Glossary

Biomechanics: The study of the body’s movement and the impact on musculoskeletal health.

Brace: Orthopedic support devices provide stability and reduce stress on injured areas.

Back Pain: Discomfort or distress experienced in the lumbar spine region.

Chiropractic Care Plan: A personalized program outlining treatment strategies and goals for patients.

Cervical Spine: The segment of the spine that is located in the neck consisting of seven vertebrae.

Core Strengthening: Exercises to strengthen muscles supporting the spine, promoting stability and balance.

Diagnostic Imaging: Techniques like X-rays or MRIs visualize and diagnose spinal issues.

Disc Herniation: Protrusion of an intervertebral disc, potentially compressing spinal nerves and causing pain.

Ergonomics: Study of workplace or home setup to optimize posture and reduce stress on the musculoskeletal system.

Electrical Stimulation: Therapeutic technique using electrical currents to stimulate muscles or nerves for pain relief.

Extremity Adjustments: Chiropractic adjustments targeting joints outside the spine, such as shoulders, hips, and knees.

Functional Rehabilitation: Exercises and therapies to restore normal body function and mobility.

Flexion-Distraction: A gentle chiropractic technique used for conditions like herniated discs.

Functional Medicine: An approach addressing underlying health issues impacting musculoskeletal well-being.

Gonstead Technique: A chiropractic method focusing on precise adjustments to specific vertebrae.

Gait Analysis: Examination of a patient’s walking pattern to identify issues affecting the spine and posture.

Graston Technique: Soft tissue mobilization method using specially designed instruments to alleviate pain.

Holistic Care: A comprehensive approach considering physical, emotional, and environmental factors impacting health.

Headache: Pain or discomfort in the head or neck area, often related to spinal misalignment.

Hydrotherapy: Therapeutic use of water, such as hot/cold treatments, to alleviate pain and improve circulation.

Instrument-Assisted Adjustments: Chiropractic adjustments using handheld instruments to apply controlled force.

Injury Prevention: Strategies and exercises to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries.

Intersegmental Traction: A therapy method involving a roller table to promote spinal motion and alignment.

Joint Mobilization: Manual techniques applied to joints to restore range of motion and function.

Joint Dysfunction: Abnormality in joint movement or alignment causing pain and discomfort.

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: A chronic inflammatory joint condition affecting children.

Kinesiology Taping: Application of specialized tape to support muscles and joints during healing.

Kinetic Chain: The interconnectedness of joints and muscles in the body affecting movement and function.

Kyphosis: Excessive outward curvature of the upper spine, often resulting in a hunched posture.

Lumbar Spine: The posterior aspect of the spine, often known as consisting of five vertebrae, is commonly associated with lower back pain.

Laser Therapy: Treatment using low-level laser light to reduce pain and inflammation.

Lordosis: An abnormally pronounced inward curve of the spine, also called a kyphosis typically in the neck or lower back.

Manipulation: Using controlled force to adjust spinal alignment and alleviate pain.

Myofascial Release: Soft tissue therapy targeting fascia (connective tissue) to improve range of motion.

Musculoskeletal System: The body’s structural components, including muscles, bones, and joints.

Neurological Examination: An assessment of the nervous system to identify issues affecting spinal health.

Nutritional Counseling: Guidance on dietary choices to support musculoskeletal health and overall wellness.

Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression: A therapy for conditions like disc herniation using traction to relieve pressure.

Orthotics: Custom-made shoe inserts to improve gait, posture, and spinal alignment.

Osteoarthritis: A degenerative joint disease causing pain and stiffness, often affecting the spine.

Orthopedic Assessment: Evaluation of the musculoskeletal system to diagnose and treat orthopedic conditions.

Physical Therapy: Rehabilitation and exercises aimed at restoring function and reducing pain.

Postural Correction: Methods and physical activities to help improve posture and alleviate musculoskeletal stress.

Prenatal Chiropractic Care: Specialized care for expectant mothers, addressing pregnancy-related discomfort.

Quality of Life: The overall well-being and daily life satisfaction are often improved through chiropractic care.

Quadratus Lumborum: A lower back muscle often associated with lower back pain and posture issues.

Quantitative Sensory Testing: A diagnostic technique assessing sensory nerve function related to spinal health.

Radiating Pain: Pain that travels from one body area to another, often due to nerve compression.

Rehabilitation Exercises: Customized exercises to improve strength and mobility during healing.

Range of Motion: The extent to which an object can move can be achieved at a joint in various directions, crucial for spinal health.

Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction: Discomfort or pain in the sacroiliac joint, often treated with chiropractic care.

Scoliosis: Abnormal sideways curvature of the spine, often diagnosed during adolescence.

Soft Tissue Injury: Damage to muscles, tendons, or ligaments, treated through therapies like massage and stretching.

Therapeutic Ultrasound: Using high-frequency sound waves to relieve pain and inflammation.

Thoracic Spine: The section of the spine that is located in the center, associated with posture and mid-back pain.

Trigger Point Therapy: A technique targeting muscle trigger points to alleviate pain and tension.

Upper Cervical Care: Specialized chiropractic care focusing on the top two vertebrae for various health concerns.

Ultrasound Imaging: Diagnostic tool using sound waves to visualize soft tissues and assess spinal issues.

Upper Cross Syndrome: Muscle imbalance affecting the neck and shoulders, often treated with chiropractic care.

Vertebral Subluxation: A misalignment of vertebrae affecting spinal function and overall health.

Visceral Manipulation: Chiropractic technique involving gentle pressure to improve organ function.

Vitalistic Approach: A holistic perspective emphasizing the body’s innate ability to heal and maintain health.

Whiplash: Neck injury caused by rapid back-and-forth motion, often treated through chiropractic care.

Wellness Care: Ongoing chiropractic care to maintain optimal health and prevent musculoskeletal issues.

Weight-Bearing Imaging: Diagnostic imaging taken while standing to assess spinal alignment and health.

X-ray Analysis: Diagnostic tool using X-rays to visualize bone and joint structures for assessment and treatment planning.

Yoga Therapy: Incorporating yoga poses and stretches into chiropractic care for enhanced flexibility and pain relief.

Zone Therapy: A holistic approach addressing specific body zones to restore balance and improve overall health.

Zygapophyseal Joint: Also known as facet joints, these are the joints connecting the vertebrae, often treated in chiropractic care to alleviate pain and stiffness.

This chiropractic dictionary encompasses various terms and concepts relevant to the services provided at Peak Potential Family Chiropractic.