Plain definitions of 34 terms we use on the job in Albany.
Term Index
Open any term below for a dedicated definition page.
An Activator Instrument is a handheld chiropractic tool that delivers a controlled, low-force impulse to a targeted joint. A chiropractor positions the instrument over a selected area and applies the impulse without the broad hand contact used in some manual adjustments. The instrument supports focused adjustment procedures within a broader clinical assessment.
Also called: Activator Method instrument
An annular tear is a small split or fissure in the annulus, the tough outer ring of a spinal disc. The annulus surrounds the disc’s softer center and helps contain it between neighboring vertebrae. An annular tear may cause localized back or neck pain, or it may occur with disc changes without obvious symptoms.
Also called: Annular fissure
Atlas Vertebra is the first cervical vertebra, located at the top of the neck beneath the skull. This ring-shaped bone supports the head and forms a specialized joint with the axis vertebra. Its design allows head movement while helping protect the upper spinal cord and nearby nerves.
Also called: C1 vertebra
A bulging disc is a spinal disc that extends beyond its usual boundary as the outer disc material pushes outward. The disc may affect nearby nerves when the bulge reaches the spinal canal or an opening between vertebrae. A bulging disc differs from a herniated disc because the outer layer remains more intact.
Also called: Disc bulge
Cervical Radiculopathy is a condition that develops when a nerve root in the neck becomes irritated or compressed. The irritation can send pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness into the shoulder, arm, or hand. Disc changes, joint changes, or reduced space around the nerve may contribute to these symptoms.
Also called: Pinched cervical nerve
The cervical spine is the neck section of the spinal column, located between the skull and the upper back. It contains vertebrae, discs, joints, nerves, muscles, and supporting ligaments. This region helps support the head, protect the upper spinal cord, and allow movements such as turning, bending, and nodding.
Also called: Neck spine
Cervicogenic Headache is a secondary headache that begins in the neck and sends pain into the head, face, or area behind the eyes. Irritation or restricted movement in the cervical spine can affect nearby joints, muscles, or nerves. Pain often stays on one side and may change with neck movement or posture.
Also called: Neck-related headache
Disc Degeneration is a gradual change in the spinal discs that reduces their ability to cushion movement between vertebrae. The discs may lose water content, height, or flexibility over time. These changes can affect spinal motion and may appear alongside back or neck symptoms, although imaging findings do not always explain discomfort.
Also called: Degenerative disc disease
Facet Joint is a small synovial joint between the back portions of neighboring vertebrae. Facet joints connect the vertebrae, guide spinal movement, and help limit excessive motion. Each joint has cartilage and a surrounding capsule. These structures can contribute to localized neck or back discomfort when irritated or stressed.
Also called: Zygapophyseal joint
Fascia is a continuous connective tissue network that surrounds muscles, bones, nerves, blood vessels, and organs. This tissue forms layers throughout the body and helps separate, support, and connect nearby structures. Fascia can transmit tension between body regions, which gives movement and tissue mobility a broader structural context than a single muscle alone.
Also called: Fascial tissue
Forward Head Posture is a postural pattern in which the head rests ahead of the shoulders when viewed from the side. The position can increase the workload on the neck and upper back muscles. Clinicians assess head, neck, shoulder, and upper-back alignment to understand how the pattern affects movement and daily activities.
Also called: Text neck
Gait Analysis is the systematic observation of how you walk or run. The assessment examines foot placement, stride pattern, balance, joint motion, and coordination during movement. A clinician may watch your movement or record it for closer review. The findings can help identify movement patterns linked with sports injuries or physical limitations.
Also called: Walking assessment
A growth plate is a zone of developing cartilage near the ends of certain bones in children and adolescents. Also called a physis, a growth plate supports lengthwise bone growth before gradually becoming solid bone. Its location and status change as a young person matures, so age and development guide interpretation.
Also called: Epiphyseal plate
Joint mobilization is a manual therapy technique that uses controlled, repeated movements to influence how a joint moves. A practitioner applies gentle pressure within or near the joint’s available motion. The approach may address stiffness, support range of motion, and help the surrounding muscles and tissues respond to movement more comfortably.
Also called: Joint movement therapy
Kinesiology Tape is an elastic, adhesive strip applied to the skin to provide light sensory input and support during movement. The tape follows the contours of a body area and may help a person notice posture or motion. It does not replace examination, rehabilitation, strength work, or treatment of an underlying injury.
Also called: K-tape
Kyphosis is an excessive outward curve of the upper spine that creates a rounded back appearance. The curve may reflect changes in spinal shape, posture, muscle balance, or vertebral structure. Mild postural kyphosis may change with position, while structural kyphosis remains more consistent during movement and examination.
Also called: Roundback
The lumbar spine is the lower section of the back, positioned between the thoracic spine and the sacrum. It contains vertebrae, discs, joints, nerves, and supporting tissues that help carry body weight and coordinate movement between the trunk and legs. Changes in this region may affect back, hip, or leg function.
Also called: Lower back spine
Manual Muscle Testing is a clinical assessment that examines muscle strength through controlled movement against the examiner’s resistance. The examiner positions a body part, asks you to hold or move it, and observes the response. Findings can help identify weakness, compare sides, and guide decisions about manual therapy and related care.
Also called: Muscle strength testing
Median Nerve is a peripheral nerve that carries sensory information from parts of the hand and motor signals to several forearm and hand muscles. It travels from the brachial plexus through the arm and wrist. The nerve passes through the carpal tunnel, where pressure or irritation may affect hand sensation and movement.
Also called: Arm median nerve
Migraine aura is a group of temporary sensory or language changes that may occur before or during a migraine attack. Visual effects, such as flashing lights or zigzag patterns, are common. Other symptoms can include tingling, numbness, or difficulty finding words. Aura symptoms usually develop gradually and then resolve.
Also called: Migraine warning signs
A muscle spasm is a sudden, involuntary tightening of muscle tissue that may feel hard, painful, or difficult to relax. In the neck, a spasm can limit comfortable movement and create protective tension around nearby joints. Muscle spasms may appear briefly or continue long enough to affect posture, sleep, or daily activity.
Also called: Muscle cramp
Myofascial Pain is discomfort that comes from sensitive muscles and the fascia surrounding them. The pain may stay near a tense area or spread to another region. Tender bands or trigger points can limit movement and create aching, pressure, or pain during muscle use. Common sites include the neck, shoulders, back, and hips.
Also called: Fascial muscle pain
A nerve root is the part of a spinal nerve that branches from the spinal cord and exits through an opening between vertebrae. Nerve roots carry sensory and movement signals between the spinal cord and specific areas of the body. Irritation or pressure near a nerve root can contribute to radiating pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness.
Also called: Spinal nerve root
Occipital Nerve is a group of sensory nerves that carries feeling from the back of the scalp toward the upper neck and head. These nerves arise from the upper cervical spine and help transmit signals related to touch, pressure, and pain. Irritation in this region can contribute to head or neck discomfort.
Also called: Greater occipital nerve
Pelvic Tilt is a change in the position of the pelvis that alters the curve and alignment of the lower back. The pelvis may rotate forward or backward, or shift from side to side. Clinicians assess pelvic tilt through posture, movement, and muscle control during activities such as standing, walking, or bending.
Also called: Pelvic alignment
Piriformis Syndrome is a condition in which the piriformis muscle irritates or compresses the sciatic nerve near the buttock. The pattern may produce buttock pain, tingling, or symptoms that travel down the leg. Symptoms can resemble lumbar spine disorders, so examination considers both the hip region and the lower back.
Also called: Piriformis muscle syndrome
Range Of Motion is the available movement at a joint or body region. It describes how far a person can move a shoulder, neck, or other area in a specific direction. Clinicians may assess active movement performed by the person and passive movement guided by the clinician to identify restrictions, discomfort, or differences between sides.
Also called: ROM
Rotator Cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that surrounds the shoulder joint and supports arm movement. These tissues help keep the upper arm bone centered in the shoulder socket during lifting, reaching, rotating, and other movements. Strain, irritation, or a tear can affect shoulder strength and motion.
Also called: Shoulder rotator cuff
Round Ligament Pain is discomfort linked to stretching or irritation of the round ligaments that support the uterus during pregnancy. These bands extend toward the groin and help hold the uterus in position. Pain may feel sharp, pulling, or aching, and movement such as standing, turning, coughing, or walking may bring it on.
Also called: Pregnancy ligament pain
The sciatic nerve is the body’s largest peripheral nerve, formed by nerve roots in the lower spine and extending through the pelvis and buttock into each leg. It carries signals that support movement and sensation in parts of the thigh, lower leg, and foot. Irritation can produce sciatic symptoms.
Also called: Ischiadic nerve
Spinal Cord is a long bundle of nerve tissue that carries signals between the brain and the body. It travels through the spinal canal and connects with spinal nerves at different levels. These pathways support movement, sensation, coordination, and automatic body functions. The spinal cord is protected by the vertebrae, discs, membranes, and spinal fluid.
Also called: Cord of the spine
Spinal Stenosis is a narrowing of the spaces within the spine that can reduce room for the spinal cord or nerve roots. The narrowing may develop from age-related changes, enlarged joints, thickened ligaments, or disc changes. Symptoms can include back or neck pain, numbness, weakness, or leg discomfort during standing or walking.
Also called: Narrow spinal canal
Trigger Point is a sensitive area within a tight band of skeletal muscle that may produce local tenderness or referred pain when pressed. The area can feel firm or restricted during examination. Trigger points commonly relate to muscle overuse, sustained posture, or stress, although their presence requires clinical assessment rather than self-diagnosis.
Also called: Muscle knot
A vertebra is one individual bone in the spinal column. Vertebrae connect with neighboring bones through joints and support the body's trunk while protecting the spinal cord. Each vertebra has a central opening, bony projections, and surfaces that help form the spine's shape and guide movement through the neck, mid-back, and lower back.
Also called: Spinal bone
The health and wellness information on this website is for general informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It does not create a provider-patient relationship. Always consult a qualified licensed provider in Albany, Georgia, United States about your specific condition before making care decisions. Individual results vary.
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