Glossary
Allergies
Allergies occur when the body's defense system—the immune
system—is hypersensitive to a harmless substance, called an
allergen, and treats this substance as if it were a harmful or foreign
invader.
Asthma
Asthma is a chronic (long-lasting) lung disorder characterized by
recurrent attacks of wheezing and difficulty breathing.
Atlas
The Atlas is a single, 2 oz. doughnut-shaped vertebra at the top
of the spine. Trillions of nerve fibers from the brainstem travel
through the small opening in the Atlas and flow down to the spine.
The Atlas supports the entire weight of the head. Because the Atlas
is the only vertebra that does not have a disc above or below it,
the Atlas is the only freely moveable vertebra in the spine.
Atlas Subluxation Complex
When the Atlas is out of alignment resulting in stress ("kinks")
on nerves which in turn results in misalignments of the spine and
pelvis and related extremities.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition caused by swelling and
pressure inside a tunnel-like structure of the wrist called the
carpal tunnel.
Discs
Discs are located between the vertebrae. They are round, spongy
pads of cartilage that act like shock absorbers. In many cases,
degeneration or pressure from overexertion can cause a disc to shift
or protrude and bulge, causing pressure on a nerve and resultant
pain. When this happens, the condition is called a slipped, bulging,
herniated, or ruptured disc, and it sometimes results in permanent
nerve damage.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a chronic (long-lasting) condition characterized
by extreme fatigue and widespread body ache that affects the body's
soft tissue—the muscles, ligaments, and tendons.
Herniated Discs
A disc—a small pad of gel-like tissue and surrounded by thick
coating—is sandwiched between each of the bones (vertebrae)
that make up the spinal column. Discs, which operate like shock
absorbers, cushion the vertebrae, prevent the vertebrae from rubbing
together, and allow the spine to bend. Accidents and injuries may
cause the spine to misalign. When this misalignment occurs, weight
is not distributed evenly across the disc below. The discs may move
or “bulge” into the spinal canal or leak out tissue
that may press against a nerve. The result is called a herniated,
slipped, or ruptured disc.
Lordosis
Lordosis is an increased curvature of the normally curved lumbar
spine.
Migraines
A migraine headache is characterized by an intense, throbbing pain,
most often on one side of the head and sometimes involving the neck.
Extreme sensitivity to light and sound, nausea and vomiting, and
coldness in the hands or feet may accompany the headache.
Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disorder causing a loss or damage of
myelin—the fatty tissue coating and protecting the nerve fibers
in the central nervous system (the brain, spinal cord, and optic
nerves).
NUCCA
The National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA) is
a nonprofit organization dedicated to research, education, and patient
care based on a safe, gentle, and painless system of spinal correction
that is unique—even among those in the chiropractic profession.
NUCCA Technique
As opposed to traditional chiropractors, who make forceful adjustments
to the entire spinal column, NUCCA practitioners focus on very specifically
and gently adjusting the atlas vertebra, bringing it back to its
proper position.
Paraspinal Digital Infrared Imaging
Paraspinal digital infrared imaging (DII) is a diagnostic technique
that uses a small, hand-held device to measure and compare skin
temperature—near the spine—for any signs of nervous
system dysfunction.
Parspinal Muscles
The muscles running down along the spine.
Paraspinal EMG Scanning
Measures the muscular electrical signals of the paraspinal
muscles.
Parkinson's
Parkinson's disease is a chronic (long-lasting) and progressive
brain disorder. The condition occurs when cells that produce a vital
brain chemical called dopamine are damaged or die.
Precision Laser-Aligned X-ray
Unlike standard x-rays, precision laser-aligned x-ray equipment
is carefully adjusted for accuracy using laser technology and is
held in place by a special frame to maintain that adjustment. A
laser beam is also used to position the patient correctly in front
of the equipment.
Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a spinal deformity characterized by lateral
(side-to-side) curvature of the spine. As opposed to a normal spine,
which appears straight when viewed from the front or back, the spine
of a person with scoliosis resembles an S-shaped curve.
Seizures/Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a chronic (long-lasting) brain disorder characterized
by recurrent seizures—excessive electrical activity in the
brain that causes sudden changes in behavior. In a seizure, clusters
of nerve cells (neurons) in the brain fire at a much faster rate
than normal. The symptoms of seizures vary widely, depending on
the part of the brain affected.
Spinal Cord
The spinal cord is a part of the vertebrate nervous system that
is enclosed in and protected by the vertebral column (it passes
through the spinal canal). It consists of nerve cells. The cord
conveys the 31 spinal nerve pairs of the peripheral nervous system,
as well as central nervous system pathways that innervate skeletal
muscles.
Spine
The vertebral column (backbone or spine) is a column of vertebrae
situated in the dorsal aspect of the abdomen.
Subluxation
A joint problem (whether a problem with the way the joint is functioning,
a physical problem with the joint, or a combination of any of these)
that affects the function of nerves and therefore, affects the body's
organs and general health.
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder —also called TMJ syndrome—refers
not just to one but to a number of conditions that cause pain in
the face, head, or jaw area. The TMJs, located just in front of
the ears, are the 2 hinged jaw joints that attach the lower jaw
(mandible) to the bones at the sides and base of the skull (temporal
bones). These joints allow the jaws to open, close, move side-to-side,
and rotate in movements such as chewing, swallowing, or speaking.
When there is pressure on the facial nerves from muscle tension—caused,
for example, by clenching or grinding the teeth during the daytime
or nighttime, bone abnormalities, arthritis, stress, or injury—a
variety of symptoms may occur.
Trigeminal Neuralgia
Trigeminal neuralgia, also called tic douloureux , is a chronic
(long-lasting) condition affecting the fifth cranial (trigeminal)
nerve, one of the largest nerves in the head. The disorder causes
sudden, sharp, stabbing, shock-like, or shooting pain in the face
—usually on the right side—often in the jaw or cheek.
Vertebrae ( singular: vertebra )
Vertebrae are the individual bones that make up the spine. There
are thirty-three (33) vertebrae in humans
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