Browse 30 essential chiropractor terms and definitions used by professionals in Hendersonville.
Term Index
Open any term below for a dedicated definition page.
Active Release Technique is a hands-on soft tissue treatment that combines movement and precise pressure to break up scar tissue and adhesions in muscles, tendons, And ligaments. Active Release Technique aims to restore normal function, reduce pain, And improve flexibility by targeting areas where repetitive strain, injury, Or overuse has caused tissue damage.
Acute Pain is sudden, sharp discomfort that lasts from a few seconds to less than three months. Acute Pain signals the body that something is wrong, often due to injury, surgery, Or illness. Unlike long-term pain, Acute Pain usually fades once the cause heals or is treated.
Adjustment is a controlled, manual force applied by a chiropractor to a specific joint in the spine or other body area to improve alignment, reduce pain, And restore normal movement. Adjustments are precise, gentle, And tailored to each patient’s condition, often producing a popping sound as gas releases from the joint.
CBP is Chiropractic BioPhysics, a research-based chiropractic technique that combines spinal adjustments, postural exercises, And spinal traction to correct abnormal spinal alignment and improve overall posture. CBP aims to restore natural spinal curves, reduce pain, And enhance nervous system function by using precise, measurable methods to guide treatment.
Chiropractic Adjustment is a precise manual procedure performed by a licensed chiropractor to restore proper joint motion and alignment, primarily in the spine. Chiropractic Adjustments use controlled force, direction, And speed to improve function, reduce nerve irritation, And relieve pain without surgery or medication. The technique targets specific joints that show restricted movement or misalignment.
Chiropractic BioPhysics is a science-based approach to chiropractic care that combines biology, physics, And spinal alignment principles to correct posture and spinal deformities. It uses precise measurements, X-rays, And customized treatment plans to improve spinal health, reduce pain, And restore normal body function over time.
Chiropractic Care is a health care profession focused on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders, primarily through manual adjustments and manipulations of the spine. Chiropractic Care aims 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, And injuries from accidents or repetitive strain.
Chiropractic Neurology is a specialized branch of chiropractic care that focuses on the relationship between the nervous system and spinal health. It uses non-surgical, drug-free techniques to diagnose and treat neurological disorders by evaluating how the brain, spinal cord, And nerves function together. Practitioners assess movement, balance, And sensory responses to identify and correct neurological imbalances.
Chronic Pain is persistent discomfort that lasts for three months or longer, often continuing even after the initial injury or illness has healed. Chronic Pain can stem from conditions like arthritis, nerve damage, Or back problems, And may affect daily activities, mood, And sleep. Unlike short-term pain, it requires ongoing management rather than a quick fix.
Decompression Therapy is a non-surgical treatment designed to relieve pressure on the spine and affected nerves. It uses controlled mechanical traction to gently stretch the spine, promoting healing by improving blood flow, reducing disc bulges, And easing pain in conditions like herniated discs, sciatica, And chronic back pain.
Doctor of Chiropractic is a licensed healthcare professional who specializes in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders, particularly those related to the spine. Doctors of Chiropractic use non-surgical, drug-free approaches, such as spinal adjustments, to improve function, reduce pain, And support the body’s natural ability to heal. They complete a rigorous graduate-level education and must pass national board exams to practice.
EMG is a medical test that measures electrical activity in muscles and nerves. EMG helps doctors diagnose muscle disorders, nerve damage, Or problems where nerves connect to muscles. Tiny needles or surface sensors record signals when muscles move or rest. The test is safe and provides key details for treatment plans.
Flexion-Distraction Technique is a gentle, non-surgical chiropractic method used to treat spinal conditions like herniated discs, sciatica, And back pain. It involves a specialized table that stretches and flexes the spine, creating space between vertebrae to relieve pressure on nerves and improve mobility without forceful manipulation.
Graston Technique is an evidence-based form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization used by chiropractors, physical therapists, And athletic trainers. Graston Technique involves specialized stainless-steel tools to detect and treat areas of scar tissue, fascial restrictions, And chronic inflammation in muscles, tendons, And ligaments. The goal is to improve range of motion, reduce pain, And accelerate healing after injuries or overuse.
Herniated Disc is a spinal condition where the soft, gel-like center of a spinal disc pushes through a crack in the tougher outer layer, often pressing on nearby nerves. This can cause pain, numbness, Or weakness in the back, neck, arms, Or legs, depending on the disc’s location along the spine.
Intersegmental Traction is a chiropractic therapy that gently stretches and mobilizes the spine using a specialized table with rolling rollers or mechanical segments. The treatment aims to improve spinal joint mobility, reduce stiffness, And enhance circulation to spinal discs and muscles without manual manipulation.
Ligament Sprain is an injury to a ligament—the tough, fibrous tissue that connects bones to other bones at joints—caused by overstretching or tearing. Ligament sprains commonly occur during sports, falls, Or sudden twists, leading to pain, swelling, And reduced joint stability. Severity ranges from mild stretching to complete tears, affecting mobility and recovery time.
Muscle Strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon—the fibrous tissue connecting muscle to bone—caused by overstretching, overuse, Or sudden force. Muscle Strains range from mild discomfort to severe tears, often resulting in pain, swelling, And limited movement. They commonly occur in the back, neck, hamstrings.
Myofascial Release is a hands-on therapy that gently stretches and loosens tight connective tissue called fascia to ease pain, improve movement, And help muscles work better. It involves slow, sustained pressure on stiff or sore areas to release tension and restore normal tissue function.
Neck Strain is an injury to the muscles or tendons in the neck caused by overuse, poor posture, Or sudden movement. Neck Strain results in pain, stiffness, And limited range of motion, often due to activities like sitting at a desk, carrying heavy bags, Or sleeping in an awkward position. It is typically not severe but can disrupt daily activities if untreated.
Nerve Compression is a condition where a nerve is squeezed or pressed by surrounding tissues like bones, muscles, tendons, Or discs. This pressure disrupts the nerve’s normal function, causing pain, tingling, numbness, Or weakness in the affected area. Nerve Compression often occurs in the spine, wrists, Or elbows and can result from injury, repetitive motion, Or poor posture.
Personal Injury Protection is a type of car insurance coverage that pays for medical expenses, lost wages, And other costs after an auto accident, regardless of who caused the crash. It's often called 'no-fault' insurance because it covers the policyholder and passengers without requiring legal blame to be assigned first. Coverage amounts and rules vary by state.
Posture Correction is the process of identifying and adjusting misaligned body positions to improve spinal health, reduce pain, And prevent long-term damage. It involves exercises, ergonomic changes, And sometimes professional treatments to retrain muscles and joints into proper alignment. Poor posture can strain muscles, compress nerves.
Radiculopathy is a medical condition caused by compression, inflammation, Or injury to a spinal nerve root as it exits the spinal cord. This pressure disrupts nerve signals, leading to pain, numbness, tingling, Or weakness that often travels into the arms or legs. Radiculopathy most commonly affects the lower back (lumbar) or neck (cervical) regions.
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 includes techniques like massage, myofascial release, And stretching to address injuries, overuse, Or tension without surgery or medication.
Spinal Adjustment is a hands-on procedure performed by a chiropractor to apply controlled force to a specific joint in the spine. This technique aims to improve spinal motion, reduce nerve irritation, And restore proper alignment, often resulting in decreased pain and improved function. It's a core component of chiropractic care used to address musculoskeletal issues.
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, helping herniated or bulging discs retract and promoting healing by allowing oxygen, water, And nutrient-rich fluids to move into the discs.
Spinal Manipulation is a hands-on technique used by chiropractors and other trained healthcare providers to apply controlled force to joints in the spine. This method aims to improve spinal motion, reduce pain, And restore function by addressing stiffness, misalignment, Or restricted movement in the vertebrae. The procedure often produces a popping sound caused by the release of gas from joint fluid.
TENS Unit is a small, battery-powered medical device that delivers mild electrical pulses through skin electrodes to help reduce pain. TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. The device is often used for temporary relief of muscle, joint, Or nerve pain without medication or surgery.
Workers Compensation is a state-mandated insurance program that provides medical benefits and wage replacement to employees who suffer job-related injuries or illnesses. Workers Compensation covers treatment costs, rehabilitation, And partial lost wages without requiring proof of employer fault. While preventing most lawsuits against employers.
