Chiropractors glossary
Short, plain-English definitions of the terms you'll meet when choosing a chiropractor provider in Klang Valley.
- Herniated disc vs bulging disc: what's the difference?
- A bulging disc spreads evenly outward but stays within the disc's outer layer, while a herniated disc ruptures, allowing inner material to protrude beyond the normal boundary, often pressing on nerves.
- What is a chiropractic adjustment?
- A chiropractic adjustment is a controlled force applied by a chiropractor to a joint, typically the spine, to restore normal movement and correct misalignments called subluxations.
- What is a chiropractic care plan?
- A structured, phased treatment schedule a chiropractor creates for a patient, typically divided into relief, corrective, and maintenance phases, to address spinal misalignment and related issues.
- What is a chiropractic subluxation complex?
- The chiropractic subluxation complex is a theoretical model that describes how a misaligned vertebra affects the nervous system, surrounding muscles, and connective tissues simultaneously, rather than as an isolated skeletal problem.
- What is a chiropractic x-ray (spinal radiograph)?
- A spinal radiograph is an x-ray image of the spine used by chiropractors to visualize vertebral position, alignment, and bone structure for diagnostic and treatment-planning purposes.
- What is a Cox flexion-distraction table?
- A motorized treatment table that applies controlled flexion and traction forces to the spine to reduce disc pressure and treat intervertebral disc conditions without surgery.
- What is a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) qualification in Malaysia?
- A Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) is a professional qualification awarded after completing an accredited chiropractic degree program, typically 4-5 years of study in anatomy, physiology, and spinal manipulation techniques. In Malaysia, DC holders must register with relevant professional bodies to practice legally.
- What is a subluxation?
- In chiropractic practice, a subluxation is a vertebral misalignment or joint dysfunction thought to impair nerve function and overall health, distinct from the medical term for partial joint dislocation.
- What is cavitation in joint popping sounds?
- Cavitation is the sudden release of dissolved gas bubbles from synovial fluid in a joint, creating the audible popping or cracking sound that occurs during chiropractic adjustments.
- What is diversified technique?
- Diversified technique is a chiropractic manual adjustment approach that uses high-velocity low-amplitude (HVLA) thrusts on multiple joints throughout the spine and extremities to improve joint function and mobility.
- What is maintenance care in chiropractic?
- Maintenance care is the ongoing phase of chiropractic treatment involving periodic visits to maintain spinal function and prevent reinjury after acute symptoms have resolved.
- What is manual traction?
- Manual traction is a hands-on technique where a chiropractor uses direct force to stretch and decompress the spine or joints, relieving nerve pressure and creating space between vertebrae.
- What is myofascial release?
- Myofascial release is a manual therapy technique that applies sustained pressure to areas of restricted fascia (connective tissue surrounding muscles) to reduce tension and restore mobility.
- What is radiculopathy?
- Radiculopathy is pain, numbness, or weakness caused by compression or irritation of a spinal nerve root, typically radiating down the arm or leg along the nerve's path.
- What is sacroiliac joint dysfunction?
- Sacroiliac joint dysfunction is a condition where the sacroiliac joint connecting the sacrum to the pelvis becomes misaligned or unstable, causing pain in the lower back, buttocks, and hip region.
- What is sciatica?
- Sciatica is pain, numbness, or tingling that radiates along the sciatic nerve path from the lower back through the buttocks and leg, caused by irritation or compression of the nerve.
- What is spinal manipulation?
- Spinal manipulation is a manual therapy technique in which a practitioner applies controlled, high-velocity thrusts or other hands-on methods to the vertebral column and related structures to address musculoskeletal dysfunction.
- What is the Activator method?
- The Activator method is a chiropractic technique that uses a spring-loaded handheld instrument to apply quick, low-force impulses to the spine and joints, often chosen for patients who cannot tolerate manual adjustments.
- What is the Chiropractic Association of Malaysia (CAM)?
- The Chiropractic Association of Malaysia (CAM) is the professional membership and regulatory body that registers qualified chiropractors, sets practice standards, and oversees the chiropractic profession throughout Malaysia.
- What is the difference between cracking and adjusting?
- "Cracking" refers to the audible popping sound sometimes heard during spinal manipulation, while "adjusting" is the clinical procedure itself that aims to restore joint mobility and alignment.
- What is the flexion-distraction technique?
- Flexion-distraction is a low-force spinal therapy performed on a motorized table that gently stretches and flexes the spine to reduce pressure on intervertebral discs and nerve roots.
- What is the Gonstead technique?
- A chiropractic system that uses full-spine x-ray analysis and hands-on palpation to locate specific vertebral misalignments and apply targeted adjustments to restore proper alignment.
- What is the Thompson drop-table technique?
- The Thompson drop-table technique is a chiropractic adjustment method that uses a specially segmented table with sections that drop a precise distance when the chiropractor applies thrust, reducing the force required to correct spinal misalignments.
- What is trigger point therapy?
- Trigger point therapy is a manual technique in which a chiropractor or massage therapist applies sustained pressure to hyperirritable knots in muscle tissue to release tension and alleviate pain.