CHIROPRACTIC
GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Abnormal vertebral motion: Eccentric motion of a vertebra in which the disc center of motion is no longer aligned to the vertical axis of the body.   « top

Adjustment: A specific directional thrust maneuver or application of forces applied to a subluxated vertebra that sets the vertebra into motion with the intent to reduce and/or correct the vertebral misalignment, thus improving the neurological component of the vertebral subluxation complex along with vivification of the affected tissues and body functions.   « top

Atlas aka C1: The first cervical vertebra, which articulates above with the occipital bone (the head) and below with C2 the axis ( the second bone in the neck). Atlas use to be the only bone Chiropractors adjusted when chiropractic first started. Now how could this adjustment effect the low back? At the level of C1 and C2 are the widest diameter of the spinal cord, and on the outside of the cord are all the nerve endings tracts for the lower body. So by adjusting the neck you not only stimulate the neck but also the lower body.   « top

Atlas subluxation complex (ASC): An atlas that has lost its alignment with the vertical axis in one or more planes, resulting in neuromuscular stresses which in turn produce misalignments of the spine and pelvis and contiguous structures.   « top

Atlas subluxation syndrome: Measurable distortions of the spinal column and sublimated body associated with C1 sublimation. The physical signs of the C1 subluxation.   « top

Axis aka C2: The second cervical vertebra.   « top

Coccygeal vertebrae: The lowest segments of the vertebral column, comprising three to five rudimentary vertebrae which form the coccyx.   « top

Coccyx: The lowest segment of the vertebral column, comprised of three to five rudimentary vertebrae.   « top

Cerebellum: The part of the metencephalon that occupies the posterior cranial fossa behind the brain stem, being a fissured mass consisting of a median lobe and two lateral lobes connected with the brain stem by three pairs of peduncles. It is concerned in the body's coordination of movements.   « top

Cervical spine: The upper spinal area, consisting of seven vertebrae, C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, and C7.   « top

Chiropractic: Chiropractic is a health care discipline which emphasizes the inherent recuperative powers of the body to heal itself without the use of drugs or surgery. The practice of chiropractic focuses on the relationship between structure (primarily the spine) and function (as coordinated by the nervous system) and how that relationship affects the preservation and restoration of health. Of primary concern to the doctor of chiropractic are abnormalities of structure or function of the vertebral column known clinically as the vertebral subluxation complex. The subluxation complex includes any alteration of the biomechanical and physiological dynamics of contiguous spinal structures which can cause neuronal disturbances.   « top

Chiropractic adjustment: This term refers to a wide variety of specific manual interventions that may be high or low velocity; short or long lever; high or low amplitude; with or without recoil. Chiropractic adjustments are directed at specific anatomical regions of the vertebral spine. The purpose of the Chiropractic adjustment is to correct vertebral sublimations which can cause alteration of the biomechanical and physiological dynamics of contiguous spinal structures and manifest neuronal disturbances.   « top

Chiropractic analysis: A chiropractic analysis is performed on a routine basis to determine the patient's need for spinal adjustments. A chiropractic analysis may include (but certainly is not limited to) two or more of the following procedures: instrumentation (skin temperature differential analysis), chiropractic x-ray analysis, spinal static and motion palpation, postural analysis, leg-length comparison tests, muscle strength measures, and other chiropractic analysis procedures.   « top

Chiropractic assessment: The process of integrating the clinical analysis to determine the best mode to address and monitor the correction of vertebral subluxation and other malpositioned articulations and structures. Specifically it is the integrating of history with physical, imaging and instrumentation examinations.   « top

Chiropractic care: This term refers to the behaviors, methods, procedures, etc., that chiropractic practitioners employ in the case-management of patients.   « top

Chiropractic diagnosis: Such clinical processes as are necessary in the professional judgment of the attending doctor of chiropractic to determine the need for care and, in particular, to detect the presence, location and nature of chiropractic lesions (subluxation and attendant biomechanical, biochemical, structural and neurophysiological problems, etc.) and prepare and administer an appropriate course of care within the realm of chiropractic.   « top

Chiropractic neuro-spinal hygiene (NSH): NSH is a preventive spinal health program designed to educate and empower individuals to improve their spinal and general health, and their sense of well being. SH assists individuals in maintaining a healthy spinal column and nervous system through active personal empowerment in daily procedures promoting spinal flexibility, strength, resiliency, stress management, proper spinal and body ergonomic habits, and optimal spinal and neurological health.   « top

Contracture leg: An apparent difference in the leg length of a C1 subluxated individual when measured in the supine position, and resulting from spastic contracture of the extensor musculature of the spinal column. Frequently called the "short leg".   « top

Joint fixation: Diminished movement within a joint space.   « top

Joint play (accessory movement): The small, precise joint movements, not under the control of the voluntary muscles or patient, that are necessary to permit normal voluntary joint movement. Joint play may include spin, glide and roll of articulation. The full range of active movement of a joint without practitioner assistance is a combination of voluntary movement (voluntary muscles) and joint play.   « top

Lumbar spine: The lower spine area consisting of five vertebrae, L1, L2, L3, L4, L5, and sometimes the anomaly L6.   « top

Motion segment: The smallest functional unit, made up of two adjacent articulating surfaces and contiguous and intervening soft tissues.   « top

Primary care profession: Any health care provider which by law, expertise and professional ethics, may accept patients without referral, e.g., D.C., M.D., D.O., D.P.M., D.D.S., D.D.M.   « top

Primary contact health care provider: Any health care provider capable of providing first level contact and intake into the health delivery system, (b) any health care provider licensed to receive patient contact in the absence of physician referral.   « top

Sacrum: The triangular shaped bone located just below the Lowest Lumbar vertebrae (L5), formed usually by five fused vertebrae (sacral vertebrae) that are wedged dorsally between the left and right illiums.   « top

Spinal analysis: The comprehensive process of evaluating the spinal column and its immediate articulations for vertebral subluxations and contraindications to any or all chiropractic procedures.   « top

Subluxation: A complex of functional and/or structural and/or pathological articular changes that compromise neutral integrity and may influence organ system function and general health. A subluxation is evaluated, diagnosed, and managed through the use of chiropractic procedures based on the best available rational and empirical evidence.   « top

Thoracic spine: The mid spine, consisting of twelve vertebrae, T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7, T8, T9, T10, T11, and T12.   « top

Vertebra: Any of the thirty-three bones of the spinal column comprising the seven cervical, twelve thoracic, five lumbar, five sacral and three to five coccygeal vertebrae.   « top

Vertebrae: The plural of vertebra.   « top

Vertebral: Of or pertaining to a vertebra.   « top

Vertebral subluxation complex (VSC): See subluxation.

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