Plain definitions of 35 terms we use on the job in Brentwood.
Term Index
Open any term below for a dedicated definition page.
Active Release Technique is a hands-on soft-tissue method that combines focused pressure with guided movement. The approach targets muscles, tendons, fascia, and other connective tissues that feel restricted or tender. A practitioner maintains contact with the tissue while the person moves a nearby body part through a controlled range.
Also called: ART
Anterior Pelvic Tilt is a forward rotation of the pelvis that increases the inward curve of the lower back. The front of the pelvis moves downward while the back rises. This position may appear during standing, walking, exercise, or prolonged sitting, and it can reflect changes in muscle control, joint position, or posture.
Also called: Anterior Pelvic Rotation
The atlas vertebra is the first cervical vertebra at the top of the neck. It supports the skull and forms a specialized joint with the axis vertebra, allowing much of the head’s nodding and turning movement. Its ring-like shape differs from the other cervical vertebrae because it lacks a typical vertebral body.
Also called: C1 Vertebra
Axial traction is a spinal therapy that applies a controlled pulling force along the length of the spine. The force may create space between spinal structures and reduce compressive loading during treatment. Clinicians use axial traction as part of spinal decompression therapy, with the direction and intensity selected according to the person’s condition and treatment goals.
Also called: Spinal Traction
Cervical Lordosis is the natural inward curve of the neck, formed by the cervical vertebrae when viewed from the side. This curve helps distribute forces through the neck and supports head position. Its shape may change with posture, injury, muscle tension, spinal wear, or other factors affecting the cervical spine.
Also called: Neck Curve
The cervical spine is the upper section of the spinal column located in the neck. It contains vertebrae, discs, joints, ligaments, muscles, and nerves that support the head and allow neck movement. This region also helps protect the upper spinal cord and connects the skull with the thoracic spine.
Also called: Neck Spine
Chiropractic subluxation is a chiropractic clinical term for altered joint motion or function, often involving the spine. Chiropractors assess it through a health history, physical examination, movement testing, and other findings. The term describes a functional concern within chiropractic care, and it does not mean the same thing as a medically diagnosed joint dislocation.
Also called: Vertebral Subluxation
The coccyx is the small, tapered bone at the base of the spine, beneath the sacrum. Often called the tailbone, it connects with nearby ligaments, muscles, and pelvic tissues. The coccyx helps support the body while sitting and provides attachment points for structures involved in pelvic and lower back movement.
Also called: Tailbone
Core Stabilization is a corrective exercise approach that improves control of the muscles supporting the spine, pelvis, and trunk during movement. The goal is steady alignment and coordinated force transfer during tasks such as bending, lifting, walking, or changing position. Exercises may involve breathing, posture, balance, and controlled limb movement.
Also called: Core Strengthening
Disc Degeneration is a gradual change in the intervertebral discs between spinal bones. The discs may lose water, flexibility, and height, which can alter spinal movement and load sharing. Degeneration often develops with aging, but injury, repeated strain, and individual anatomy can also influence its progression and symptoms.
Also called: Degenerative Disc Disease
Disc herniation is a condition in which the soft inner material of an intervertebral disc pushes through a weakened or torn outer layer. The displaced material may irritate nearby spinal nerves, causing back pain, limb pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness. Symptoms depend on the disc’s location and the affected nerve.
Also called: Herniated Disc, Slipped Disc
A facet joint is a small synovial joint at the back of the spine that connects neighboring vertebrae. Facet joints guide spinal movement and help limit excessive twisting. Each joint has cartilage, a joint capsule, and sensory nerves. Irritation or wear in these structures can contribute to localized back or neck pain.
Also called: Zygapophyseal Joint
Forward Head Posture is a postural pattern in which the head rests in front of the body's vertical alignment. The position changes how the neck, upper back, shoulders, and supporting muscles share load during sitting, standing, or movement. The head may appear to project forward, while the chin may tilt upward or downward.
Also called: Tech Neck
An Intervertebral Disc is a flexible, cushion-like structure between adjacent spinal bones, called vertebrae. Each disc has a tougher outer ring and a softer inner center. Together, these parts help the spine absorb loads, distribute pressure, and move through bending, twisting, and other daily activities.
Also called: Spinal Disc
Joint Mobilization is a hands-on technique that applies controlled, gentle movement to a joint and its surrounding tissues. The goal is to improve the joint’s available motion, reduce stiffness, and support normal movement. A trained clinician selects the direction, pressure, and pace based on the joint’s condition and the person’s movement needs.
Also called: Joint Movement Therapy
Lumbar Lordosis is the natural inward curve of the lower spine. The curve helps distribute load through the lumbar spine and supports upright posture. Its shape varies among individuals and can change with pelvic position, muscle control, spinal structure, or injury. A clinical assessment considers the curve alongside movement, symptoms, and overall posture.
Also called: Lower Back Curve
Lumbar Spine is the lower section of the spinal column between the thoracic spine and pelvis. It contains vertebrae, discs, joints, nerves, and supporting tissues. This region bears much of the body’s load during standing, walking, bending, and lifting. Problems in the lumbar spine may contribute to localized back pain or symptoms extending into a leg.
Also called: Lower Back Spine
Muscle imbalance is a difference in strength, flexibility, activation, or endurance between muscles that share a movement or support a joint. One muscle group may work harder while another contributes less. The pattern can affect posture, movement control, and exercise technique without identifying a specific injury by itself.
Also called: Muscular Imbalance
Myofascial Release is a hands-on massage technique that applies sustained, gentle pressure to fascia and nearby muscles. Fascia is connective tissue that surrounds and separates body structures. The technique aims to reduce restrictions in this tissue and support more comfortable movement. Practitioners adjust pressure and direction based on tissue response.
Also called: Fascial Release
Nerve Impingement is a condition in which nearby tissue places pressure on a nerve or reduces the space around it. In the neck, the pressure may involve a spinal joint, disc, bone growth, or tight soft tissue. The resulting irritation can affect sensation, muscle control, or comfort along the nerve’s pathway.
Also called: Nerve Compression, Pinched Nerve
Neuromuscular Reeducation is a therapeutic exercise approach that retrains coordination between the nervous system and muscles. It uses deliberate movement, balance, posture, and control tasks to improve how the body performs a specific motion. A clinician selects and adjusts activities based on observed movement quality, control, and functional goals.
Also called: Movement Reeducation
Pediatric Torticollis is a condition in which an infant or child holds the head tilted or turned because neck muscles, joints, or related tissues restrict balanced movement. The condition may affect head control, looking toward one side, feeding position, or early motor patterns. Assessment helps distinguish muscular restriction from other causes.
Also called: Infant Torticollis
Pelvic Tilt is a change in the position of the pelvis that affects the alignment of the lower back, hips, and legs. The pelvis may rotate forward, backward, or shift unevenly from side to side. Clinicians assess pelvic tilt through posture, movement, and related muscle activity.
Also called: Pelvic Alignment
Posture Assessment is a clinical observation process that examines body alignment, balance, movement habits, and related muscle patterns. A provider may review the head, shoulders, spine, pelvis, and lower limbs while you stand, sit, or move. The findings help describe postural patterns and guide appropriate care or exercise planning.
Also called: Postural Evaluation
Proprioception is the body’s sense of position, movement, and force. Sensory receptors in muscles, tendons, joints, and skin send information to the nervous system. The brain uses these signals to help coordinate posture, balance, and controlled movement without requiring constant visual attention.
Also called: Body Position Awareness
Radiculopathy is a condition in which a spinal nerve root becomes irritated or compressed, causing symptoms that travel along the nerve’s pathway. Symptoms may include pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness in an arm or leg. The affected area depends on the spinal level and nerve involved.
Also called: Nerve Root Compression
Range of Motion is the amount and direction a joint can move through its available movement pattern. Clinicians assess motion actively, when you move the joint, or passively, when an examiner guides it. Findings may describe limits, stiffness, symmetry, or discomfort during movements involving the spine or limbs.
Also called: ROM
Sacroiliac Joint is the connection between the sacrum at the base of the spine and the ilium bones of the pelvis. The paired joints transfer forces between the upper body and legs while allowing limited movement. Ligaments support each joint, and surrounding muscles help control pelvic stability during walking, standing, and other daily activities.
Also called: SI Joint
Sciatica is a pain pattern caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve or its nerve roots. Symptoms may travel from the lower back through the buttock and into the leg. Numbness, tingling, or weakness can accompany the pain. Sciatica usually affects one side of the body.
Also called: Sciatic Nerve Pain
Spinal Stenosis is a narrowing of the spaces within the spine that can reduce room for the spinal cord or nearby nerve roots. The narrowing may occur in the neck or lower back. Age-related joint changes, disc changes, or bone growth can contribute to the reduced space and related symptoms.
Also called: Spinal Canal Narrowing
A strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon caused by overstretching, force, or repeated loading. Tendons connect muscles to bones, so a strain may affect either tissue. After an auto accident, a strain can develop in the neck, back, shoulder, or other areas affected by sudden movement. Symptoms may include pain, tenderness, stiffness, weakness, or reduced movement.
Also called: Muscle Strain
Thoracic Spine is the middle section of the vertebral column, located between the cervical spine in the neck and the lumbar spine in the lower back. It contains the vertebrae that connect with the ribs and helps support the chest, protect the spinal cord, and coordinate movement between the upper back and trunk.
Also called: Mid Back Spine
Trigger Point is a sensitive area within a muscle that may feel tight and produce pain when pressed. A trigger point can refer pain to another area, so the tender spot may not match the location of the discomfort. Massage therapy addresses surrounding muscle tension and movement patterns during assessment and care.
Also called: Muscle Knot
Whiplash is a neck injury caused by rapid forward and backward movement of the head. The motion can strain muscles, ligaments, joints, and other soft tissues around the cervical spine. Symptoms may include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, reduced movement, or discomfort that develops after a vehicle collision or another sudden impact.
Also called: Neck Sprain
An X-ray is a diagnostic image created when a controlled beam of energy passes through the body and records differences in tissue density. X-rays show bones and joint alignment clearly, so clinicians can assess fractures, dislocations, arthritis-related changes, and some spinal conditions. The image supports clinical evaluation but does not explain every source of pain.
Also called: Radiograph
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 Brentwood Estates, Tennessee, United States about your specific condition before making care decisions. Individual results vary.
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