118 W. Commercial, Lyons KS, 67554-2718.

(620) 257-1100 Monday/Wednesday/Friday

United Building, Suite 105, 119 W. Iron, Salina, KS, 67401-2600.

(785) 643-7777 Tuesday/Thursday

Glossary of Terms

Chiropractic

Make the most of your appointments by knowing what terms mean. By familiarizing yourself with basic terminology before your appointment you can be sure to understand your prognosis and ask the doctor the proper questions during your visit.

Acute (traumatic) Injuries

Injuries that occur due to a traumatic and unexpected event such as a fall, a car accident, or a sports injury. The acute injury pain usually does not last longer than two or three months. Return to Glossary

Adjustments

A technique involving the application of pressure to specific bones. Adjustments employ a gentle, yet firm thrust which is meant to help relieve pressure from spinal nerves and restore the bone to its natural position. Return to Glossary

Arthritis

A gradual breakdown, or deterioration, of the joint spaces in your musculoskeletal system. Return to Glossary

Atlas

A large vertebra in the upper cervical spine. Return to Glossary

Bulging Disc

A common condition related to the spine, usually the lumbar, which occurs when a disc distends through a crevice in the spine. Return to Glossary

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. Return to Glossary

Cervical Vertebrae

The seven vertebrae immediately behind the skull, or the neck area of the spine. Return to Glossary

Chiropractic

An alternative noninvasive health care practice with the mission to diagnose and treat mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system in order to relieve the obstructed nerves and improve overall health. Return to Glossary

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. Return to Glossary

Chronic Back Pain

Unlike Acute Pain, Chronic Back Pain lasts more than three months. Return to Glossary

Coccyx

A triangular shaped bone at the bottom of the spine. Also known as the tailbone. Return to Glossary

D.C.

Abbreviation for Doctor of Chiropractic. Return to Glossary

Decompression

A form of traction using a device that stretches and releases the spine. Decompression is often times used to treat arthritis, herniated and bulging discs while improving circulation. Return to Glossary

Degenerative Disc Disease

A condition in which the inner core of the vertebral discs leak proteins that can inflame the nerve roots. Return to Glossary

Electrotherapy

A pain management technique that applies electrical stimulation to affected nerves and muscles and encourages the body to release pain-killing chemicals, such as opiates and endorphins, and blocks pain signals from being transmitted to the brain. Return to Glossary

Exercise Therapy

A form of treatment used to help manage pain, rehabilitate damaged soft tissues, such as muscles, ligament, and tendons, and restore normal range of motion. Return to Glossary

Heat Therapy

A form of therapy often used in patients who have chronic or long-lasting pain. Return to Glossary

Herniated Disc

A common disorder in which a disc ruptures and shifts to a position that irritates the spinal nerves. A herniated disc occurs frequently within the lumbar region of the spine. Return to Glossary

Ice Therapy (Cryotherapy)

A form of therapy involving the application of ice to treat several types of acute injuries, including those associated with back or neck pain. Return to Glossary

Lumbar Roll

A form of adjustment in which the patient lies on his or her side while the chiropractor applies a firm, quick thrust to the misaligned vertebrae. Return to Glossary

Lumbar Vertebrae

The lower-back. The five bones in the bottom portion of the spine. Return to Glossary

Manipulation

A form of treatment which involves the application of gentle, yet firm, specified pressure to bones. The goal of manipulation is to relieve pressure from the surrounding spinal nerves, eliminate pain and restore normal range of motion. Return to Glossary

Migraine

A severe headache that has a tendency to reoccur when blood vessels and the head and neck spasm, restricting the blood flow to the brain. Return to Glossary

Sciatica

A condition in which the sciatic nerve, which is several small nerves bundled within the pelvis area, is injured. Sciatica causes numbness, tingling and in the buttocks, legs, feet and toes. Return to Glossary

Scoliosis

A medical term that refers to spinal curvatures and a condition that often begins in early childhood. Return to Glossary

Slipped Disc

Another name for a ruptured or herniated disc. Return to Glossary

Spinal Column

The term for the bones of your back that protect your spinal cord and allows the body to move in several different directions. Return to Glossary

Strengthening Exercises

Exercises that focus on strengthening the core muscles that protect your spine. These muscles include the abdominal and back muscles. Return to Glossary

Stretching Exercises

Exercises that focus on limbering the soft tissue surrounding your spine and other body extremities. Return to Glossary

Subluxations

Another term for the misalignments of the vertebrae. Subluxations can create pressure on the spinal nerves, causing a wide variety of symptoms throughout the body including localized soreness, pain, bodily irregularity and weakness. Return to Glossary

Table Adjustments

A method of adjustment that involves lying on a special table. Return to Glossary

Therapeutic Massage

A form of massage that involves manipulating the soft tissues of the body to prevent and alleviate pain, discomfort, muscle spasm, and stress. Return to Glossary

Thoracic Vertebrae

The middle twelve segment of the vertebral column, between the cervical vertebrae and the lumbar vertebrae. Return to Glossary

Ultrasound

A pain therapy technique using sound waves to heat soft tissues while viewing the condition of joints, nerve roots, tendons muscles and more. The ultrasound sometimes helps chiropractors figure out the best form of treatment. Return to Glossary

Vertebral Bodies

The 24 moveable bones that act as a support column to hold up the spine. Return to Glossary

Whiplash

An injury to the neck or cervical spine that occurs when muscles are hyper extended. Return to Glossary

Musculoskeletal Health

Relieve your pain and start living your life to the fullest! Request a chiropractic appointment or a complimentary consultation by filling out the forms online or by calling us at 620-257-1100.