A
Activator Method:
A handheld, spring-loaded adjusting instrument that delivers a quick, low-force impulse to restore joint motion without manual twisting.
Anterior Pelvic Tilt (APT):
A postural imbalance where the pelvis tilts forward, creating an exaggerated curve in the lower back. Often linked to tight hip flexors, weak glutes, and lower back pain.
Annulus Fibrosis:
The tough outer layer of an intervertebral disc that protects the gel-like center (nucleus pulposus) and provides spinal stability.
Adjustment (Chiropractic):
A precise, controlled force applied to a spinal or extremity joint to restore alignment, reduce nerve irritation, and improve mobility.
Atlas (C1 Vertebra):
The first cervical vertebra in the neck, which supports the skull and allows nodding motion.
B
Back Extension:
Movement that involves bending the spine backward, often used in exercise and rehab to strengthen spinal stabilizers.
Biofeedback:
A therapy that uses sensors to provide patients with information about muscle tension, posture, or movement patterns, helping them retrain habits.
Bulging Disc:
When the outer layer of a spinal disc weakens and pushes outward, sometimes compressing nerves and causing pain, tingling, or numbness.
Bursa:
Small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion joints and reduce friction between bones, tendons, and muscles.
Bursitis:
Inflammation of a bursa (a fluid-filled cushion) causing localized pain and swelling—common at the shoulder, hip, knee, or elbow.
C
Cervical Spine:
The upper section of the spine (neck), consisting of seven vertebrae that support the head and allow motion while protecting nerves.
Chiropractic:
A healthcare profession focused on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal conditions, particularly those involving the spine, through non-surgical techniques.
Chiropractic Adjustment:
A targeted spinal or extremity manipulation that restores mobility, improves alignment, and relieves nerve pressure.
Core Instability:
Weakness or poor control of the muscles that stabilize the spine and pelvis, often leading to postural strain or back pain.
Cortisol:
A hormone released during stress that can contribute to inflammation, tissue breakdown, and slowed healing when chronically elevated.
Calcific Tendinitis (Shoulder):
Calcium deposits within a rotator cuff tendon that trigger inflammation and sharp shoulder pain.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:
Compression of the median nerve at the wrist leading to numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand.
D
Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD):
A condition where spinal discs lose hydration and elasticity, causing reduced cushioning and potential pain or stiffness.
Decompression Therapy (Spinal Decompression):
A non-surgical treatment using a traction table (such as the Triton DTS system) to gently stretch the spine, relieve pressure on discs, and promote healing.
Disc Desiccation:
Dehydration or drying out of an intervertebral disc, often linked to aging or repetitive stress, reducing its ability to absorb shock.
Disc Herniation:
When the soft nucleus pulposus pushes through a tear in the annulus fibrosis, often compressing nearby nerves and causing pain or sciatica.
E
Electromyography (EMG):
A diagnostic test measuring muscle and nerve activity, sometimes used to evaluate nerve compression.
Ergonomic Correction:
Adjustments to workstations, seating, and movement habits to reduce strain on the spine and support healthy posture.
Extension Exercises:
Rehabilitation movements that restore mobility and strength by bending the spine backward or lengthening specific muscles.
Exercise Therapy:
Prescribed movements and strengthening programs that restore normal range of motion, stability, and spinal function.
ESWT (Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy):
Focused or radial acoustic waves used to break up adhesions, increase circulation, and accelerate soft-tissue repair; an FDA-cleared, non-invasive option in musculoskeletal care.
F
Facet Joints:
Small joints at the back of the spine that allow flexibility while providing stability. They can become inflamed, causing localized pain.
Facet Syndrome:
Irritation or degeneration of the facet joints, leading to stiffness and discomfort when bending or twisting.
Flexion:
The act of bending forward at the spine, often restricted in conditions like disc herniation.
Foam Rolling (Self-Myofascial Release):
A technique using a firm cylinder to release tight muscles and fascia, improving mobility and circulation.
G
Golfer’s Elbow:
Tendon irritation on the inside of the elbow, caused by repetitive wrist or forearm strain.
Gonstead Technique:
A chiropractic adjusting method that emphasizes precise spinal analysis and hands-on correction.
Gluteal Weakness:
Reduced strength in the glute muscles, often contributing to poor pelvic control, low back strain, and anterior pelvic tilt.
H
Herniated Disc:
A spinal disc injury where the soft inner core escapes through a tear, often compressing nerves and causing sharp or radiating pain.
High-Velocity, Low-Amplitude (HVLA) Thrust:
A common chiropractic adjustment technique using a quick, controlled movement to restore joint function.
Hypermobility:
Excessive movement or looseness in a joint, which can destabilize the spine or extremities and increase injury risk.
I
Intelect® RPW 2 (Shockwave Therapy):
A device that delivers radial pressure waves to break up scar tissue, increase circulation, and accelerate soft tissue healing.
Inflammation:
The body’s natural response to injury or irritation, marked by redness, heat, swelling, and pain. Chronic inflammation can delay recovery.
Intervertebral Disc:
A cushioning structure between spinal vertebrae, made of the tough annulus fibrosis and soft nucleus pulposus.
Isometric Exercise:
A form of strengthening where muscles contract without visible movement, often used in rehab.
J
Joint Dysfunction:
A state where a spinal or extremity joint loses proper movement or alignment, often resulting in stiffness, pain, or nerve irritation.
Joint Mobilization:
Gentle, repetitive movements applied by hand to improve joint motion without a thrust.
K
Kinesiology:
The study of body movement, muscle function, and how they relate to health and performance.
Kyphosis:
A forward rounding of the thoracic spine, sometimes referred to as a “hunchback.” Excessive kyphosis can cause pain and stiffness.
L
Lordosis:
The natural inward curve of the cervical and lumbar spine. Excessive lordosis is often linked to anterior pelvic tilt.
Lumbar Spine:
The lower back region, consisting of five large vertebrae that support most of the body’s weight.
Lumbalgia:
A medical term for low back pain.
Ligament:
Strong connective tissue that links bone to bone and provides joint stability.
M
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI):
A diagnostic imaging technique using magnetic fields and radio waves to visualize soft tissues, including discs and nerves.
Manual Therapy:
Hands-on treatment techniques such as massage, mobilization, and chiropractic adjustments to reduce pain and improve function.
Myofascial Release:
A soft tissue technique that releases tight fascia surrounding muscles to improve mobility and decrease pain.
Muscle Spasm:
An involuntary contraction of muscle fibers, often painful and limiting movement.
N
Negative Intradiscal Pressure:
The pressure drops inside a disc created by spinal decompression, helping a bulge or herniation retract and draw in fluids/nutrients.
Nerve Compression:
Occurs when a nerve is pinched by a herniated disc, bone spur, or tight muscle, often causing pain, tingling, or weakness.
Nerve Root:
The initial segment of a spinal nerve as it exits the spinal column. Compression can lead to symptoms like sciatica.
Nucleus Pulposus:
The gel-like center of a spinal disc that provides cushioning and shock absorption.
Neuropathy (Peripheral):
Nerve damage that causes numbness, tingling, burning, or weakness—commonly linked with diabetes; distinct from single-site nerve entrapments.
Numbness & Tingling (Paresthesia):
Abnormal nerve sensations often from compression/irritation; evaluation focuses on spine, entrapment sites, and metabolic causes.
O
Orthopedic Evaluation:
A clinical exam of bones, joints, and muscles to identify injuries or conditions affecting movement.
Osteoarthritis:
Degenerative joint disease caused by cartilage breakdown, often affecting the spine and leading to stiffness and pain.
Overuse Injury:
A musculoskeletal injury caused by repetitive stress without adequate recovery, such as tendonitis.
P
Pediatric Chiropractic:
Gentle, specialized chiropractic care for infants and children to support healthy spinal development and function.
Pelvic Tilt:
The orientation of the pelvis in space. Imbalances can contribute to postural strain and spinal issues.
Piriformis Syndrome:
A condition where the piriformis muscle in the buttocks irritates the sciatic nerve, causing pain down the leg.
Postural Correction:
Therapeutic strategies to retrain how a patient stands, sits, and moves, reducing strain on the spine.
Postural Training:
Exercises designed to retrain how the body holds itself during motion, improving spinal alignment and reducing strain.
Plantar Fasciitis:
Inflammation/degeneration of the plantar fascia causing heel pain, especially with first steps in the morning; ESWT can be effective.
Postural Ergonomics (Workstation):
Adjusting desk, chair, monitor, and movement habits to reduce strain and support neutral spine alignment.
Q
Quadratus Lumborum (QL):
A deep muscle in the lower back that stabilizes the spine and pelvis; often involved in low back pain.
Quiescent Phase:
A period where a chronic condition, such as disc degeneration, is inactive or causing minimal symptoms.
R
Radiculopathy:
Pain, numbness, or weakness caused by irritation or compression of a spinal nerve root.
Rapid Release™ Pro 3+ (Soft Tissue Therapy):
A vibration-based device used to break up scar tissue, relax tight muscles, and improve mobility.
Rehabilitation Exercises:
Targeted movement programs that restore strength, flexibility, and function after injury.
Radial Pressure Wave (RPW) Therapy:
A form of shockwave therapy that disperses energy broadly to treat larger areas of soft tissue.
S
Sciatica:
Pain radiating along the sciatic nerve, often caused by a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or piriformis syndrome.
Scoliosis:
An abnormal sideways curvature of the spine, which may cause uneven posture and discomfort.
Shockwave Therapy:
A treatment that delivers high-energy sound waves into tissues to stimulate healing, break up adhesions, and relieve pain.
SI Joint Dysfunction:
Improper motion or inflammation in the sacroiliac joint (where the spine meets the pelvis), leading to low back or hip pain.
Spinal Decompression (Triton DTS):
A therapy that gently stretches the spine to reduce disc pressure, improve hydration, and promote disc healing.
Spondylolisthesis:
A spinal condition where one vertebra slips forward over another, sometimes causing nerve compression and pain.
Spinal Stenosis:
The narrowing of the spinal canal that can compress nerves, often leading to pain, tingling, or weakness.
Subluxation:
A misalignment or restricted motion of a spinal joint that can interfere with nerve signals and overall function.
Spinal Traction (Mechanized):
A controlled, graded pulling force used during decompression sessions to reduce disc pressure and nerve irritation.
T
Tendinitis:
Inflammation of a tendon, often caused by repetitive strain or overuse.
Therapeutic Exercise:
Specific, guided movements used to restore flexibility, strength, and balance as part of chiropractic care.
Thoracic Spine:
The middle section of the spine, consisting of twelve vertebrae attached to the ribs, providing stability and protection.
Trigger Point:
A tight, tender spot in muscle tissue that can cause referred pain in other areas.
Triton DTS System:
A spinal decompression machine used at The Disc Chiropractic to relieve disc pressure and promote healing.
Tech Neck (Forward Head Posture):
Neck and upper-back strain related to prolonged device use; managed with postural retraining, mobility work, and—when indicated—shockwave for soft-tissue overload.
TMJ/TMD (Temporomandibular Joint/Disorders):
Jaw joint dysfunction causing pain, clicking, headaches, or ear symptoms; soft-tissue therapies and ESWT may help.
U
Ultrasound Therapy:
A treatment using high-frequency sound waves to reduce pain, increase blood flow, and accelerate tissue healing.
Upper Cross Syndrome:
A postural condition characterized by rounded shoulders and forward head position, often caused by prolonged desk work.
V
Vertebrae:
The 24 stacked bones that form the spine, protecting the spinal cord and supporting body movement.
Vertebral Subluxation Complex:
A chiropractic term describing the functional, structural, and neurological changes that result from misaligned or restricted spinal joints.
Vibration Therapy:
A method using mechanical oscillations to relax muscles, improve circulation, and support recovery.
W
Whiplash:
A neck injury caused by sudden acceleration and deceleration forces, often seen after car accidents, leading to pain and stiffness.
Wellness Care:
Preventive chiropractic and lifestyle care designed to maintain spinal health and overall well-being, not just treat pain.
X
X-Ray Imaging:
A diagnostic tool using radiation to create images of bones and joints, commonly used to assess spinal alignment and detect fractures.
Y
Yoga Therapy:
The use of yoga postures, breathing, and mindfulness as a supportive practice to improve flexibility, posture, and stress management.
Z
Zygapophyseal Joints (Facet Joints):
The small joints between vertebrae that allow controlled motion in the spine; often involved in back pain when irritated.