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Glossary

Acute
Of short duration and relatively severe.
Adjustment
Moving a joint beyond its passive range of motion limit by means of a sudden thrust or impulse, usually accompanied by an audible "popping" sound. Otherwise known as spinal manipulation.
Atlas
Uppermost and most freely movable bone in the spinal column.
Chiropractic
Study of the relationship between the structure and function of the nervous system.
Cervical
The vertebrae of the neck, generally composed of 7 bones.
Chronic
Symptoms persisting for a long period of time.
Cryotherapy
The application of ice, cold towels, compresses, and ice massage to reduce the temperature of the tissues on or below the surface of the skin.
Diathermy
Shortwave electro-magnetic energy used to raise the temperature of soft tissues beneath the skin.
Disc
The cartilage that seperates the spinal vertebrae and acts as a cushion to absorb shocks to the spine.
Electro-Muscle Stimulation
Small amounts of electrical current administered at the site of a soft tissue injury to block pain.
Facet
The joint surface of a spinal bone, facing adjacent bone above or below.
Fixation
Being held in a fixed position. Area of the spine of a joint with limited movement.
Health
State of optimal physical, mental and social well-being.
Histopathology
Abnormal soft tissue (tendons, ligaments, intervertebral discs) function.
Intervertebral Foramina
The lateral opening through which spinal nerve roots exit the spinal column.
Lumbar
The vertebrae of the lower back, usually 5 bones.
Massage
The assessment and treatment of the soft tissues and joints of the body by hands-on manipulation.
Myopathology
Abnormal muscle function.
Neuropathophysiology
Abnormal nervous system function.
Palpation
The act of examining the spine with your fingers.
Pathophysiology
The abnormal function of the spine and body.
Radicular Pain
Pain radiating into the lower or upper extremities. This pain is often deep and steady. It is reproducible with activities such as sitting or walking. Radicular pain may be accompanied by muscle weakness, numbness and tingling and loss of specific reflexes.
Range of Motion
The range, measured in degrees, through which a joint can be moved.
Sacrum
The triangular bone at the base of the spine, composed of fused vertebrae.
Spinal Kinesiopathology
Abnormal motion or position of spinal bones.
Spinal Manipulation
Moving a joint beyond its passive range of motion limit by means of a sudden thrust or impulse, usually accompanied by an audible "popping" sound.
Spinous Process
The posterior protruding part of the vertebrae that can be seen or felt when examining the spine.
Superficial Heat
Using hot packs, warm moist towels and heating pads to raise the temperature of soft tissues just below the surface of the skin.
Thoracic
The part of the spinal column from the base of the neck to about six inches above the waist. Contains 12 vertebrae.
Transverse Process
The lateral protrusions of bone from the vertebrae which serves as an attachment for powerful muscles and ligaments.
Ultrasound
Therapeutic treatment using high-frequency sound waves administered in region of soft tissue injuries.
Vertebra
Any of the individual bones of the spinal column.
Vertebral Subluxation Complex
Condition in which the vertebrae lose their normal position and motion due to diverse causes such as trauma, stress or chemical imbalance.