorber, preventing bones from rubbing together during movement. They consist of a tough outer layer called the annulus fibrosus and a soft, gel-like center known as the nucleus pulposus. These discs also help maintain spinal flexibility and proper spacing between vertebrae.
Ligament is ligaments are strong, flexible bands of connective tissue that connect bones to other bones at joints. They provide stability, limit excessive movement, And help prevent dislocations. Ligaments contain collagen fibers, which give them strength and elasticity, allowing joints to function properly during physical activities.
Manual Therapy is a hands-on treatment method used by healthcare providers, including chiropractors, to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal conditions. Manual Therapy involves skilled movements such as stretching, pressure, And joint mobilization to improve mobility, reduce pain, And restore function in muscles, joints, And soft tissues without surgery or medication.
Myofascial Release is a hands-on therapy that gently stretches and loosens the fascia, the thin layer of connective tissue surrounding muscles, bones, And organs. This technique aims to relieve tension, improve mobility, And reduce pain by addressing tightness or restrictions in the fascia caused by injury, inflammation, Or poor posture. It is often used alongside other treatments to help restore movement and comfort.
Nerve Compression is a condition where a nerve is pressed, squeezed, Or pinched by surrounding tissues such as bones, muscles, tendons, Or discs. This pressure disrupts the nerve’s normal function, causing pain, numbness, tingling, Or weakness in the affected area. Nerve Compression often occurs in the spine, wrists, Or elbows and may result from injury, repetitive motion, Or poor posture.
Orthotic is orthotics are custom or prefabricated devices worn inside shoes to support, align, Or improve the function of the feet, ankles, And legs. Orthotics help correct abnormal foot mechanics, reduce pain, And prevent injuries by redistributing pressure and stabilizing gait. They're commonly prescribed for conditions like flat feet, plantar fasciitis, Or knee pain.
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. Personal Injury Protection is often called 'no-fault' insurance because it covers the policyholder and passengers without needing to determine fault first.
Posture Correction is the process of identifying and improving the alignment of the spine, shoulders, hips, And head to reduce strain on muscles, joints, And nerves. It involves exercises, ergonomic adjustments, manual therapy.
Sciatica is nerve pain that starts in the lower back and travels down one leg, often caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve. Sciatica symptoms include sharp, burning, Or shooting pain, numbness, tingling, Or muscle weakness in the buttock, thigh, calf, Or foot. The pain usually affects only one side of the body and can worsen with sitting, coughing, Or sneezing.
Soft Tissue Therapy is a hands-on treatment method that targets muscles, tendons, ligaments, And fascia to reduce pain, improve mobility, And speed recovery. Soft Tissue Therapy uses manual pressure, stretching, And specialized techniques to break up scar tissue, ease tension, And restore normal function after injuries, overuse.
Spinal Decompression is a non-surgical treatment designed to relieve pressure on the spine and intervertebral discs. This therapy uses controlled traction to gently stretch the spine, creating negative pressure within the discs. The goal is to promote healing, reduce pain, And improve mobility for conditions like herniated discs, sciatica, And degenerative disc disease.
Spinal Manipulation is a hands-on therapy technique used by chiropractors and other healthcare providers to apply controlled force to a joint in the spine. This force helps improve spinal motion, reduce pain, And restore function by relieving pressure on nerves, muscles, And discs. The procedure often produces a popping or cracking sound due to gas releasing from the joint.
Subluxation is a partial dislocation of a joint, particularly in the spine, where vertebrae shift out of their normal position but don't fully dislocate. This misalignment can irritate nerves, disrupt communication between the brain and body, And contribute to pain, stiffness, Or reduced function. Chiropractors identify and correct subluxations to improve mobility and overall health.
Thompson Drop Technique is a chiropractic adjustment method that uses a specialized table with padded sections that drop slightly when the chiropractor applies a quick thrust to the spine or joints. This gentle drop helps reduce the force needed while improving the effectiveness of the adjustment, making it comfortable for patients of all ages.
Trigger Point Therapy is a manual treatment technique used to relieve pain and muscle tension by applying focused pressure to specific tight areas, called trigger points, within muscle tissue. These points often cause referred pain, meaning discomfort in other parts of the body. The therapy aims to release tension, improve blood flow, And restore normal muscle function without surgery or medication.
Vertebra is one of the 33 individual bones that stack together to form the human spine. Each vertebra has a strong, bony body in front and a ring-like arch in back that protects the spinal cord. Vertebrae support body weight, allow movement, And shield nerves running through the spinal canal.
Workers Compensation is a state-mandated insurance program that provides medical benefits, wage replacement, And rehabilitation services to employees who suffer job-related injuries or illnesses. Workers Compensation ensures injured workers receive prompt care without proving employer fault. While employers gain protection from lawsuits related to workplace injuries.
