Browse 36 essential chiropractor terms and definitions used by professionals in Savannah.
Term Index
Open any term below for a dedicated definition page.
Active Release Technique is a hands-on soft tissue therapy used by chiropractors and physical therapists to treat muscle, tendon, ligament, nerve, And fascia problems. It combines precise pressure with specific patient movements to break up scar tissue, improve mobility, And reduce pain caused by repetitive strain, injuries, Or overuse.
Adjustment is a controlled, manual force applied by a chiropractor to a specific joint in the spine or extremities to restore proper movement, reduce pain, And improve function. Adjustments are precise, often accompanied by a popping sound caused by gas releasing from the joint, And aim to correct misalignments or restrictions without surgery or medication.
ART Certification is an advanced credential that verifies a healthcare provider’s mastery of Active Release Techniques (ART), a patented soft-tissue treatment method. ART Certification requires rigorous training, hands-on testing, And ongoing education to ensure providers can identify and release scar tissue, adhesions, And tension in muscles, nerves.
Back Pain is discomfort or soreness in the upper, middle, Or lower back, often caused by muscle strain, poor posture, injury, Or spinal issues. Back Pain can range from mild to severe and may be short-term or chronic. It affects daily activities like sitting, standing, Or lifting and is one of the most common reasons people seek medical or chiropractic care.
CBP Certification is a specialized credential awarded to chiropractors who complete advanced training in Chiropractic Biophysics (CBP). This certification focuses on structural correction of the spine using precise measurements, scientific research, And tailored rehabilitation techniques to improve posture and spinal alignment. It requires coursework, exams.
Chiropractic Adjustment is a hands-on procedure chiropractors use to apply controlled force to a specific joint in the spine or other body parts. The goal is to improve joint motion, reduce pain, And support the body’s natural ability to heal. Adjustments are typically quick and may produce a popping sound caused by gas releasing from the joint.
Chiropractic Biophysics is a specialized branch of chiropractic care that combines spinal adjustments with posture correction and spinal rehabilitation. It uses scientific measurements, X-rays, And customized treatment plans to improve spinal alignment and overall health. The goal is to restore normal spinal curves and reduce pain or dysfunction caused by poor posture or injury.
Chiropractic License is an official state-issued credential that permits a practitioner to legally diagnose and treat musculoskeletal conditions using hands-on spinal adjustments and other non-surgical techniques. Licenses confirm the chiropractor has completed accredited education, passed national board exams, And met state-specific safety and ethics standards.
Chiropractic Manipulation is a hands-on treatment method used by licensed chiropractors to restore joint mobility and reduce pain. It involves applying controlled force to specific joints, often in the spine, to improve function and alleviate discomfort caused by restricted movement or injury. This technique is commonly used for back, neck, And joint issues.
Chiropractic School is an educational institution that trains students to become licensed chiropractors. These schools teach anatomy, spinal health, manual adjustment techniques, And patient care over 3.5 to 4 years of graduate-level coursework. Graduates earn a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree and must pass national board exams to practice.
Chiropractic Table is a specialized medical device designed to support patients during chiropractic adjustments and therapies. Chiropractic Tables allow precise positioning, controlled movement, And targeted pressure to help chiropractors treat spinal misalignments, joint issues.
Disc Herniation is a spinal condition where the soft, gel-like center of a spinal disc pushes through a tear in the disc’s tough outer layer. This can irritate nearby nerves, causing pain, numbness, Or weakness in the back, neck, arms, Or legs. Disc herniation often occurs in the lower back or neck and is commonly linked to aging, injury.
Diversified Technique is a manual chiropractic method used to restore proper spinal alignment and joint function. It involves precise, high-velocity, low-amplitude thrusts applied to specific joints, often producing an audible popping sound. This technique aims to reduce pain, improve mobility, And support nervous system health by correcting misalignments.
Ergonomic Assessment is a systematic evaluation of a workspace, tools, Or tasks to identify how they affect a person’s body and comfort. It looks at posture, movements, And equipment design to reduce strain, prevent injuries, And improve efficiency. The goal is to create a safer, healthier environment for work or daily activities.
Flexion-Distraction is a gentle, non-surgical chiropractic technique designed to relieve spinal pain and improve mobility. It uses a specialized table to stretch and decompress the spine, reducing pressure on discs, nerves, And joints. This method is commonly used for conditions like disc herniation, sciatica, And chronic back pain.
Gonstead Technique is a chiropractic method focused on precise spinal adjustments to correct misalignments, Or subluxations, using detailed analysis and hands-on manipulation. Developed by Dr. Clarence Gonstead, this technique emphasizes identifying the exact location and nature of spinal issues before applying targeted pressure to restore proper function and reduce pain.
Graston Technique is a form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization used by healthcare providers to detect and treat muscle, tendon, ligament, And fascia restrictions. Graston Technique involves specially designed stainless-steel tools to break down scar tissue and fascial restrictions, improving range of motion and reducing pain for patients with soft tissue injuries.
Headache Relief refers to methods and treatments aimed at reducing or eliminating headache pain and associated symptoms. These approaches include medications, lifestyle changes, stress management, And non-drug therapies like chiropractic care, physical therapy, Or acupuncture. Headache Relief focuses on addressing the root causes of headaches, such as muscle tension, nerve irritation.
Intersegmental Traction is a chiropractic therapy that gently stretches and mobilizes the spine using a specialized table with rolling rollers. This passive treatment aims to improve spinal motion, reduce stiffness, And enhance circulation between vertebrae without manual adjustments. It's often used alongside other chiropractic techniques to support overall spinal health.
Joint Dysfunction is a condition where a joint in the body loses its normal movement or alignment, leading to pain, stiffness, Or reduced range of motion. It often results from injury, overuse, poor posture, Or degenerative changes. Joint Dysfunction can affect any joint, including the spine, shoulders, hips.
Licensed Chiropractor is a healthcare professional who has completed an accredited chiropractic degree program and passed national and state licensing exams. Licensed Chiropractors diagnose, treat.
Low Back Pain is discomfort, stiffness, Or aching in the lower part of the spine, between the ribs and the pelvis. Low Back Pain can range from mild to severe and may be short-term (acute) or long-lasting (chronic). Causes include muscle strain, disc injury, arthritis, poor posture, Or nerve compression, often worsened by lifting, sitting, Or sudden movements.
Myofascial Release is a hands-on therapy that targets tightness in the fascia, the thin layer of tissue surrounding muscles, bones, And organs. It uses gentle, sustained pressure to stretch and relax the fascia, improving mobility and reducing pain caused by stiffness, injury, Or overuse. This technique helps restore natural movement and ease discomfort in muscles and joints.
National Board of Chiropractic Examiners is an independent, nonprofit organization that develops and administers standardized exams to assess the knowledge, skills, And clinical competency of chiropractic students and graduates seeking licensure in the United States. These exams ensure chiropractors meet national standards for safe and effective patient care.
NBCE is the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners, an independent organization that creates and administers standardized exams to assess the knowledge and skills of chiropractic students and graduates. NBCE exams are required for licensure in most U.S. States, ensuring chiropractors meet minimum competency standards before practicing.
Neck Pain is discomfort, stiffness, Or sharp pain in the cervical spine region, which includes the seven vertebrae supporting the head and enabling movement. Neck Pain can arise from muscle strain, joint dysfunction, nerve compression, injury.
Nerve Compression is a condition where surrounding tissues, such as bones, cartilage, muscles, Or tendons, press against a nerve. This pressure disrupts the nerve’s normal function, causing pain, tingling, numbness, Or weakness in the affected area. Common sites include the spine, wrists, And elbows, often resulting from injury, repetitive motion.
Orthopedic Testing is a series of hands-on physical exams used by chiropractors, doctors, And therapists to find musculoskeletal injuries or conditions. These tests check joints, muscles, nerves, And bones for pain, weakness, Or abnormal movement. Results help guide safe treatment plans without surgery or drugs.
Posture Correction is the process of identifying, adjusting, And retraining the body’s alignment to reduce strain on muscles, joints, And nerves. It involves exercises, ergonomic changes, And manual therapies to improve how a person stands, sits.
Soft Tissue Therapy is a hands-on treatment that targets muscles, tendons, ligaments, And fascia to reduce pain, improve mobility, And promote healing. Soft Tissue Therapy uses techniques like massage, stretching, And pressure to break up scar tissue, release tension.
Spinal Adjustment is a precise manual procedure performed by a licensed chiropractor to restore proper alignment and mobility to the spine. Using controlled force, the chiropractor applies a quick, gentle thrust to specific vertebrae, often producing a popping sound as joints release gas. This process aims to reduce pain, improve function.
Spinal Decompression is a non-surgical treatment method 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, promoting the retraction of herniated or bulging discs and improving nutrient flow to affected areas.
Spinal Stenosis is a narrowing of the spaces within the spine, which can put pressure on the nerves that travel through it. Spinal Stenosis most commonly occurs in the lower back (lumbar stenosis) and the neck (cervical stenosis) and often develops due to aging, arthritis, Or wear-and-tear changes in the spine.
Thompson Technique is a chiropractic method that uses a specialized drop-table to deliver precise, low-force spinal adjustments. Thompson Technique focuses on identifying misalignments in the spine and correcting them with gentle, controlled movements that trigger the table’s drop mechanism, reducing strain on the patient’s body while improving joint function and reducing pain.
Whiplash Associated Disorders is a group of neck-related symptoms caused by sudden, rapid back-and-forth movement of the head, often from car accidents, sports injuries, Or falls. These symptoms can include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness.
Workers Compensation Chiropractic is a specialized branch of chiropractic care that treats work-related injuries covered by workers' compensation insurance. Workers Compensation Chiropractic focuses on musculoskeletal conditions like back pain, neck strain, Or repetitive stress injuries caused by job duties. Treatment is provided by licensed chiropractors who follow state regulations and insurance guidelines to help injured workers recover and return to work safely.
