Activator
A spring-loaded instrument used for adjusting that uses a rapid pulse to help restore normal functioning in the spine/body.

Acupressure
The practice of applying pressure on various parts of the body to assist in pain relief.

Acupuncture
The practice of inserting fine needles or applying electronic therapy on specific meridian points for the purpose of relieving tensino, stress, and pain.

Acute Of
short duration and relatively severe.

Adjustments
Chiropractic technique involving the application of gentle, firm pressure to a bone. Adjustments employ a high velocity, low amplitude thrust. The goal is to restore the bone(s) to its natural healthy position.

Adrenal Glands
Small glands located on the kidneys that product stress hormones, adrenaline, and cortisol.

Adrenaline
A hormone that stimulates, excites metabolism and increses alertness while increasing blood pressure.

Afferent
Carrying impulses towards a center when sensory nerve impulses are sent to/toward the brain.

Amino Acid
The basic unit from which proteines are created. There are two types of amino acids: essential and non-essential. Essential amino acids are those that cannot be manufactured by the body and are required from ones diet. Non-essential amino acvids are those that the body can synthesize from other amino acids.

Anabolism
The metobolic process the the body building new tissue (i.e. building muscle, ligaments, and tendons).

Ankylosing Spondylitis
A chronic, progressive rheumatic disease of the spine that causes calcification of the spinal ligaments which results in a loss of movement.

Annulus
The tough outer ring/layer of the intervertebral disc.

Antalgic Position
An abnormal position of the body resulting from the body's attempt to minimuze (compensate for) pain.

Anterior
Is toward the front of the body.

Arthritis
Inflammation of a joint. Most arthritis is caused by degenerative changes due to aging. Arthritis affects not only joints but also the connective tissue.

Articulation
Refers to the connection of the bones, a joint.

Atrophy
Is a decrease in the size of a normally developed tissue or organ of the body.

Autonomic Nervous System
The part of the nervous system that is responsible for controlling involuntary functions of the body (i.e. digestion, heart, glands, metabolism, blood pressure, breathing, etc.) and comprises the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system.

Back Extension
Backward bending of the spine.

Back Flexion
Forward bending of the spine.

Basal Energy Expenditure
The number of calories the human body requires for basic processes such as digestion, brain function, breathing, etc. Basal Energy Expenditure is also referred to as the Basal Metabolic Rate.

Bilateral
Both sides of the body or structure.

Blocks
Blocks are wedged-shaped devices used by SOT practitioners to raise one or both sides of the pelvis for better support of the spine and head.

Bulging Disc
The annulus portion of the lumbar disc weakens causing the nucleus to press against it resulting in the annulus pinching or even pressing against a nerve resulting in pain.

Bursitis
The bursa (fluid filled sacks that cushion joints) become swollen.

Cartilage
Inside healthy joints, the ends of the bones are covered with a tough tissue called cartilage. Theis cartilage is smooth and slick so the bones can move easily.

Discs, Spinal
Strong but soft cushions that separate the bones of your spine and absorb shock as you move.

Nucleus, Disc
Spongy gel-like center of a spinal disc.

Osteoarthritis
A slow degeneration of the joints that connect your bones and allow you to move. Aging, injury, poor posture, and excess weight can cause joints to wear down and become stiff and painful.

Sciatica
An inflammation of the sciatic nerve, the longest nerve in your body. It runs from your lower spine, throught your buttocks, then into your leg and foot. There are actually two (2) sciatic nerves, one in each leg. When the sciatic nerve is inflamed, it can cause numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness in your lower back and leg.

Scoliosis
An abnormal curvature of the spine.

Vertebra (plural is Vertebrae)
A bone of the spine. There are seven (7) cervical vertebrae, twelve (12) thoracic vertebrae, and five (5) lumbar vertebrae, as well as those that make up the sacrum and the coccyx.

Whiplash
A neck injury that occurs as the result of a sudden backward and forward whipping movement of the neck. This sudden, forceful movement often stretches or sprains the ligaments and muscles which hold the spinal segments within a critical range of movement or position.