The BodyWorkz Chiropractic Glossary Part 1

Learning the lingo that your chiropractor in Mesa uses will help you get more out of your sessions. You’ll be able to spend more time talking about your needs instead of spending that time getting educated on the terminology. While your chiropractor will always be happy to help you understand any of the information you don’t understand, it’s helpful to have the basic understanding so that you can have more productive conversations during your appointment.

Understanding the basic terminology used in chiropractic care can also help you ask more productive questions about your treatment and how it will affect your overall health. Here are some of the terms you are most likely to hear when discussing your chiropractic care in Arizona and beyond:

Acute Injury

An acute injury is one that occurs suddenly and which does not take long from which to recover. Acute injuries are most often the result of an accident, such as a bad fall, a car wreck, or a bad sporting incident in Mesa. Pain from these injuries doesn’t last more than two to three months.
Acute injuries are often referred to as traumatic injuries.

Adjustment

An adjustment is a chiropractic technique that uses a gentle but firm thrust against a specific area of bone. The thrust is meant to get a bone to move back into its natural position and at the same time relieve pressure on the nerves in the spine.

Arthritis

Arthritis involves the gradual deterioration of the spaces between your bones, resulting in pain and limited mobility. There are different types of arthritis, which have different causes and thus respond to different treatments.

Atlas

The spine consists of several vertebrae. The atlas is a large vertebra in the upper part of the spine. The atlas is the first cervical vertebra.

Bulging Disc

A bulging disc is one that has distended through a crevice in the spine. Having a bulging disc is a common condition, particularly in the lumbar region of the spine. It can be caused by overuse, injury or even age.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome in Mesa causes pain in the hands and wrist. It is caused by compression of the median nerve in the hand, which causes swelling and puts pressure on surrounding nerves. The condition is progressive, and it is often caused by repetitive motion such as typing at a computer without the proper wrist support.

Cervical Vertebrae

Vertebrae are small bones that form the spine. The cervical vertebrae make up the top part of the spine, immediately behind the skull. There are seven cervical vertebrae.

Chiropractic

Chiropractic care is an alternative health care practice that aims to improve overall health by diagnosing and treating problems with the musculoskeletal system. By relieving the pressure on the obstructed nerves, the treatment intends to relieve pain and promote wellness.

Chiropractor

A chiropractor is also known as a Doctor of Chiropractic is a practitioner of chiropractic care. Chiropractors diagnose and treat problems with the musculoskeletal system, including the nerves, muscles and bones.

Chronic Back Pain

Chronic upper back pain in Mesa lasts for three months or longer. Chronic lower back pain can be caused by injury, illness or the degeneration of muscles, bones and other components of the body over time.

Coccyx

The coccyx, also known as the tail bone, is the final bone at the end of the spine. It is triangular shaped, and it curls under slightly.

Decompression

Chiropractors perform decompression using a device that stretches and releases the spine. This treatment, performed while the patient is lying face down on the table, is often used to treat bulging and herniated discs, as well as arthritis. The primary goal is to relieve pressure and promote circulation.

Degenerative Disc Disease

Fluid fills the center of each spinal vertebra. In degenerative disc disease, some of that fluid leaks out and inflames the roots of nerves around the spine. This process happens over time, and it can cause chronic pain.

Electrotherapy

With electrotherapy, a chiropractor applies electrical stimulation to muscles and nerves that are causing pain. The treatment is designed to stimulate the body to release pain-killing chemicals like endorphins, as well as to block pain signals sent to the brain.

Exercise Therapy

Sometimes, the right exercise can help to heal the body and relieve pain. A chiropractor can prescribe certain exercises that rehabilitate damaged soft tissues and restore the range of motion. These exercises target muscles, tendons and ligaments.

Heat Therapy

Heat therapy can be prescribed to provide relief to those suffering chronic and long-lasting pain. It can be performed by the chiropractor in the office and prescribed for use at home.

Herniated Disc

A herniated disc occurs when a disc ruptures and shifts position. The new position irritates the surrounding nerves, causing pain in the region. Typically, herniated discs happen in the lumbar region.

Ice Therapy

Also known as cryotherapy, ice therapy involves applying ice to the site of an acute injury. It is used to reduce swelling and relieve pain. Ice therapy can be used on the neck and spine.

If you have any questions about these terms or about chiropractic care in Mesa in general, we urge you to call BodyWorkz in Arizona. We offer chiropractic care, as well as acupuncture in Mesa and massage therapy in Mesa, to provide pain relief and to promote whole body wellness. Call us today to learn more about our treatment options or to schedule an appointment.