Chiropractors glossary
Short, plain-English definitions of the terms you'll meet when choosing a chiropractor provider in Klang Valley.
- What is a cervicogenic headache?
- A cervicogenic headache is head pain that originates from dysfunction, injury, or misalignment of the cervical spine and associated neck structures rather than from the brain itself.
- What is a chiropractic adjustment?
- A chiropractic adjustment is a controlled manual technique in which a chiropractor applies sudden, directed force to a spinal joint or other articulation to restore proper alignment and movement.
- What is a chiropractic X-ray?
- Chiropractic X-ray is diagnostic radiography performed in-house to visualize spinal alignment, detect fractures, and guide treatment decisions before manual adjustment.
- What is a slipped disc?
- A slipped disc (herniated disc) happens when the soft inner core of a spinal disc protrudes through a tear in the outer layer, pressing on nerves and causing pain or numbness in the affected area.
- What is a vertebral subluxation?
- A vertebral subluxation is a partial misalignment or restricted motion of a spinal vertebra that chiropractors believe interferes with nerve function and overall health.
- What is active release technique?
- Active release technique is a hands-on soft tissue method in which a practitioner applies manual tension to a muscle or tendon while the patient performs active movement, used to break down adhesions and restore function.
- What is chiropractic crepitus (joint cavitation)?
- Chiropractic crepitus, or joint cavitation, is the audible cracking or popping sound produced when gas bubbles trapped in synovial fluid are released during a spinal adjustment, caused by a sudden drop in joint pressure rather than bone fracture.
- What is diversified technique?
- Diversified technique is a manual chiropractic adjustment method that uses quick, forceful thrusts of small amplitude to restore joint function and alignment, distinguished from gentler mobilization methods by its direct cavitation approach.
- What is extremity adjusting?
- Extremity adjusting is the application of chiropractic manipulation techniques to joints in the limbs and extremities, such as shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees, and ankles, rather than the spine.
- What is forward head posture?
- Forward head posture is a postural misalignment in which the head extends forward of the shoulders, typically caused by prolonged poor positioning or muscle imbalance. Chiropractors assess this condition because it affects spinal alignment and can contribute to neck, shoulder, and upper back pain.
- What is kinesio taping?
- Kinesio taping is a therapeutic technique using elastic adhesive tape applied to skin over muscles and joints to provide support, reduce swelling, and aid recovery from injury or strain.
- What is leg length discrepancy?
- Leg length discrepancy is an actual or apparent difference in the length of the legs, either due to bone structure or muscle imbalance, that can affect spinal alignment and posture.
- What is myofascial release?
- Myofascial release is a manual soft tissue therapy that applies sustained pressure to areas of fascia restriction to restore normal tissue mobility and reduce pain.
- What is pelvic tilt?
- Pelvic tilt is the angle at which the pelvis rotates forward (anterior) or backward (posterior), affecting the lumbar spine and overall posture.
- What is sciatica?
- Sciatica is pain radiating along the sciatic nerve, typically caused by compression or irritation of the nerve root in the lower spine.
- What is scoliosis?
- Scoliosis is an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine, often detected through postural assessment and X-ray imaging. It ranges from mild to severe and may be addressed through spinal correction techniques.
- What is spinal decompression therapy?
- Spinal decompression therapy is a non-surgical traction technique that applies gentle longitudinal stretching to the spine to reduce pressure on compressed discs and irritated nerve roots.
- What is text neck?
- Text neck is a repetitive strain condition caused by extended periods of looking downward at mobile devices or screens, resulting in neck pain, stiffness, and postural misalignment.
- What is the Activator method?
- The Activator method is a chiropractic technique that uses a handheld, spring-loaded instrument to deliver controlled, low-force adjustments to the spine and joints. Patients often prefer it over manual thrusts because it is gentler, faster, and produces less discomfort.
- What is the difference between a chiropractor and physiotherapist?
- Chiropractors and physiotherapists are two separate regulated professions in Malaysia with different training pathways, diagnostic tools, and treatment philosophies, though both address musculoskeletal and movement disorders.
- What is the flexion-distraction technique?
- Flexion-distraction is a low-force chiropractic method using a specialized motorized table to gently stretch and decompress the spine, targeting disc problems and nerve compression without forceful adjustments.
- What is the Gonstead technique?
- A chiropractic adjustment method that uses full-spine x-rays and detailed palpation to pinpoint specific spinal segments requiring treatment before performing targeted corrections.
- What is the Webster technique?
- The Webster technique is a specific chiropractic adjustment designed to correct pelvic misalignment and reduce intrauterine constraint, helping to optimize fetal positioning and decrease the likelihood of breech presentation during pregnancy.
- What is trigger point therapy?
- Trigger point therapy is a treatment technique that applies sustained pressure to tight, irritated spots within muscle tissue to relieve pain and restore normal function.