Chiropractic glossary
Plain-English definitions for the chiropractic, neurology, and spinal terms you'll hear in our Phoenix clinic.
Adjustment
A precise, controlled force applied to a spinal joint to restore motion and reduce nerve interference.
Subluxation
A spinal misalignment that interferes with nervous system function — the primary target of chiropractic care.
Spinal decompression
A non-surgical treatment that uses computer-controlled distraction to relieve disc and nerve pressure.
Cold laser therapy
Low-level laser light that stimulates cellular healing and reduces inflammation.
Functional neurology
Post-graduate chiropractic specialty using brain-based exercises and adjustments to retrain the nervous system.
Sciatica
Pain that radiates from the lower back down the sciatic nerve into the leg, often caused by disc or nerve root irritation.
Herniated disc
A disc whose inner material has bulged or ruptured through its outer layer, often pressing on a nerve.
Pinched nerve (radiculopathy)
Compression or irritation of a spinal nerve root, causing pain, numbness, or weakness along its path.
Whiplash
Soft-tissue injury to the neck from sudden acceleration-deceleration — most often a car accident.
Postural neurology
Retraining of the brain-body postural system to restore alignment and resilience.
Ready to feel like yourself again?
Same-week appointments available. No referral needed.