Plain definitions of 35 terms we use on the job in Atlanta.
Term Index
Open any term below for a dedicated definition page.
Activator is a handheld instrument used in chiropractic adjustment to deliver a controlled, localized impulse to a joint or spinal area. The instrument supports a low-force approach and helps the chiropractor target a specific region without using a broad manual thrust. Its use depends on the patient’s examination findings and care plan.
Also called: Activator Method
An Annular Tear is a split or disruption in the annulus fibrosus, the tough outer ring of a spinal disc. The injury may allow the disc’s inner material to press toward the outer edge without creating a full disc herniation. Annular tears may occur in the lumbar or cervical spine and can contribute to localized pain.
Also called: Annular Fissure
Anterior Pelvic Tilt is a postural position in which the front of the pelvis rotates forward and the back of the pelvis rises. This position may increase the inward curve of the lower back and change how the hips, spine, and abdominal area align during standing, walking, or other movements.
Also called: Lower Crossed Syndrome
Atlas is the first cervical vertebra, located at the top of the spine beneath the skull. The atlas supports the head and helps it move through nodding and rotation. Its ring-like shape differs from the lower neck vertebrae. Chiropractors assess its position and motion as part of a broader examination of spinal function.
Also called: C1 Vertebra
Axial Traction is a spinal decompression method that applies a lengthwise pulling force along the spine. The approach aims to reduce compressive loading between spinal structures while the person rests in a supported position. Clinicians may apply traction to the neck or lower back, depending on the area being assessed and treated.
Also called: Spinal Traction
Cervical Lordosis is the natural inward curve of the neck portion of the spine. This curve helps the head stay balanced over the shoulders and supports normal movement through the cervical vertebrae. A reduced, increased, or reversed curve may appear with posture changes, muscle tension, injury, or structural conditions.
Also called: Neck Curve
A cervicogenic headache is a secondary headache caused by irritation or dysfunction in the neck, including the cervical joints, muscles, or nerves. Pain often begins in the neck or back of the head and travels toward the forehead, temple, or eye. Neck movement may increase symptoms, and the pain commonly affects one side.
Also called: Cervical Headache
Core Stabilization is a corrective exercise approach that trains the muscles around the abdomen, pelvis, and lower spine to support controlled movement. The goal is coordinated strength and endurance during tasks such as bending, lifting, walking, or changing position. Exercises may focus on breathing, alignment, bracing, and steady movement.
Also called: Core Stability
A disc bulge is a condition in which the outer portion of a spinal disc extends beyond its usual boundary without a complete tear. The change may affect nearby nerves or joints, depending on its location and size. Disc bulges commonly appear in the neck or lower back and may occur with or without symptoms.
Also called: Bulging Disc
Disc Herniation is a spinal condition that occurs when the soft inner material of an intervertebral disc pushes through a weakened or torn outer layer. The displaced material may irritate nearby nerves, which can produce localized pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness. Symptoms depend on the disc’s location and the affected nerve.
Also called: Herniated Disc
A facet joint is a small synovial joint between neighboring vertebrae that guides spinal movement and helps limit excessive motion. Each joint has smooth cartilage, a capsule, and sensory nerves. Facet joints occur throughout the spine, including the neck, and can contribute to localized pain or stiffness when irritated.
Also called: Zygapophyseal Joint
Flexion-Distraction is a manual chiropractic technique that uses controlled flexion and gentle table movement to address restricted spinal motion. The practitioner guides a targeted area through a rhythmic motion while reducing direct pressure on nearby structures. The method commonly focuses on the lumbar spine, although clinicians may adapt it to other spinal regions.
Also called: Cox Technique
Foraminal Stenosis is a narrowing of the openings between spinal bones where nerve roots leave the spinal canal. The narrowing may reduce available space around a nerve root and contribute to pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness along the affected nerve pathway. Degenerative joint changes, disc changes, or bone growth can reduce this space.
Also called: Neural Foraminal Stenosis
A frozen shoulder is a painful shoulder condition that limits movement because the joint capsule becomes inflamed, thickened, and tight. The condition often makes everyday actions, such as reaching overhead, fastening clothing, or sleeping on the affected side, difficult. Clinicians assess the pattern through symptoms and restricted active and passive range of motion.
Also called: Adhesive Capsulitis
A gait analysis is a structured assessment of how you walk or run. The assessment examines foot placement, stride pattern, joint motion, balance, and body alignment during movement. Clinicians may observe movement directly or review recorded motion to identify patterns that may affect performance, comfort, or recovery from a sports injury.
Also called: Walking Assessment
Joint Mobilization is a hands-on technique that applies controlled, repeated movement to a joint and its surrounding tissues. The movement stays within a selected range and aims to support joint motion, reduce stiffness, and assess how the joint responds. A chiropractor may apply the technique to the spine or extremities during an adjustment plan.
Also called: Joint Manipulation
Kinesiology Tape is an elastic adhesive strip applied to the skin to provide light sensory input and support during movement. The tape may help you notice joint position, guide movement, or reduce the feeling of strain around an injured area. It does not replace examination, rehabilitation, or treatment of the underlying injury.
Also called: K-Tape
Lumbar Spine is the lower section of the vertebral column between the thoracic spine and pelvis. It contains vertebrae, discs, joints, nerves, and supporting muscles that help carry body weight and allow bending, rotation, and steady movement. The lumbar region also houses nerve pathways connected with the lower back and legs.
Also called: Lower Spine
A meniscus tear is an injury to the rubbery cartilage between the thighbone and shinbone in the knee. The meniscus helps distribute force and supports smooth knee movement. A tear may develop after twisting the knee or from gradual tissue wear. Symptoms can include pain, swelling, stiffness, catching, or reduced motion.
Also called: Torn Meniscus
A muscle spasm is a sudden, involuntary tightening of muscle tissue that can cause pain, stiffness, limited movement, or a firm feeling in the affected area. Spasms may involve the neck, shoulders, or other muscles and can occur after strain, prolonged posture, irritation, or changes in normal movement.
Also called: Muscle Cramp
Nerve Root Compression is a condition in which pressure affects a spinal nerve root as it leaves the spine. The pressure may involve a disc, narrowed opening, arthritic change, or nearby tissue. Symptoms can follow the nerve’s pathway and may include pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness in an arm or leg.
Also called: Nerve Compression
Patellar Tracking is the path the kneecap follows as the knee bends and straightens. Smooth tracking keeps the patella aligned within the femoral groove and supports efficient movement. Changes in muscle control, joint motion, or leg alignment can alter that path and contribute to discomfort around the front of the knee.
Also called: Kneecap Tracking
Pelvic Alignment is the balanced positioning of the pelvis in relation to the spine, hips, and lower limbs. Practitioners assess whether the pelvic bones appear level and whether movement remains coordinated during standing, walking, or other tasks. The term describes a functional relationship, not a diagnosis or a promise that every person has identical posture.
Also called: Pelvic Balance
A piriformis syndrome is a condition in which the piriformis muscle irritates or compresses the sciatic nerve near the buttock. The condition may cause deep buttock pain, tingling, numbness, or pain that travels into the back of the thigh. Symptoms can resemble lumbar nerve irritation, so the surrounding hip and spine require careful assessment.
Also called: Piriformis Muscle Syndrome
Plantar Fascia is a strong band of connective tissue along the bottom of the foot. It extends from the heel toward the toes and helps support the foot’s arch during standing and walking. Irritation or overload in this tissue may contribute to heel or arch pain, often called plantar fasciitis.
Also called: Foot Fascia
Proprioception is the body's ability to sense the position, movement, and force of its joints and muscles without relying on vision. Signals from receptors in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints help the nervous system guide balance, coordination, posture, and controlled movement during activities such as walking, lifting, or exercise.
Also called: Body Position Sense
Radial Shockwave is a noninvasive therapy that sends mechanical pressure waves through an applicator into targeted body tissues. The waves spread outward from the treatment point and may help address localized soft-tissue discomfort, restricted movement, or persistent muscle tension. Radial shockwave differs from focused shockwave because its energy disperses across a broader, more superficial area.
Also called: Radial Extracorporeal Shock Wave
Range of Motion is the movement available at a joint or across a body region. It describes how far a joint can bend, straighten, rotate, or move in another direction. Clinicians assess active movement performed by you and passive movement guided by another person to understand mobility and movement limits.
Also called: ROM
A Rotator Cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilizes the shoulder joint and helps control arm movement. These tissues connect the shoulder blade muscles to the upper arm bone. Rotator cuff problems may involve irritation, strain, or tearing, often causing shoulder pain, weakness, or limited movement.
Also called: Shoulder Cuff
Sacroiliac Joint is the connection between the sacrum at the base of the spine and each side of the pelvis. The joint transfers load between the upper body and legs while allowing limited movement. Irritation in this area can produce pain near the low back, buttock, hip, or upper leg.
Also called: SI Joint
Spinal Manipulation is a hands-on technique that applies a controlled force to a spinal joint to influence its movement and related body responses. A trained clinician selects the direction, contact point, and force based on the person’s examination. The technique may involve a quick thrust or a slower movement within the joint’s available range.
Also called: Spinal Adjustment
Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spaces within the spine that can reduce room for the spinal cord or nerve roots. The narrowing may develop from age-related joint changes, disc changes, thickened ligaments, or spinal shape changes. Symptoms can include back pain, leg discomfort, numbness, weakness, or changes in walking.
Also called: Narrow Spinal Canal
Tension Headache is a common headache pattern linked to pressure, tightness, or aching around the forehead, temples, scalp, or neck. Symptoms often feel steady instead of pulsing. Muscle tension, posture, stress, jaw clenching, and neck irritation may contribute. Tension headaches differ from migraine headaches because they usually lack strong sensory symptoms.
Also called: Tension-Type Headache
A trigger point is a sensitive, irritable area within a muscle or its surrounding tissue that may produce local tenderness or referred pain when pressure is applied. Trigger points often feel like a tight band or firm spot. They can affect movement, muscle coordination, and comfort in areas such as the neck and shoulders.
Also called: Myofascial Trigger Point
Webster Technique is a chiropractic approach designed to assess and address sacral and pelvic function during pregnancy. The technique uses gentle, specific care to reduce soft-tissue tension and support balanced movement around the pelvis. Webster Technique does not attempt to turn a baby directly and does not replace obstetric care.
Also called: Webster Protocol
The health and wellness information on this website is for general informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It does not create a provider-patient relationship. Always consult a qualified licensed provider in Atlanta, Georgia, United States about your specific condition before making care decisions. Individual results vary.
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