We continue our alphabetical look at common terms you may encounter at the Back Room Chiropractic Clinic.
H is for
HERNIATED DISC
A common condition in which a disc ruptures and shifts to a position that irritates the spinal nerves. A herniated disc occurs frequently within the lumbar region of the spine.
HYPERMOBILITY
Excess movement of an area of the spine.
HYPOMOBILTY
Restricted movement of an area of the spine.
I is for
IMPAIRMENT
A loss, alteration or abnormality of psychological, physiological or anatomical structure or function.
INFERIOR
Lower in position.
INTERVERTEBRAL DISC
The tough cartilage that serves as a cushion between two vertebrae. Each disc has a jelly-like centre that may protrude to cause a disc herniation.
INTERVERTEBRAL FORAMINA
The lateral (side) opening through which spinal nerve roots exit the spinal column.
J is for
JOHN DEERE
An American company that manufactures, amongst other things, agricultural machinery. Reproduction John Deere tractors feature heavily in the decor of the Back Room Chiropractic Clinic
K is for
KYPHOSIS Looking from the side, the curve of the spine seen in the thoracic (mid) spine.
L is for
LATERAL
The side view of the body
LORDOSIS
Looking from the side, the forward curve of the spine, found in the cervical (neck) and lumbar (lower back) spine.
LUMBAR ROLL
A form of chiropractic adjustment in which the patient lies on their side while the chiropractor applies a firm, quick thrust to the misaligned vertebrae.
LUMBAR VERTEBRAE
The lower-back. The five bones in the bottom part of the spine
M is for
MANIPULATION
A form of chiropractic treatment, which involves the application of gentle, yet firm, specified pressure to bones. The goal of manipulation is to take pressure off the surrounding spinal nerves, reduce pain and restore normal range of motion.
MAINTENANCE CARE
Also known as “preventative maintenance”, maintenance care is a program of ongoing therapy, agreed on by chiropractor and client that aims to maintain spinal wellness
MASSAGE
Manipulation of the soft tissues of the body, most often with the aim of relieving stress or pain
MRI
(Magnetic Resonance Imaging) A device using strong magnets and radio waves to create an image of the internal structures of the body.
MUSCULOSKELETAL
Relating to structures involving tendons, muscles, ligaments, and joints.
N is for
NEUROLOGICAL
Relating to the nervous system
NEUROLOGIST
A physician who is a specialist of the nervous system
O is for
OBLIQUE
Slanting; diagonal, as in, the oblique muscles of the abdomen
OCCIPITAL
Relating to the back of the head (the occiput is the part of the skull at the back of the head
P is for
PALPATION
Examining the spine with your fingers; the art of feeling with the hand
PATHOLOGY
A disease process
PLANTAR FASCIITIS
Inflammation of the band of tissue running across the underside of the foot (plantar fascia). A common cause of heel pain
POSTERIOR
Toward the back of the body
PROGNOSIS
A prediction of the probable course and outcome of a disease or the likelihood of recovery from a disease.