A
Abdomen
The front part of the body that lies between the chest and pelvis.
Activatorฎ 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 bodys ability to right itself 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.
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.
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.
Chiropractor
A doctor who has received a Doctor of Chiropractic degree; a doctor of chiropractic or D.C.
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.
Coccyx
A series of small bones at the end of the sacrum, commonly called the tailbone.
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.
Customary fee
A way of describing the average doctor's fee based on a geographical area.
D
Davis series
Seven X-ray views of the upper spine that are helpful in instances of whiplash injury.
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.
E
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.
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.
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
H
Health
A state of optimal physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease and infirmity.
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
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 paddin
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