A

Activator
A spring-loaded adjusting instrument that utilizes an extremely rapid pulse to help restore normal functioning in the body.
Acupressure
The practice of applying; pressure on parts of the body to relieve pain.
Acupuncture
The practice of inserting fine needles on specific meridian points for the purpose of relieving tension, stress, and pain. Highly useful in the treatment and relief of back pain.
Adjustments:
A form of chiropractic technique involving the application of gentle, yet firm, pressure to a bone. Adjustments employ a high velocity, low amplitude thrust. The goal of any adjustment is to restore the bone to its natural, or original, position.
Adrenal glands
Small glands located on the kidneys that produce the stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol.
Adrenaline:
A hormone that stimulates metabolism, increases alertness and increases blood pressure.
Aerobic Exercises
These kinds of exercises generally involve large muscle groups and foster a strong and healthy heart and lung function.
Alternative Medicine
The use of various non-drug, non-surgical related therapies. Using natural means of treatment.
Amino acid
The basic unit from which proteins are made. There are two classes of amino acids: essential and non-essential. Essential amino acids are those that cannot be manufactured by the body and must be attained from the diet. Non-essential amino acids are those that the body can synthesize from other amino acids.
Anabolism
The metabolic process of building new tissue. Typically used in relation to building muscle, ligaments and tendons.
Analgesics
Medicines that are used to relieve pain - aspirin is an example.
Ankylosing Spondylitis
A chronic, progressive, rheumatic disease of the spine that causes calcification of the spinal ligaments, resulting in a loss of movement.
Annulus fibrosis
The tough outer layer of the intervertebral disc. Cartilage-like material formed in a series of rings surrounding the nucleus pulposus (soft center) of a disc.
Arthritis
Inflammation of a joint; most arthritis is caused by degenerative changes related to aging. Arthritis affects not only joints but also connective tissue throughout the body can be involved, as well.
Autonomic nervous system
The part of the nervous system that is responsible for controlling the involuntary functions in the body, such as digestion, metabolism, blood pressure, etc.
Activator® Methods
A diagnostic approach as well as a handheld instrument that is used to deliver a consistent low-force, high-speed chiropractic adjustment.
Acute
Of short duration and relatively severe.
Adjustment
An intervention with the intent of facilitating the body’s ability to ?rightitself and function more normally
Afferent
Carrying impulses towards a centre when sensory nerve impulses are sent toward the brain.
Antalgic Position
An abnormal position of the body resulting from the body's attempt to minimise pain.
Anterior
Toward the front of the body.
Articulation
The connection of bones; a joint.
Assignment
An agreement between doctor and patient to waive payment until a claim is paid by an insurance company, which is then paid directly to the doctor.
Atlas
The uppermost and most freely movable bone of the spine.
Atrophy
A decrease in the size of a normally developed tissue or organ.
Autonomic Nervous System
The part of the nerve system that regulates involuntary action, as of the intestines, heart, and glands, and comprises the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system.

B

Bilateral
Pertaining to both sides of the body or structure.
Biomechanics
The application of mechanical laws to living structures.
Blocks/blocking
Wedge-shaped devices used by SOT practitioners to raise one or both sides of the pelvis into a healthier pattern for better support of the spine and head.
Brain Stem
The "primitive" and oldest area of the brain.
Bursitis
Inflammation of a bursa (eg. knee and shoulder), which is a fluid-filled sac situated where friction would otherwise develop.
Back Extension
Backward bending of the spine.
Back Flexion
Forward bending of the spine.
Basal energy expenditure (BEE)
Also known as the basal metabolic rate.; The number of calories that your body needs for basic processes such as digestion, breathing, brain function, etc.
Bilateral
Pertaining to both sides of the body or structure.
Biomechanics
The application of mechanical laws to living structures.
Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA)
A way to estimate the amount of body weight that is fat and nonfat. Nonfat weight comes from bone, muscle, body water, organs, and other body tissues. BIA works by measuring how difficult it is for a harmless electrical current to move through the body. The more fat a person has, the harder it is for electricity to flow through the body. The less fat a person has, the easier it is for electricity to flow through the body. By measuring the flow of electricity, one can estimate body fat percent.
Body mass index (BMI)
A measure of body weight relative to height. BMI can be used to determine if people are at a healthy weight, overweight, or obese. A body mass index (BMI) of 18.5 up to 25 refers to a healthy weight, a BMI of 25 up to 30 refers to overweight and a BMI of 30 or higher refers to obese.
Bodywork
A general term that relates to a wide variety of hands-on therapies, such as massage and some movement therapies.
Bulging Disc
The annulus portion of the lumbar disc weakens causing the nucleus to press against it resulting in the annulus pinching or pressing against a nerve causing pain.

C

CAT scan
(Computer Aided Tomography) An imaging device that uses narrow X-ray beams and a computer to create a type of three-dimensional X-ray.
Central Nerve System
The brain and spinal cord.
Cerebellum
The "hind" brain.
Cerebral Hemispheres
"The "higher" brain which is the most evolved area of the brain.
Cervical
The vertebrae of the neck, usually seven bones.
Chiropractic
The discipline of detecting and reducing vertebral subluxation.
Chronic
Persisting for a long period of time.
Claim
A request for payment of a loss that may or may not come under the terms of an insurance contract.
Compensation Reaction
A new problem that results from the body's attempt to respond to a problem elsewhere in the body (i.e. the spine).
Compressive Lesion
A malfunctioning spinal bone or bones that results in direct pressure on a spinal nerve resulting in decreased nerve transmission.
Congenital
Existing at, or dating from birth.
CT Scan
Also known as CAT Scan or Computer Aided Tomography which uses pencil thin X-ray beams and a computer to create a type of three-dimensional X-ray. A sophisticated x-ray using a computer to produce a detailed cross-sectional three-dimensional picture of the bone and discs.
Catabolism
The metabolic process of breaking down tissues. Typically refers to the breakdown of muscle, bone, ligaments and tendons.
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.
Cartilage
A connective tissue that lines the ends of bones and most joints. It lines the facet joints of the spine.
Cauda equina
A region at the lower end of the spinal column in which nerve roots branch out in a fashion that resembles a horse's tail.
Cervical Spine
The upper portion of your spine; also called the neck.
Chinese Medicine
The general term to describe the numerous techniques utilized in China for many thousands of years to heal bodily ailments. These may include massage, herbs, acupuncture and Qi Gong.
Chiropractic
Comes from the Greek words, "chiro," meaning hand, and "practic," meaning practice, or treatment. Chiropractic is a form of health care that focuses primarily on restoring normal position, motion and function in the body's structures; especially the spine.
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, especially the spine.
Chronic Pain
Pain that has lasted for more than three months generally having significant psychological and emotional affects and limiting a person's ability to fully function.
Cholesterol
A fat-like substance that is made by the body and is found naturally in animal foods such as meat, fish, poultry, eggs, and dairy products. Foods high in cholesterol include liver and organ meats, egg yolks, and dairy fats. Cholesterol is carried in the blood. When cholesterol levels are too high, some of the cholesterol is deposited on the walls of the blood vessels. Over time, the deposits can build up causing the blood vessels to narrow and blood flow to decrease. The cholesterol in food, like saturated fat, tends to raise blood cholesterol, which increases the risk for heart disease. Total blood cholesterol levels above 240 mg/dl are considered high. Levels between 200-239 mg/dl are considered borderline high. Levels under 200 mg/dl are considered desirable.
Cortisol
A hormone that is released from the adrenal glands in response to stress that facilitates fat storage and has a catabolic affect on muscle and connective tissue.
Coccyx
The small bone at the lower tip of the spine. Also called the tailbone, a triangular-shaped bone at the bottom of the lumbar area.
Complementary Medicine
The use of various non-drug, non-surgical related therapies. Using natural means of treatment.
Compressed Nerve
Material from a bulging or Herniated disk pushes against a nerve in the spinal cord causing severe pain.
Computed Tomography (CT) scan
A sophisticated x-ray using a computer to produce a detailed cross-sectional three-dimensional picture of the bone and discs.
Cordotomy
Surgery to cut some of the fibers of the spinal cord; used to relieve pain.
Cranio-Sacral Therapy
A manual therapy focusing on manipulation of the bones in the skull and sacrum.

D

Dermatomes
Tests used to reveal areas of skin, and their sensitivity, serviced by nerves distributed from the spinal cord.
Diagnosis
The act of distinguishing one health problem from another.
Diagnostic imaging
The use of X-rays, MRI, CAT scans, EMG, thermography and other tools to create pictures of the structure and function of the body.
Diathermy
The therapeutic use of high frequency current to create heat within an area of the body.
Disability
The partial or total loss of mental or physical abilities caused by an injury or disease that prevents an insured from engaging in some or all of the duties of his or her usual occupation.
Disc Herniation
An extreme bulging of the soft nucleus pulposus into a defect or weakened area of fibrous disc exterior.
Disc
A cartilage (cushion/pad) that separates each spinal vertebra, absorbs shocks to the spine and protects the nerve systems and assists in creating the four spinal lateral curves (also known as intervertebal disc).
Disease
Any deviation from or interruption of the normal structure or function of any part, organ, or system of the body that is manifested by a characteristic set of symptoms whose prognosis may be known or unknown.
Dorsal
Pertaining to the back; the twelve thoracic vertebrae are also referred to as dorsal vertebrae.
Degenerative Arthritis
The wearing away of cartilage that protects and cushions joints including those in the spine, hands and feet (see Osteoarthritis).
Degenerative Disc Disease
A general term applied to degeneration of the lumbar spinal discs which serve as cushions between the spinal vertebrae, resulting in a narrowing of the disc space.
Disc Annulus
The outer lining of a disk (see Annulus Fibrosis).
Disc Nucleus
The inner core of a disk (see Nucleus Pulposus).
Discectomy
Surgical removal of part or the entire herniated intervertebral disc.

E

Edema
A condition in which fluid fills a damaged joint area with excessive fluid causing swelling similar to the swelling of a twisted ankle.
Efferent
Carrying away from a central organ; nerve impulses leaving the brain to peripheral tissues.
EMG
Electromyogram; a device used to measure muscle tone and detect subluxation patterns by detecting changes in electrical activity in millionths of a volt.
EMS
Electro-Muscle Stimulation; a form of electrical stimulation designed to reduce swelling and inflammation.
Examination
The process of inspecting and testing the body and its systems to determine the presence or absence of disease or injury.
Extension
To stretch out or to spread to its fullest length or reach.
Electrical nerve stimulation
A type of physical therapy treatment that utilizes various frequencies and wave forms of electrical current, which have therapeutic effects on the nervous and musculoskeletal systems.
Electromyography (EMG)
Procedure that tests nerves and muscles providing information to help determine if surgery may be required.
Endorphins
Chemical messengers released by the body during vigorous exercise that stimulate the brain to feel good, happy and relaxed.
Epidural Injection
Into the spinal column but outside of the spinal cord.
Extensor Muscles
Muscles that cause your joints to straighten, such as the back and gluteus muscles that help keep your back straight.

F

Facet
A small, smooth area on bone or other hard surface.
Facilitative Lesion
A twisting or stretching of nerve tissue due to a malfunctioning spine.
Fee for service
The traditional method of payment for health care services where payment is made by the patient for specific services delivered by a doctor.
Fixation
Being held in a fixed position. An area of the spine with restricted movement.
Flaccid
Soft, limp.
Flexion
To bend to the side, forward, or backward.
Foramen
A small opening.
Frontal
Pertaining to the forehead

G

Gatekeeper
An individual, usually a clinician, who controls patient access to healthcare services for members of a specific group.

H

Health
A state of optimal physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease and infirmity.
HMO
Health Maintenance Organisation. A prepaid plan (not insurance) that offers a variety of health care services for a fixed monthly fee.
Homeostasis
A state of physiological equilibrium produced by a balance of functions and of chemical composition within an organism.
Hypermobility
Excess movement of an area of the spine.
Hypomobility
Restricted movement of an area of the spine.

I

ICD-9 Codes
International Classification of Diseases Codes.
IME (Independent Medical Examination)
An examination arranged by a third party payer which is theoretically designed to impartially evaluate a patients disability or another doctor’s diagnosis or treatment plan.
Impairment
A loss, alteration or abnormality of psychological, physiological or anatomical structure or function.
Inferior
Lower in position.
Inflammation
A reaction of soft tissue due to injury that may include malfunction, discomfort, rise in temperature, swelling, and increased blood supply.
Initial Intensive Care
A type of chiropractic care characterized by frequent visits for the purpose of eliminating or reducing the patients major complaint.
Insurance
A policy in which you pay a company premiums to take the risk that they might have to pay you back a lot more for treatments necessary for symptom relief.
Interference
Damage or deficit to the nervous system.
Intervertebral Disc
Fibrocartilage padding between vertebral bodies that act as a shock absorber, with a pulpy centre that acts as a ball-bearing.
Intervertebral Foramina
The lateral opening through which spinal nerve roots exit the spinal column.

J

Jaw Pain
Commonly diagnosed as TMJ Dysfunction Tempero Mandibular Joint Dysfunction in refernce to the main articulating bones of the jaw bone and skull

K

Kyphosis
From the side, the backward curve of the spine seen in the thoracic spine

L

Lateral
The side view of the body.
Lien
A creditor’s claim against assets to secure a debt.
Lipping
The development of a bony outgrowth.
Listing
A system used to describe the motion or position of vertebral segments in relation to adjacent vertebral segments.
Lordosis
From the side, the forward curve of the spine, found in the cervical and lumbar spine.
Lumbar
The vertebrae of the lower back, usually five bones.

M

Maintenance Care
Care designed to maintain a patients improved health and spinal function.
Managed care
A program that imposes controls on the utilization of health care services or the providers who offer such care usually by insurance companies or government bodies
Massage
Manual therapy involving pressure, friction and kneading of the body.
Maximum medical improvement
A point in the patients care in which they have reached their pre-incident or accident condition, usually ending the insurance company’s obligations.
Medicare
A Government health insurance program for Residents of Australia
MRI
Magnetic Resonance Imaging A device using magnetic imaging to create an image of the internal structures of the body helpful in diagnosing bony and soft tissue problems

N

Narrative
A written report by the doctor that includes a patients health history, a description of the patients complaint(s), examination findings, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.
Neural Canal
The opening in the spine through which the spinal cord passes.
Neurological
Pertaining to the nervous system.
Neurologist
Medical doctor whose practice focus is on the function of the nervous system.
No fault
A form of insurance in which a person’s losses from an car accident are paid by his or her own insurer regardless of who was at fault.
Nucleus pulposus
The gelatinous mass in the centre of the intervertebral disc.

O

Objective complaints
What the doctor finds by examination.
Oblique
Slanting; diagonal.
Occipital
Pertaining to the back of the head.
Orthopedics
Pertaining to the correction or prevention of deformities of the musculoskeletal system.
Orthopedist
Medical doctor who specialises in the preservation and restoration of the skeletal system and its articulations.
Osteopathy
A medical therapy that emphasises manipulative procedures and uses medication or surgery and specialises in various areas of medicine.
Out-of-network
A provision for reimbursement of services by a provider who is not a member of the patients HMO that usually involves a higher co-pay or a reduction in reimbursement.

P

Palpation
Examining the spine with your fingers; the art of feeling with the hand.
Pathology
A disease process.
Pathophysiology
A malfunction of the body system(s) and/or spine.
Pediatrics
The care of infants and children and the treatment of their diseases.
Peripheral Nerve System
The nervous system that connects the central nervous system with every cell, tissue, and organ of the body.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
A type of coverage in an motor vehicle policy that pays for medical costs in case of an accident.
Personal injury
An injury sustained from an car or slip and fall accident.
Physiology
The biological science of essential and characteristic life processes, activities, and functions; the vital processes of an organism.
Physiotherapy
Treatment with physical and mechanical means, such as massage, electricity, etc.
Posterior
Toward the back of the body.
Post-examination
An examination used to monitor the healing process and the patients progress towards recovery.
PPO
Preferred Provider Organisation. A network of doctors and hospitals that contract with an insurance company or employer to provide employees with services at competitive rates.
Pre-authorization
The prior approval required by some payers before benefit payments will be granted.
Preventative care
Health care that focuses on early detection and treatment in an attempt to reduce costs.
Prognosis
A prediction of the probable course and outcome of a disease or the likelihood of recovery from a disease.
Prone
Lying horizontal with the face downward.
Provider
Those who provide health care services, such as hospitals, physicians, chiropractors, nurse practitioners and others.
PT
Physical therapy.

Q

There are no Terms that begin with the letter "Q".

R

Radiograph
A specially sensitized film that records the internal structures of the body by the passage of X-rays. An X-ray film.
Range of Motion
The range, measured in degrees of a circle, through which a joint can be extended and flexed.
Rare Earth Screens
A phosphorous coated panel placed next to X-ray film that glows when it is exposed to X-ray radiation, reducing exposures and enhancing the image.
Reasonable fee
A fee determined by a private health fund that is consistent with the going rate in a geographical area for similar services.
Reflex
An involuntary action resulting from a stimulus.
Rehabilitative Care
A type of chiropractic care with the objective of strengthening the spine and providing optimum healing of the function of the spine, associated tissues, and organ systems.
Reimbursement
The payment of the expenses incurred because of an accident or sickness, up to any limit specified in the policy.
Relief Care
See Initial Intensive Care.
Report of Findings
A short presentation, usually by the doctor, describing the patients problem, how long it will take to correct, and the prognosis.

S

S.O.A.P notes
A system of patient record keeping based on the patients Subjective complaints, Objective complaints, Doctor's Assessment, and treatment Plan.
Sacrum
The triangular bone at the base of the spine.
Sciatica
A pain that radiates from the back into the buttocks and into the leg caused by the irritation of the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the body.
Scoliosis
A sideways curve of the spine as viewed from the back.
Slipped Disc
An incorrect name given a condition in which a disc becomes wedge-shaped and bulges. In extreme cases this pressure will cause a disc to rupture.
SOT
SOT stands for Sacro Occipital Technique, a method of normalizing the relationship between the foundation of the spine and the top of the spine by specifically positioning the body to use its weight to correct the body.
Spasm
A contraction of muscle tissue.
Spinous Process
A posterior protruding part of a spinal bone that can be seen or felt when examining the spine.
Spurring
A projecting body, as from a bone.
Subjective complaints
Those problems identified by the patient such as headaches, leg pain, etc.
Subluxation
A misalignment and malfunction of the spine that is less than a dislocation that interferes with the nervous system, associated organs, muscles, and soft tissues of the body.
Superior
Upper or higher in position.
Supine
Lying horizontal on the back with the face upward

T

Technique
A specific procedure, method or maneuver used to correct spinal problems.
Therapy
Methods used to assist in the relief of pain, rehabilitation, and restoration of normal body functions.
Third-Party payer
Any payer for health care services other than the patient such as an insurance company, HMO, PPO or the government.
Thoracic
Pertaining to the part of the spinal column from the base of the neck to about six inches above the waistline.
Traction
The act of drawing or exerting a pulling force, as along the long axis of a structure.
Transverse Process
Lateral protrusions (wings) of bone from the vertebrae to which powerful muscles attach.
Trigger Point
An involuntarily tight band of muscle that is painful when pressed and can cause referred pain in other parts of the body.

U

Ultrasound
High frequency inaudible sounds whose vibrations can be used for heating internal structures of the body.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
An insurance provision that pays for bodily injury to you, a family member or others in your car when the injury is caused by an uninsured, underinsured or hit-and-run driver.
Usual fee
Fee that a doctor usually charges for a specific service.

V

Vertebra
Any of the individual bones of the spinal column.
Vertebral Subluxation Complex
Various kinds of pathology resulting from a Vertebral Subluxation which often include spinal kinesiopathology, neuropathophysiology, myopathology, histopathology and pathophysiology.
Vertebral Subluxation
A misalignment of spinal bones that is less than a complete dislocation but sufficient to cause disruption of nerve system function.

W

Walk in
A patient who shows up for an unscheduled appointment.
Wellness care
Health care that is not prompted by sickness or injury but by an attempt to achieve or promote an optimum state of physical, mental and social well-being.
Whiplash
An injury to the cervical spine caused by an abrupt jerking motion of the head, either backward or forward.
Work hardening
Physical conditioning, work simulation and education to build strength and endurance and help an injured employee return to work.
Worker’s Compensation
A type of insurance that covers employee illnesses, injuries and disabilities occurring in the course of their employment.

X

X-rays
Electromagnetic radiation that can penetrate many objects and reveal their internal structure by recording the shadow cast on photographic plates.

Y

You The Incredible doctor You - contains all the innate wisdom for healing to occur for you given the right treatment and circumstances

Z

There are no Terms that begin with the letter "Z".