If you have visited a chiropractor, there is a good chance you have heard chiropractor lingo. It can seem like a foreign language, but it’s actually really simple to get the hang of it after you understand what certain terms mean. Have you heard these 12 terms before? You aren’t required, of course, to know what these terms mean in order to see Dr. Rob for an adjustment, but understanding more about them helps you further understand how he’s helping you each time you visit. All of these definitions are from MedicineNet.com and Spine-Health.com.
Subluxation
“A partial dislocation of a joint.” The pain you experience is actually specific areas of your body in subluxation. Regular adjustments can keep your body from experiencing subluxation.
Adjustment
“A chiropractic adjustment, also known as chiropractic manipulation, manual manipulation, or spinal manipulation, is a common therapeutic treatment for lower back pain.” Dr. Rob performs different types of adjustments based on the needs of each patient.
Thoracic Vertebrae
“The 12 thoracic vertebrae are situated between the cervical (neck) vertebrae and the lumbar vertebrae. The thoracic vertebrae are represented by the symbols T1 through T12. The thoracic vertebrae provide attachment for the ribs and make up part of the back of the thorax (the chest).” The thoracic vertebrae are in the upper part of your back and a common location where people hold stress and tension.
Lumbar Vertebrae
“The five vertebrae situated between the thoracic vertebrae and the sacral vertebrae in the spinal column. The lumbar vertebrae are represented by the symbols L1 through L5.” The lumbar vertebrae are located in your lower back and an adjustment often helps relieve lower back pain.
Sacrum
“The large heavy bone at the base of the spine, which is made up of fused sacral vertebrae. The sacrum is located in the vertebral column, between the lumbar vertebrae and the coccyx. It is roughly triangular in shape and makes up the back wall of the pelvis. The female sacrum is wider and less curved than the male.” When you lay on your stomach and lift one leg in the air, Dr. Rob is checking to see if your sacrum is subluxed. A subluxed sacrum can lead to hip pain.
Occiput
“The back of the head.” The occiput often holds stress and tension that can lead to headaches when not adjusted periodically.
These are just six of the most common chiropractic terms. Dr. Rob is always happy to explain what these mean and answer any questions!