Chiropractic Glossary

The clinical name for frozen shoulder. The capsule of connective tissue surrounding the shoulder joint thickens, contracts, and forms adhesions, restricting both active and passive range of motion. The condition typically passes through three stages: freezing (progressively painful and stiff), frozen (stiff but less painful), and thawing (gradual return of motion). Without treatment the cycle can take 12 to 30 months. With chiropractic care it often resolves much faster.

A precise, controlled force applied to a specific joint to restore proper motion. The chiropractic adjustment is the foundational treatment of the profession. The audible pop sometimes heard during an adjustment is the release of gas bubbles in the joint fluid, not bones cracking. Adjustments are safe when performed by a trained chiropractor and effective for restoring joint motion that has become restricted due to injury, posture, or repetitive use.

The most common cause of vertigo. Tiny calcium carbonate crystals (otoconia) become dislodged from the utricle of the inner ear and migrate into one of the semicircular canals, where they disrupt the signals your brain uses to track head position. The result is brief, intense spinning sensations triggered by certain head movements. BPPV is benign, paroxysmal (sudden onset), positional (provoked by position changes), and treatable in most cases with the Epley maneuver.

The seven vertebrae of the neck, labeled C1 through C7. The cervical spine supports the weight of the head, allows for the widest range of motion of any spinal region, and houses the spinal cord as it exits the brainstem. C1 (atlas) and C2 (axis) are uniquely shaped to allow head rotation. Dysfunction in this region drives many cases of neck pain, cervicogenic headaches, and cervicogenic dizziness.

A headache that originates from dysfunction in the upper cervical spine. Cervicogenic headaches typically start at the base of the skull and refer pain up over the head, often behind one eye. They are usually associated with neck stiffness, limited cervical range of motion, and reproducible tenderness over the upper cervical joints. They respond well to chiropractic care that addresses the cervical joints and supporting muscles. See our page on headaches and migraines.

Inflammation at the junction where the ribs meet the sternum (the costochondral joints). Costochondritis produces sharp chest wall pain that worsens with deep breaths, coughing, or pressing on the affected area. It is benign but can mimic cardiac pain, which is why it is often misdiagnosed initially. Treatment focuses on gentle mobilization of the rib joints, soft tissue work on the chest wall, and time. See our page on rib pain.

The natural age-related wear and dehydration of the intervertebral discs that separate the vertebrae. Despite the name, it is not technically a disease but a process. As discs lose water content, they become thinner and less able to absorb shock, which can lead to disc herniation, joint compression, and increased load on the surrounding facet joints. Chiropractic care, exercise, and weight management slow the process and reduce the pain it causes.

Often confused but distinct. A disc bulge is a generalized outward protrusion of the disc, usually involving a larger portion of the disc's circumference. A herniation is a focal extrusion of the disc's inner nucleus through a tear in the outer annulus. Herniations are more likely to compress a nerve root and cause radiating symptoms like sciatica. Both can be asymptomatic or symptomatic. Imaging findings alone do not determine whether treatment is needed. See our page on herniated and bulging discs.

A specific sequence of head and body positions used to treat BPPV. The maneuver gradually moves displaced calcium crystals out of the semicircular canal and back to the utricle where they belong. The Epley maneuver is the gold standard treatment for BPPV and often produces dramatic relief in a single session. Variations exist for different canals; the right one depends on which canal is involved, which is determined during examination.

A non-invasive treatment that delivers acoustic energy pulses to damaged tissue to stimulate healing. Shockwave therapy originated in lithotripsy (breaking kidney stones) and has since become one of the most evidence-supported treatments for chronic tendinopathies, plantar fasciitis, calcific tendinitis, and other stubborn musculoskeletal conditions. Focused shockwave (the type we use) penetrates more deeply and produces better results than radial pressure wave devices marketed under the same name.

The small paired joints at the back of each vertebra that allow controlled motion between spinal segments. Facet joints can become restricted, inflamed, or arthritic. Facet-related pain is typically local, aggravated by extension (leaning back), and reproducible with palpation. Chiropractic adjustments restore proper motion to facet joints and are particularly effective for facet syndrome.

A continuous web of connective tissue that surrounds every muscle, nerve, blood vessel, and organ in the body. Fascia transmits force, provides structural support, and contributes significantly to posture and movement. When fascia becomes dehydrated, scarred, or adhered to surrounding tissue, it restricts movement and contributes to pain. Graston Technique and Pin & Stretch Therapy are designed to address fascial restrictions.

The opening between two adjacent vertebrae where a spinal nerve root exits the spine. When this opening narrows from disc degeneration, bone spurs, or disc herniation, the nerve root can be compressed, producing radiating pain, numbness, or weakness along the path of that nerve. This is one of the mechanisms behind sciatica and pinched nerve symptoms.

A form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) that uses specially designed stainless steel tools to detect and treat areas of fascial restriction, scar tissue, and adhesions. Graston is particularly effective for chronic soft tissue injuries that have not responded to other manual therapies. The instruments allow practitioners to reach deeper tissue layers and produce measurable improvements in mobility and pain.

A condition where the inner gel-like nucleus of an intervertebral disc pushes through a tear in the outer annulus. Depending on the location and size, a herniated disc can compress nearby nerve roots and cause radiating pain, numbness, or weakness. Most herniations resolve with conservative care including chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and progressive exercise. Surgery is rarely the first option.

A category of manual therapy techniques that use specially designed instruments (typically made of stainless steel or stone) to apply controlled pressure and friction to soft tissue. IASTM identifies and treats areas of fascial restriction, scar tissue, and adhesions more effectively than hands alone in many cases. Graston Technique is the most well-known IASTM system.

The clinical name for tennis elbow. Tendinopathy of the common extensor tendon at the outside of the elbow, usually from repetitive gripping or wrist extension. Despite the name, only about 5 percent of cases are caused by playing tennis. Painters, plumbers, mouse users, and pickleball players are far more common sources of new cases.

The five large vertebrae of the lower back, labeled L1 through L5. The lumbar spine bears the most weight of any spinal region and is the most common site of disc herniation and joint dysfunction. The natural lumbar curve (lordosis) is essential for proper load distribution. Loss of the lumbar curve, often from prolonged sitting, contributes significantly to chronic low back pain.

Hands-on treatment techniques used by chiropractors, physical therapists, and other manual practitioners to assess and treat musculoskeletal conditions. Manual therapy includes joint mobilization, manipulation (adjustment), soft tissue release, and stretching. The skill of the practitioner matters as much as the technique itself.

Tendinopathy of the common flexor tendon at the inside of the elbow, commonly called golfer's elbow. The mirror image of lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow), caused by repetitive wrist flexion and gripping. Treatment is similar: joint mobilization, soft tissue therapy, and shockwave therapy for chronic cases.

The portion of a spinal nerve that exits the spinal cord through the foraminal opening between two vertebrae. Nerve roots are vulnerable to compression from disc herniations, bone spurs, and inflammation. Compression of a nerve root produces radiating pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness along the path of that specific nerve. Sciatica is the most well-known example.

The group of muscles that span the bottom of the pelvis and support the bladder, bowel, and reproductive organs. The pelvic floor works in coordination with the diaphragm, deep abdominal muscles, and lumbar spine. Dysfunction can contribute to low back pain, hip pain, and sacroiliac joint issues. Pregnancy, childbirth, and prolonged sitting are common causes of pelvic floor problems.

An active soft tissue release technique where the practitioner applies tension to a specific muscle while the patient moves through a controlled range of motion. Pin & Stretch breaks up adhesions and trigger points while restoring full muscle length. The active component (patient movement) makes it more effective than passive stretching for many soft tissue conditions.

A common term for nerve root compression. A pinched nerve produces radiating pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness along the affected nerve's path. The cause is usually a disc herniation, bone spur, or muscle compression along the nerve. The clinical term is radiculopathy when the compression is at the spinal nerve root.

Inflammation and degeneration of the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot. Plantar fasciitis typically produces sharp pain in the heel that is worst with the first few steps in the morning and after long periods of sitting. Shockwave therapy is one of the most effective treatments for chronic cases.

The body's sense of position and movement in space, driven by sensory receptors in muscles, tendons, joints, and the inner ear. Proprioception allows you to walk without looking at your feet, touch your nose with your eyes closed, and maintain balance. Joint restrictions in the spine reduce proprioceptive input, which can contribute to balance issues, dizziness, and poor posture.

The clinical name for symptoms caused by compression or irritation of a spinal nerve root. Symptoms include pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness along the path of the affected nerve. Cervical radiculopathy produces symptoms in the arm and hand. Lumbar radiculopathy is most commonly known as sciatica when it affects the sciatic nerve distribution.

The full extent of movement available at a joint. Range of motion is measured in degrees and compared to expected normal values for each joint. Loss of ROM is one of the most reliable signs of joint dysfunction. Restoring ROM is a primary goal of chiropractic care and a key way we measure progress.

The group of four muscles (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, subscapularis) and their tendons that surround the shoulder joint and stabilize it during arm movement. Rotator cuff injuries, including tendinopathy, partial tears, and full-thickness tears, are among the most common causes of shoulder pain in adults.

The paired joints where the sacrum (base of the spine) meets the iliac bones of the pelvis. The SI joints transmit load between the spine and the legs and allow small but important amounts of motion. Dysfunction at the SI joint is a very common source of low back and hip pain, particularly in pregnancy and postpartum.

Pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back through the buttock and down the leg. Sciatica is a symptom, not a diagnosis. The underlying cause is usually a disc herniation, foraminal stenosis, or piriformis syndrome. Most cases respond well to conservative chiropractic care.

A sideways curvature of the spine that exceeds 10 degrees. Scoliosis is most commonly identified in adolescents (idiopathic scoliosis) but can develop in adults from degenerative changes. Mild scoliosis often produces no symptoms; moderate curves can cause pain and asymmetry; severe curves may require bracing or surgery. Chiropractic care addresses the secondary muscle and joint dysfunction that comes with scoliosis. See our page on posture and scoliosis screening.

A non-invasive treatment that delivers acoustic pressure waves to damaged tissue to stimulate healing. Focused shockwave therapy is particularly effective for chronic tendinopathies, plantar fasciitis, calcific tendinitis, and tennis elbow. It is not the same as radial pressure wave devices, which are less powerful and less effective for deep tissue conditions.

Narrowing of the spinal canal or foramina, usually due to age-related changes including disc degeneration, bone spurs, and ligament thickening. Stenosis can compress the spinal cord (central stenosis) or nerve roots (foraminal stenosis), producing pain, numbness, or weakness. Lumbar stenosis often produces leg pain that worsens with walking and improves with sitting.

The term has two meanings. In medical orthopedics, a subluxation is a partial dislocation visible on imaging. In chiropractic, a vertebral subluxation refers to a functional restriction or misalignment of a spinal joint that affects normal motion and nervous system function. Modern chiropractic care emphasizes the functional definition: joint dysfunction that interferes with proper movement and the nervous system signals that depend on it.

Three related terms that describe tendon injury. Tendinitis is inflammation of a tendon, usually acute. Tendinosis is chronic degeneration of a tendon without significant inflammation. Tendinopathy is the umbrella term that covers both and is the most accurate label for most chronic tendon problems. Shockwave therapy is one of the most effective treatments for chronic tendinopathies.

The twelve vertebrae of the mid-back, labeled T1 through T12. The thoracic spine attaches to the rib cage and provides the structural foundation for the upper body. Restrictions in the thoracic spine contribute to neck pain, shoulder pain, and rib dysfunction. Most adults have less thoracic mobility than they should from prolonged sitting.

The joint connecting the jaw (mandible) to the skull (temporal bone). TMJ dysfunction produces jaw pain, clicking, headaches, ear pain, and neck pain. The TMJ is closely connected to the upper cervical spine and is often involved in cervicogenic headaches. See our page on TMJ and jaw pain.

A hyperirritable spot within a tight band of muscle that produces local tenderness and often refers pain to a predictable distant location. Trigger points develop from overuse, poor posture, injury, or stress. They contribute to many common pain patterns including headaches, shoulder pain, and low back pain. Pin & Stretch Therapy and Graston Technique are effective at deactivating trigger points.

The 33 bones that stack to form the spine: 7 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 fused sacral, and 4 fused coccygeal. Each vertebra has a body, a posterior arch with facet joints, and a central canal for the spinal cord. The intervertebral discs sit between vertebral bodies and provide cushioning and mobility.

A specific chiropractic adjustment for pregnant patients that focuses on balancing the pelvis and reducing tension in the surrounding ligaments. The Webster Technique is widely used by chiropractors who specialize in prenatal care and is associated with smoother pregnancy and labor experiences. See our page on pregnancy chiropractic.

A neck injury caused by rapid back-and-forth motion of the head, most commonly from a rear-end auto collision. Whiplash can damage cervical discs, joints, ligaments, and muscles, and often produces delayed symptoms that show up days after the accident. Chiropractic care is one of the most effective conservative treatments for whiplash.