We hope that your visit to the Clinic doesn’t leave you too confused or bamboozled! Ben’s aim is to try and explain what’s what without using unnecessary jargon. Inevitably some chiropractic terms are used, so to help keep things clear, we have put together a glossary of terms that you might hear during your visits to the Clinic.
A is for
ACTIVATOR
A spring-loaded adjusting instrument that utilizes an extremely rapid pulse to help restore normal functioning in the body. It is a gentle treatment
ACUTE BACK PAIN
Pain of relatively short duration from a few days to a couple of weeks
ADJUSTMENT
A form of chiropractic technique involving the application of gentle, yet firm, pressure to a bone. Adjustments incorporate a high velocity, low amplitude thrust with the aim of relaxing the tension of the joint between two bones. By realigning the bone it is thought that the nerve impulses can pass more freely and enable better function
ARTHRITIS
This is inflammation of a joint. Most commonly this is caused by degenerative changes associated with the ageing process. Other forms of arthritis can affect not just the joint, but the surrounding soft tissue
ATLAS
The uppermost bone in the cervical (neck) vertebrae
B is for
BACK EXTENSION
Backward bending of the spine.
BACK FLEXION
Forward bending of the spine.
BLOCKS/BLOCKING
Wedge-shaped devices used by SOT (see SOT) practitioners to raise one or both sides of the pelvis into a healthier pattern for better support of the spine and head.
BULGING DISC
The cushioning sacs that sit between the vertebrae can push out and press against a nerve causing pain.
BURSITIS
A condition in which the bursa, or fluid filled sacs that cushion joints, become swollen or inflamed.
C is for
C.A
Abbreviation for the term Chiropractic Assistant
CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME
A progressive and sometimes painful joint disorder caused by a compression of the median nerve of your hand. The compression causes swelling, which exerts pressure on the nerves.
CARTILAGE
Connective tissue that lines the ends of bones and most joints. It lines the facet joints of the spine.
CAUDA EQUINA
A region at the lower end of the spinal column in which nerve roots branch out in a fashion that resembles a horse’s tail. Nerve entrapment of the cauda equina region can be a medical emergency
CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM
The Brain and Spinal Cord
CERVICAL SPINE
The upper part of your spine, commonly known as the neck. There are seven cervical vertebrae and eight cervical nerves.
CHIROPRACTOR
A chiropractor is a health care professional whose focus is the diagnosis and treatment of neuromuscular disorders . The emphasis is on treatment through manual adjustment and manipulation of the spine
CHRONIC BACK PAIN
Back pain present for 6 or more weeks
CONGENITAL
Existing or arising at birth
D is for
DC
Abbreviation for Doctor of Chiropractic. The clinical qualification necessary to be able to practice as a chiropractor
DECOMPRESSION
Relief of pressure on spinal nerves that may be impinged or pinched
DEGENERATIVE DISC DISEASE
Wear and tear of of the spinal discs, occurring as part of ageing process, or related to spinal injury. Symptoms can include loss of function and pain
DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING
The use of X-rays, MRI and other tools to create pictures of the structure and function of the body.
DISC
Intervertebral Discs are cartilaginous cushions that sit between the spinal vertebrae and act as shock absorbers and facilitate movement
DISC HERNIATION
See Bulging Disc
E is for
EXTENSORS
Any muscle of the body that works to extend a body part.
EXTREMITY
The lower limbs (legs) or upper limbs (arms)
F is for
FACET JOINT
Facet joints are cartilage lined joints that enable the spine to be flexible and allow bending and twisting movements.
FLEXORS
Muscles of the body that work flex a body part
coming soon……….part 2 of the Back Room Chiropractic Clinic Glossary