Chiropractic Glossary

Plain-language definitions of common chiropractic and spine terms

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Adjustment: A precise, controlled force applied to a specific joint — most commonly a spinal vertebra — to restore proper alignment and motion. Also called spinal manipulation.
Annulus Fibrosus: The tough, fibrous outer ring of an intervertebral disc that surrounds and contains the soft inner nucleus pulposus.

Cervical Spine: The uppermost section of the spine consisting of seven vertebrae (C1–C7) that support the head and allow neck movement.
Chiropractic: A healthcare discipline focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, with particular emphasis on the spine.

Disc Herniation: A condition in which the soft inner material of an intervertebral disc pushes through a tear in the outer ring, potentially pressing on nearby nerves and causing pain, numbness, or weakness.
Diversified Technique: The most widely used chiropractic adjustment technique, involving high-velocity, low-amplitude thrusts to restore normal joint motion throughout the spine.

Facet Joint: Small joints located between adjacent vertebrae that guide and limit spinal movement. Facet joint dysfunction is a common source of back and neck pain.
Foraminal Stenosis: Narrowing of the openings (foramina) through which spinal nerve roots exit the spinal canal, often causing nerve compression and radiating pain.

Lumbar Spine: The lower section of the spine consisting of five vertebrae (L1–L5) that bear most of the body's weight and allow bending and twisting movements.

Manipulation: See Adjustment. A therapeutic technique that applies controlled force to a joint to improve range of motion and reduce pain.

Nucleus Pulposus: The soft, gel-like center of an intervertebral disc that acts as a shock absorber between vertebrae.

PIP (Personal Injury Protection): A type of auto insurance coverage required in Florida that pays for medical expenses, including chiropractic care, regardless of who is at fault in an accident.

Radiculopathy: A condition caused by compression or irritation of a spinal nerve root, resulting in pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that radiates along the nerve's pathway (e.g., sciatica).

Sacrum: A triangular bone at the base of the spine that connects the lumbar vertebrae to the pelvis. The sacroiliac (SI) joint connects the sacrum to the ilium of the pelvis.
Sciatica: Pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve — from the lower back through the hip and buttock and down each leg. Usually caused by a herniated disc or bone spur compressing the nerve.
Soft Tissue: Muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia that support and connect the bones of the skeleton. Soft tissue injuries are extremely common in auto accidents.
Subluxation: A partial misalignment of a vertebra that interferes with normal nerve function. Chiropractors identify and correct subluxations through spinal adjustments.

Thoracic Spine: The middle section of the spine consisting of twelve vertebrae (T1–T12) that attach to the rib cage and protect the heart and lungs.
Traction: A therapeutic technique that gently stretches the spine to relieve pressure on compressed discs and nerves, reduce muscle spasm, and improve spinal alignment.

Vertebra: One of the 33 individual bones that make up the spinal column. Vertebrae protect the spinal cord and provide structural support for the body.

Whiplash: A neck injury caused by a rapid, forceful back-and-forth movement of the neck — most commonly from rear-end auto collisions. Symptoms include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and dizziness.