Chiropractic Physician
GLOSSARY OF TERMS A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Acupressure
The practice of applying; pressure on parts of the body to
relieve pain.
Adjustment
A form of chiropractic technique involving the application of
gentle, yet firm, pressure to a bone. Adjustments employ a high
velocity, low amplitude thrust. The goal of any adjustment is to
restore the bone to its natural, or original, position.
Alternative Medicine
The use of various non-drug, non-surgical related therapies.
Using natural means of treatment.
Anabolism
The metabolic process of building new tissue. Typically used in
relation to building muscle, ligaments and tendons.
Analgesics
Medicines that are used to relieve pain - aspirin is an example.
Anesthesiologist
A physician who specializes in giving drugs or other agents that
block, prevent, or relieve pain.
Ankylosing Spondylitis
A chronic, progressive, rheumatic disease of the spine that
causes calcification of the spinal ligaments, resulting in a
loss of movement.
Annulus fibrosis
The tough outer layer of the intervertebral disc. Cartilage-like
material formed in a series of rings surrounding the nucleus
pulposus (soft center) of a disc.
Arthritis
Inflammation of a joint; most arthritis is caused by
degenerative changes related to aging. Arthritis affects not
only joints but also connective tissue throughout the body can
be involved, as well.
Autonomic nervous system
The part of the nervous system that is responsible for
controlling the involuntary functions in the body, such as
digestion, metabolism, blood pressure, etc.
Back Extension
Backward bending of the spine.
Back Flexion
Forward bending of the spine.
Bulging Disc
The annulus portion of the lumbar disc weakens causing the
nucleus to press against it resulting in the annulus pinching or
pressing against a nerve causing pain.
Bursitis
A condition in which the bursa, or fluid filled sacks that
cushion joints, become swollen.
Cardiovascular system
The system in your body responsible for distributing blood
throughout the body. The cardiovascular system is made up of the
heart, arteries, capillaries and veins.
Catabolism
The metabolic process of breaking down tissues. Typically refers
to the breakdown of muscle, bone, ligaments and tendons.
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
A 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.
Cervical Spine
The upper portion of your spine; also called the neck.
Chiropractic
Comes from the Greek words, "chiro," meaning hand, and "practic,"
meaning practice, or treatment. Chiropractic is a form of health
care that focuses primarily on restoring normal position, motion
and function in the body's structures; especially the spine.
Chiropractor
Also known as a doctor of chiropractic (D.C.), diagnoses and
treats a broad range of physical conditions in patients with
muscular, nervous, and skeletal problems, especially the spine.
Chronic Pain
Pain that has lasted for more than three months generally having
significant psychological and emotional affects and limiting a
person's ability to fully function.
Cholesterol
A fat-like substance that is made by the body and is found
naturally in animal foods such as meat, fish, poultry, eggs, and
dairy products. Foods high in cholesterol include liver and
organ meats, egg yolks, and dairy fats. Cholesterol is carried
in the blood. When cholesterol levels are too high, some of the
cholesterol is deposited on the walls of the blood vessels. Over
time, the deposits can build up causing the blood vessels to
narrow and blood flow to decrease. The cholesterol in food, like
saturated fat, tends to raise blood cholesterol, which increases
the risk for heart disease. Total blood cholesterol levels above
240 mg/dl are considered high. Levels between 200-239 mg/dl are
considered borderline high. Levels under 200 mg/dl are
considered desirable.
Cortisol
A hormone that is released from the adrenal glands in response
to stress that facilitates fat storage and has a catabolic
affect on muscle and connective tissue.
Coccyx
The small bone at the lower tip of the spine. Also called the
tailbone, a triangular-shaped bone at the bottom of the lumbar
area.
Cognitive Restructuring
A therapy whose emphasis is on learning to recognize and then
change, or restructure thought processes, reframing thoughts in
less stressful terms. Learning to make molehills out of
mountains.
Complementary Medicine
The use of various non-drug, non-surgical related therapies.
Using natural means of treatment.
Compressed Nerve
Material from a bulging or Herniated disk pushes against a nerve
in the spinal cord causing severe pain.
Computed Tomography (CT) scan
A sophisticated x-ray using a computer to produce a detailed
cross-sectional three-dimensional picture of the bone and discs.
Cordotomy
Surgery to cut some of the fibers of the spinal cord; used to
relieve pain.
Cranio-Sacral Therapy
A manual therapy focusing on manipulation of the bones in the
skull and sacrum.
Cyclooxygenase
An enzyme that comes in two forms, I and II. Type I maintains
body functions. Type II is associated with the development of
inflammation. Aspirin inhibits I and II. COX-2 drugs inhibit
Type II only.
Degenerative Arthritis
The wearing away of cartilage that protects and cushions joints
including those in the spine, hands and feet (see
Osteoarthritis).
Degenerative Disc Disease
A general term applied to degeneration of the lumbar spinal
discs which serve as cushions between the spinal vertebrae,
resulting in a narrowing of the disc space.
Disc Annulus
The outer lining of a disk.
Disc Nucleus
The inner core of a disk.
Discectomy
Surgical removal of part or the entire herniated intervertebral
disc.
Electrical nerve stimulation
A type of physical therapy treatment that utilizes various
frequencies and wave forms of electrical current, which have
therapeutic effects on the nervous and musculoskeletal systems.
Electromyography (EMG)
Procedure that tests nerves and muscles providing information to
help determine if surgery may be required.
Epidural Injection
Into the spinal column but outside of the spinal cord.
Exercise Therapy
A form of chiropractic treatment used to help manage pain,
rehabilitate damaged soft tissues, such as muscles, ligament,
and tendons, and restore normal range of motion and function.
Extensor Muscles
Muscles that cause your joints to straighten, such as the back
and gluteus muscles that help keep your back straight.
Facet joints
The joints above and below each intervertebral disc, allowing
the spine to bend. The paired joints located in the posterior
portion of the vertebral bodies connecting the spine. These
joints are part of the stabilizing mechanism for the spine.
Facet Joint Syndrome
Pain resulting from degeneration, wear, pressure exerted on and
inflammation of the facet joints, which are the joints at the
back of each vertebrae linking the vertebrae together.
Fascia
A band of connective tissue separating muscles and organs in the
body.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes pain in muscles, joints,
ligaments and tendons.
Fibrositis
Pain arising from damaged tendons or muscles.
Foraminal Stenosis
Narrowing of a vertebral opening.
Flexor Muscles
The muscles that cause your joints to bend, such as your biceps
muscle on the front of your upper arm or your abdominal muscles.
Foraminal Stenosis
Narrowing of a vertebral opening.
Fusion
In regard to the spine, a surgical procedure to unite two or
more vertebrae with bone graft with or without metal supports
resulting in immobilization of that portion.
Glucagon
A hormone released from the pancreas that elevates blood sugar
by stimulating the release of glucose stores in the liver and
muscle.
Golfer's Elbow
A type of elbow pain that originates near the inside part of the
bony protrusion. This type of pain is also caused by a tear or
rupture in the tendon supporting the elbow bone.
Heat Therapy
A form of therapy often used in patients who have chronic, or
long-lasting pain. Heat therapy can involve many kinds of
methods, from simple heating pads, wraps, and warm gel packs, to
sophisticated techniques such as therapeutic ultrasound. While
ice therapy is used to reduce swelling, heat therapy is used to
relax the muscles and increase circulation. Both kinds of
therapy help reduce pain.
Herniated Disc
A disc that protrudes from its normal position between two
vertebrae, due to an injury to the annulus; frequently
associated with the nucleus of the disc oozing out of the center
of the disk.
Hypertension
A resting blood pressure that is greater than or equal to 140/90
mm Hg. Hypertension is associated with an increasee risk of
heart disease and stroke.
Insulin
A hormone in the body that helps move glucose from the blood to
muscles and other tissues. Insulin controls blood sugar levels.
Inflammation
A pathologic process associated with redness, heat, swelling,
pain, and loss of function. This process destroys tissues but is
also associated with the repair and healing of body structures.
Kinesiology
The study of muscles and their relation to movement and pain
relief.
Kyphosis
Normal curve of the thoracic spine. Also describes an excess
curvature of the thoracic spine called a "dowager's hump." This
is a common occurrence in people with osteoporosis.
Laminectomy
A surgical procedure that removes a portion of the plate that
serves as the back of the spinal canal. This decompression
procedure is performed for treatment of herniated intervertebral
discs and spinal stenosis.
Ligament
Strong, dense bands made of connective tissue that stabilize a
joint, connecting bone to bone across the joint.
Lipoprotein
Compounds of protein that carry fats and fat-like substances,
such as cholesterol, in the blood.
Local anesthetics
Drugs that block nerve conduction in the region where it is
applied.
Lordosis
The curve in the cervical and lumbar spine. An abnormal
accentuated arch in the lower back swayback.
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
A form of cholesterol that circulates in the blood. Commonly
called "bad" cholesterol. High LDL increases the risk of heart
disease. An LDL less than 100 mg/dl is considered
optimal,100-129 mg/dl is considered near or above optimal,
130-159 mg/dl is considered borderline high, 160-189 mg/dl is
considered high, and 190 mg/dl or greater is considered very
high.
Lumbalgia
A general term meaning low back pain.
Lumbar
The lower five weight bearing vertebrae that are located between
the thoracic vertebrae and the sacrum.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI):
Magnetic radio frequency energy used to see internal structures
of the body, including bone, discs, and nerves without the use
of x-rays. Overall, the most useful technique in the
investigation of spinal abnormalities.
Manipulation
Manual movement of the spinal bones or joints to restore normal
function.
Muscle Tension
A state where the muscles are in a general state of contraction.
Muscle Spasm
A sudden violent involuntary contraction of a muscle or a group
of muscles. A muscle spasm is attended by pain and interference
with function, producing involuntary movement and distortion.
Muscles
Soft tissues that provide strength and assist with motor
ability, or movement. Spinal muscles support your spine as it
bends and flexes.
Myofascial Pain
Referred pain caused by trigger points, or hard nodules in
muscle tissue.
Myofascial Release
Releasing the fascia (the sheath around a muscle) by gentle
movements.
Narcotic
Pain relieving drug related in action and structure to the
opiates. A powerful pain-relieving drug associated with
potential to cause significant alteration of mood and dependence
following repeated administration.
Nerve
The body's communication system; nerves carry messages back and
forth between the brain and all body parts.
Nerve Block
Pain relief method in which an anesthetic is injected into a
nerve.
Nerve roots
Nerve projections from the spinal cord.
Neurologist
A physician who specializes in treating diseases of the nervous
system.
Neurosurgeon
A physician who specializes in surgery on the brain, nerves, and
spinal cord.
Neurotransmitter
A chemical produced in the brain that sends messages between
nerve cells.
Nucleus pulposus
Soft center of an intervertebral disc, made up of gel-like
substance.
Orthopedic Surgeon
A doctor who specializes in diseases of the musculoskeletal
system.
Osteoarthritis
Also called "degenerative arthritis" mostly affecting
middle-aged and elderly men and women. In some, osteoarthritis
may affect the spine's facet joints, making it extremely painful
to bend or twist. Osteoarthritis causes the cartilage to break
down and away from the joints. Stripped of their protective
material, the joints begin rubbing against each other, causing
pain and impeding movement. This action further irritates the
surrounding nerves. Advanced forms of spinal osteoarthritis lead
to disc collapse and other problems.
Osteopathic Medicine
Particular attention is paid to muscles, joints, bones, and
nerves through defined osteopathic manipulations.
Osteoporosis
A disease characterized by the loss of bone density, resulting
in brittleness; most commonly affecting the spinal vertebrae,
wrists and hips.
Osteophytes
Additional bone material, or overgrowths, that have been
attributed to a wide variety of ailments. Also called bone
spurs, osteophytes are manufactured by your body in response to
a breakdown in existing bony structures. Sometimes, bone spurs
can exert pressure on nerves, and this leads to pain.
Overuse injuries
Injuries that occur during the course of everyday activities,
such as housework or exercise. Symptoms may include pain, muscle
spasms, and stiffness.
Piriformis syndrome
A condition caused by the sciatic nerve getting pinched as it
exits the spinal column. (Sometimes, it can mimic the symptoms
of sciatica.) The pinching is sometimes caused by muscles
spasms. Piriformis syndrome sometimes causes pain along the back
of the thigh to the knee, or loss of feeling in the soles of the
feet.
Plantar fasciitis
Inflammation of the ligament running from the front of the heel
bone through the bottom of the foot. Repetitive motions such as
quick stops and starts during sports, or long distance running,
have sometimes been associated with Plantar fasciitis.
Phenylethanolamine (PEA)
A chemical found in chocolate that elevates mood. It is thought
to be the compound that causes chocolate cravings.
Physical Therapy
The health profession that treats pain in muscles, nerves,
joints, and bones with exercise, electrical stimulation,
hydrotherapy, and the use of massage, heat, cold, and electrical
devices.
Protein
One of the three nutrients that provides calories to the body.
Protein is an essential nutrient that helps build many parts of
the body, including muscle, bone, skin, and blood. Protein
provides 4 calories per gram and is found in foods like meat,
fish, poultry, eggs, dairy products, beans, nuts, and tofu.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
An inflammatory disease that affects the facet joints in the
spine as well as other joints in the body including the hands,
elbows, shoulders, fingers and toes.
Ruptured Disk
Herniated disk where material from the disk pushes through the
outer lining of the disk.
Sciatic Nerve
The nerve that serves the legs and originates from several
levels of the lower back. Formed by multiple nerve roots from
the lumbar spine; the sciatic nerve sends signals down the leg
to control muscles and up the leg to provide sensations.
Sciatica
An inflammation of the sciatic nerve usually marked by
tenderness along the course of the nerve through the buttocks,
thigh, and leg.
Scoliosis
An abnormal curve of the spine.
Slipped Disk
Herniated disk where material from the disk pushes through the
outer lining of the disk (see Disc Herniation).
Spina Bifida
A congenital defect of the spine in which the arches of the
lower lumbar spine fail to form over the spinal cord, leaving
the cord unprotected.
Spinal Canal
The opening at the center of the spine through which the spinal
cord runs.
Spinal Cord
The root section of the central nervous system going down from
the brain through the spinal column, where it divides into
nerves.
Spinal Column
The spine.
Spinal Fracture
Broken vertebrae in the spine.
Spinal Cord
The column of nerve tissue that runs from the brain to the lower
back.
Spinal Fusion
A process in which the disc and cartilage is removed from
between the vertebrae, and bone grafts (often harvested from the
pelvis) are placed between or alongside the vertebrae to join
the bones together.
Spinal Stenosis
A narrowing of the spinal canal, that compresses the spinal cord
and/or the nerve roots, cutting off their impulses to the
muscles of the leg.
Spondyloarthopathy
A group of disorders that causes inflammatory arthritis of the
spine.
Spondylitis
Inflammation of the spine generally caused by an infection.
Spondylolisthesis
A spinal abnormality in which there is an anterior displacement
of a vertebra on the one below, often resuting in back pain.
Stenosis
Narrowing of a portion of the spinal canal, usually because of
bony overgrowth (see Spinal Stenosis).
Subluxation
A misalignment in the bony structures of the spine. Subluxations
can create pressure or irritation on the various nerves in your
spine, and can cause a wide variety of symptoms throughout your
body, such as localized pain, soreness, irregularity, and
weakness. When pressure is applied on a nerve in your spine, the
nerve energy is interrupted, and sometimes this can profoundly
affect the function of other systems or organs in your body.
Tendon
White fibrous bands of tissue that attach muscle to bone.
Tennis Elbow
Also known as lateral epicondylitis, tennis elbow is pain on the
lateral, or outside part of the elbow, on or near the bony
protrusion. It is usually caused by the overuse of the wrist
extensor muscles, which leads to the inflammation of the tendon
attachment.
Therapeutic Massage
A form of massage that involves the manipulation of the soft
tissues of the body to decrease muscle spasm, pain and to
improve movement.
Thoracic Spine
Twelve vertebrae above the lumbar spine and below the cervical
spine.
Trigger Point Therapy
The application of pressure on tender trigger points in the
muscles to relieve pain and tension.
Trigger Points
A generally small area of a muscle that is tightly knotted and
in spasm causing referred pain.
Vertebrae
The 24 cylindrical segments of bone that make up the vertebral
column.
Vertebral Column
The Spine. The flexible structure that forms the "backbone" of
the skeleton, arranged a straight line from the base of the
skull to the tailbone; also called spine.
Vertebral Subluxation Complex
Another term for subluxation that is used in the chiropractic
profession.
Whiplash
An injury to the cervical spine that occurs from rapid
hyper-flexion, hyper-extension and compression movements, such
as in an automobile accident.
X-Ray
A diagnostic imaging method that exposes photographic films with
radiation passed through the body. It is most useful in
diagnosing fractures, dislocations, abnormal positioning or
other structural problems in bone.