The Toledo Chiropractor to see - Chiropractor Toledo

A

Abdomen

— The front part of the body that lies between the chest and pelvis.

Activator® Methods

— A diagnostic approach as well as a handheld instrument that is used to deliver a consistent low-force, high-speed chiropractic adjustment.

Acupuncture

— The term acupuncture is derived from the Latin "acus" (needle) plus the English "puncture" It is a method which originated in the ancient orient, particularly in China, to manipulate energy flow in the body. Utilizing very thin needles, the practitioner inserts the needles at specific points along the body's energy meridians (see Meridian System). The needles are inserted to various depths, and left stationary or rotated to raise or lower the flow of energy. "Blockages" to the free flow of energy are removed, thereby allowing the body to return to health. In the U.S., it has been especially accepted and used to relieve painful conditions.

Acute

— A condition with a sudden onset (usually within the last few weeks), that is relatively severe in nature.

Adjustment

— The terms adjustment and manipulation are often used interchangeably, but they are not exactly the same (see Manipulation). An adjustment is a treatment unique to the chiropractic profession which mobilizes (loosens) and realigns a bone, usually a vertebra, which has lost its normal range of movement and alignment with an adjacent bone (see Subluxation). Prior to the adjustment, in-depth analysis helps to identify only those few bones in the body which have lost normal movement. The force (adjustment) must be delivered with precise direction, amplitude and depth to move only one bone at a time. Most of the time, this force/adjustment is delivered by hand, but mechanical instruments also may be used. By contrast, manipulation is much less precise.

Afferent

— Carrying impulses towards a center; when sensory nerve impulses are sent toward the brain.

Allergy

— Medically the term is more specific, but for purposes of this site, an allergy is defined as any physical or emotional reaction to a substance or energy that a large number of other people don't react to. The symptoms of reaction can include acne, brain fog, digestive upset, fatigue, depression, headaches, sinusitis, weight problems, addictions and virtually anything in between. An allergen - the thing that causes the allergic reaction - can be living or not, and can trigger a reaction by contact, inhalation, ingestion and exposure (such as is the case with sunlight and other energies).

Antalgic Position

— An abnormal position of the body resulting from the body's attempt to minimize pain.

Anterior

— Toward the front of the body.

Arthritis

— Inflammation and damage in a joint. The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis, also called degenerative arthritis. It is not so much a disease as it is a process. Generally, it is due to wear and tear on a joint, resulting from repetitive stressful movement, and/or abnormal rubbing in the joint resulting from boney misalignment due to previous trauma (see Subluxation). The second most common form of arthritis is rheumatoid, which is a disease process whereby the body attacks and destroys its own connective tissue in the joints. Although the cause isn’t fully known, there is a relationship to allergies, and flair-ups are many times triggered by stress, exposure to toxins, and/or certain foods.

Articulation

— The connection of bones; a joint.

Assignment

— An agreement between doctor and practice member to waive payment until a claim is paid by an insurance company, which is then paid directly to the doctor.

Atlas

— The uppermost and most freely movable bone of the spine.

Atrophy

— A decrease in the size of a normally developed tissue or organ.

Autonomic

— The part of the nervous system which controls the tissues, organs and systems without conscious thought. There are two divisions: the Sympathetic and Parasympathetic. Generally, the sympathetic system speeds up most functions and the parasympathetic system slows them down to create a balance. None of the nerves in the autonomic system carries pain sensations.

B

Bilateral

— Pertaining to both sides of the body or structure.

Biomechanics

— The application of mechanical laws to living structures.

Blocks/blocking

— Wedge-shaped devices used by SOT practitioners to raise one or both sides of the pelvis into a healthier pattern for better support of the spine and head.

Brain Stem

— The "primitive" and oldest area of the brain.

Bursitis

— Inflammation of a bursa (eg; knee and shoulder), which is a fluid-filled sac situated where friction would otherwise develop.

C

Capitation

— A set dollar limit that a practice member or employer pays to a health maintenance organization (HMO), regardless of how much of the service is used or not used.

CAT scan

— (Computer Aided Tomography) An imaging device that uses narrow X-ray beams and a computer to create a type of three-dimensional X-ray.

Central Nerve System

— The brain and spinal cord.

Cerebellum

— The "hind" brain.

Cerebral Hemispheres

— "The "higher" brain which is the most evolved area of the brain.

Cervical

— The section of the spine in the neck, which is composed of 7 vertebra and their discs.

Chiropractic

— The word chiropractic comes from the combination of two Greek words: &"Chiro" meaning hand and "Practos" meaning done by. Reversing the order of the words and joining them results in "done by hand", which is primarily how chiropractic analysis and treatment is performed. More specifically, chiropractic is a conservative, holistic from of health care. If focuses primarily on the nervous system, which controls the function of the entire body, and the spinal column, which houses the spinal cord and can affect the function of the nervous system.

Chiropractor

— A doctor whose emphasis is on removing interference with the function of the nervous system caused by the spine. Chiropractors are especially interested in finding the cause of a symptom or disease and correcting it. In many cases, the symptom or disease results from interference with the proper functioning of the nervous system. This interference is usually produced by a bone in the spinal column irritating or placing pressure on a spinal nerve root. When this occurs, it results in malfunction of the organ controlled by that nerve and/or pain. The primary method of treatment is adjustment (see Adjustment) of the bones in the spinal column, but chiropractors may also utilize physical therapy modalities, food supplements, exercise, dietary and other lifestyle changes to assist healing and help maintain health. Drugs and surgery are not utilized by chiropractors.

Chronic

— A condition which has been present several months or more and can range in severity from mild to extreme.

Claim

— A request for payment of a loss that may or may not come under the terms of an insurance contract.

Coccyx

— A series of small bones at the end of the sacrum, commonly called the tailbone.

Compensation Reaction

— A new problem that results from the body's attempt to respond to a problem elsewhere in the body (i.e. the spine).

Compressive Lesion

— A malfunctioning spinal bone or bones that results in direct pressure on a spinal nerve resulting in decreased nerve transmission.

Congenital

— Existing at, or dating from birth.

Co-pay

— An amount paid by the insured for losses covered by a policy after the deductible amount has been met.

CPT Code

— Current Procedural Therapy Code. A standardized insurance coding system used to describe specific procedures administered to practice members.

CT Scan

— Also known as CAT Scan or Computer Aided Tomography which uses pencil thin X-ray beams and a computer to create a type of three-dimensional X-ray.

Customary fee

— A way of describing the average doctor's fee based on a geographical area.

D

Davis series

— Seven X-ray views of the upper spine that are helpful in instances of whiplash injury.

Deductible

— An out-of-pocket expense that a policyholder pays before insurance covers any of the costs.

Deposition

— A statement made under oath for obtaining evidence in a legal matter.

Dermatomes

— Tests used to reveal areas of skin, and their sensitivity, serviced by nerves distributed from the spinal cord.

Diagnosis

— The act of distinguishing one health problem from another.

Diagnostic imaging

— The use of X-rays, MRI, CAT scans, EMG, thermography and other tools to create pictures of the structure and function of the body.

Diathermy

— The therapeutic use of high frequency current to create heat within an area of the body.

Disability

— The partial or total loss of mental or physical abilities caused by an injury or disease that prevents an insured from engaging in some or all of the duties of his or her usual occupation.

Disc Herniation

— An extreme bulging of the soft nucleus pulposus into a defect or weakened area of fibrous disc exterior.

Disc

— A tough shock absorbing pad separating the vertebrae in the spinal column, which allows one vertebra to pivot on the other. It is made up of rings of criss-crossing collagen (connective tissue) fibers surrounding a jelly-like center called the nucleus. The fibers of collagen can tear and allow the nucleus to bulge outward, even totally extrude, however, the disc itself can not slip due to its strong attachment to the adjacent bones.

Disease

— Any deviation from or interruption of the normal structure or function of any part, organ, or system of the body that is manifested by a characteristic set of symptoms whose prognosis may be known or unknown.

Dorsal

— Pertaining to the back; the twelve thoracic vertebrae are also referred to as dorsal vertebrae.

E

Edema

— A condition in which fluid fills a damaged joint area with excessive fluid causing swelling; similar to the swelling of a twisted ankle.

Efferent

— Carrying away from a central organ; nerve impulses leaving the brain to peripheral tissues.

EMG

— Electromyogram; a device used to measure muscle tone and detect subluxation patterns by detecting changes in electrical activity in millionths of a volt.

EMS

— Electro-Muscle Stimulation; a form of electrical stimulation designed to reduce swelling and inflammation.

Examination

— The process of inspecting and testing the body and its systems to determine the presence or absence of disease or injury.

Extension

— To stretch out or to spread to its fullest length or reach.

F

Facet

— A small, smooth area on bone or other hard surface.

Facilitative Lesion

— A twisting or stretching of nerve tissue due to a malfunctioning spine.

Fee for service

— The traditional method of payment for health care services where payment is made by the practice member for specific services delivered by a doctor.

Fixation

— Loss of the normal range - of - movement of a bone due to muscle spasm, constriction of the ligaments or capsule around a joint, or bony changes, such as in the case of arthritis. This can be caused by major traumas, such as automobile accidents or falls, repeated minor traumas, such as from keyboarding or using power tools for many hours, or from certain disease processes.

Flaccid

— Soft, limp.

Flexion

— To bend to the side, forward, or backward.

Foramen

— A small opening.

Frontal

— Pertaining to the forehead.

G

Gatekeeper

— An individual, usually a clinician, who controls practice member access to healthcare services for members of a specific group.

Gonstead Chiropractic

— This is a specific system of treatment and case management within chiropractic developed by Dr. C.S. Gonstead. Dr. Gonstead was a mechanical engineering before be coming a chiropractor, therefore, he used engineering principles to analyze the spine and skeletal structure in general. Practicing in a small town in Wisconsin for over 50 years, he saw more patients in his lifetime than any other chiropractor to date. People came from all over the world to see him. He was also known as the chiropractor's chiropractor, because of the incredible results he achieved with even the most difficult cases. He revolutionized Chiropractic treatment and the use of x-rays in chiropractic analysis. His method of analysis, treatment and case management is known for its preciseness, comprehensiveness, safety, and most importantly results. For complete information about Dr. Gonstead and his revolutionary techniques, click here.

H

Health

— A state of optimal physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease and infirmity.

HMO

— Health Maintenance Organization. A prepaid plan (not insurance) that offers a variety of health care services for a fixed monthly fee.

Holistic (or wholistic)

— This refers to "taking into consideration" the whole person as it relates to their health. When diagnosing a person's health problem(s), the care giver must consider the integration of their body, mind and spirit. Alternative care providers are usually "generalists" who take a holistic approach, where as, medical doctors tend to be more specialized in their approach. They focus more on the area of the chief complaint, with less regard for how the rest of the body parts interrelate.

Homeostasis

— A condition in the body where all organs, systems and processes are functioning in balance and harmony. The checks and balances are operating properly and there is neither too much activity nor too little. Homeostasis equals health.

Hypermobility

— Excess movement of an area of the spine.

Hypomobility

— Restricted movement of an area of the spine.

I

ICD-9 Codes

— International Classification of Diseases Codes.

IME

— (Independent Medical Examination.) An examination arranged by a third party payer which is theoretically designed to impartially evaluate a practice members disability or another doctor’s diagnosis or treatment plan.

Impairment

— A loss, alteration or abnormality of psychological, physiological or anatomical structure or function.

Inferior

— Lower in position.

Inflammation

— A reaction of soft tissue due to injury that may include malfunction, discomfort, rise in temperature, swelling, and increased blood supply.

Initial Intensive Care

— A type of chiropractic care characterized by frequent visits for the purpose of eliminating or reducing the practice members major complaint.

Insurance

— A policy in which you pay a company premiums to take the risk that they might have to pay you back a lot more for treatments necessary for symptom relief.

Interference

— Damage or deficit to the nervous system.

Intervertebral Disc

— Fibrocartilage padding between vertebral bodies that act as a shock absorber, with a pulpy center that acts as a ball-bearing.

Intervertebral Foramina

— The lateral opening through which spinal nerve roots exit the spinal column.

J

There are no words that begin with the letter "J".

K

Kinesiology

— This refers generally to the study of human movement as it relates to health and disease. Applied Kinesiology more specifically observes and tests body movement and muscle strength to diagnose imbalances in the body and monitor the effectiveness of corrective treatments.

Kyphosis

— From the side, the backward curve of the spine seen in the thoracic spine.

L

Lateral

— The side view of the body.

Lien

— A creditor’s claim against assets to secure a debt.

Lipping

— The development of a bony outgrowth.

Listing

— A system used to describe the motion or position of vertebral segments in relation to adjacent vertebral segments.

Lordosis

— From the side, the forward curve of the spine, found in the cervical and lumbar spine.

Lumbar

— The section of the spine in the lower back, composed of 5 vertebra and their discs.

M

Maintenance Care

— A type of chiropractic care designed to maintain a practice members improved health and spinal function.

Managed care

— A program that imposes controls on the utilization of health care services or the providers who offer such care.

Manipulation

— The terms manipulation and adjustment are often used interchangeably, but they are not exactly the same (see Adjustment). A manipulation moves bones and increases movement in joints, but generally, there is less analysis to determine which bones to manipulate. As a result, there is less preciseness in delivering the force and which bones move. With a manipulation, usually multiple bones move with the delivered force (typically, with the thrust of the hand). This may loosen several joints that are restricted, but it is less likely to improve alignment and may over-stretch some joints which were already moving normally. In contrast, a chiropractic adjustment is much more precise.

Massage

— Methodical pressure, friction and kneading of the body upon bare skin.

Maximum medical improvement

— A point in the practice members care in which they have reached their pre-incident or accident condition, usually ending the insurance company’s obligations.

Medicare

— A federal health insurance program that covers individuals 65 and older, the disabled, and certain dependents.

Meridian System

— This is the unseen system in the body which is involved with the flow of energy or life force. There are connections with the "Universe"; from outside in, and internal channels like tiny rivers along which the energy flows. Along these energy pathways are (acupuncture/acupressure) points, where the energy is more concentrated and can be increased or decreased by massage, vibration, needles or electricity, or some combination of these (see Acupuncture).

Misalignment

— A bone which has moved from its normal position in relation to an adjacent bone or bones (see Subluxation).

MRI

— (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) A device using strong magnets and radio waves to create an image of the internal structures of the body.

N

NAET

— Nambudripad's Allergy Elimination Technique was developed by Dr. Devi Nambudripad, Chiropractor, Licensed Acupuncturist, P.h. D. and M.D. Born in India, but residing in California, she developed a method of desensitizing the body to virtually any allergen without injections, medications, or nutritional supplements. The principles of this technique are derived from Dr. Nambudripad's various backgrounds in health care. It utilizes the acupuncture points along the meridian energy system for analysis and treatment. By having a patient hold a suspected allergen and the doctor testing the strength of a muscle while touching various acupuncture points, the doctor can determine if there is a drop in energy in any of the meridians, indicating a sensitivity. Treatment is then administered by tapping, massaging, and/or using vibration over acupuncture points along the spine and on the arms and legs. This is followed by not touching and/or eating the allergen for at least 24 hours after the treatment to "lock-in" the correction. For more information about Dr. Nambudripad and her amazing NAET, click here.

Narrative

— A written report by the doctor that includes a practice members health history, a description of the practice members complaint(s), examination findings, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.

Neural Canal

— The opening in the spine through which the spinal cord passes.

Neurological

— Pertaining to the nervous system.

Neurologist

— Medical doctor who is a specialist of the nervous system.

No fault

— A form of insurance in which a person’s losses from an automobile accident are paid by his or her own insurer regardless of who was at fault.

No Show

— A term used to describe occasions when practice members miss their appointments.

NRT

— Nutritional Reflex Technique utilizes muscle testing to analyze the flow of energy through the body's meridian system and determine if there is malfunction in a tissue or organ. By touching specific acupuncture points and performing a manual muscle strength test at the same time, a doctor can determine if there is an imbalance in the function of a certain tissue or organ. Then by repeating he test with the patient holding samples of various nutritional supplements, the doctor can also determine those supplements which would be helpful in correcting the imbalances. This system is not meant to diagnose a specific pathology or disease, but through the step-by-step supplement and diet programs indicated, many times homeostasis is restored to the body, and thus health.

Nucleus pulposus

— The gelatinous mass in the center of the intervertebral disc.

O

Objective complaints

— What the doctor finds by examination.

Oblique

— Slanting; diagonal.

Occipital

— Pertaining to the back of the head.

Orthopedics

— Pertaining to the correction or prevention of deformities of the musculoskeletal system.

Orthopedist

— Medical doctor who specializes in the preservation and restoration of the skeletal system and its articulations.

Osteopathy

— A medical therapy that emphasizes manipulative procedures and uses medication or surgery and specializes in various areas of medicine.

Out-of-network

— A provision for reimbursement of services by a provider who is not a member of the practice members HMO that usually involves a higher co-pay or a reduction in reimbursement.

P

Palpation

— Touching the body lightly or deeply in a stationary position is called static palpation. It is used to check the shape, size, and/or consistency (status) of an organ or tissue. Motion palpation involves touching the body over a part, while the body is moved. It is used to determine if a structure, such as a vertebra, is moving normally.

Pathology

— Disease development.

Pathophysiology

— A malfunction of the body system(s) and/or spine.

Pediatrics

— The care of infants and children and the treatment of their diseases.

Peripheral Nerve System

— The nervous system that connects the central nervous system with every cell, tissue, and organ of the body.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

— A type of coverage in an auto policy that pays for medical costs in case of an accident.

Personal injury

— An injury sustained from an automobile or slip and fall accident.

Physiology

— The biological science of essential and characteristic life processes, activities, and functions; the vital processes of an organism.

Physiotherapy

— Treatment with physical and mechanical means, such as massage, electricity, etc.

Posterior

— Toward the back of the body.

Post-examination

— An examination used to monitor the healing process and the practice members progress towards recovery.

PPO

— Preferred Provider Organization. A network of doctors and hospitals that contract with an insurance company or employer to provide employees with services at competitive rates.

Pre-authorization

— The prior approval required by some payers before benefit payments will be granted.

Preventive care

— Health care that focuses on early detection and treatment in an attempt to reduce costs.

Prognosis

— A prediction of the probable course and outcome of a disease or the likelihood of recovery from a disease.

Prone

— Lying horizontal with the face downward.

Provider

— Those who provide health care services, such as hospitals, physicians, chiropractors, nurse practitioners and others.

PT

— Physical therapy.

Q

There are no words that begin with the letter "Q".

R

Radiograph

— A specially sensitized film that records the internal structures of the body by the passage of X-rays. An X-ray film.

Range of Motion

— The range, measured in degrees of a circle, through which a joint can be extended and flexed.

Rare Earth Screens

— A phosphorous coated panel placed next to X-ray film that glows when it is exposed to X-ray radiation, reducing exposures and enhancing the image.

Reasonable fee

— A fee determined by a carrier that is consistent with the going rate in a geographical area for similar services.

Reflex

— An involuntary action resulting from a stimulus.

Rehabilitative Care

— A type of chiropractic care with the objective of strengthening the spine and providing optimum healing of the function of the spine, associated tissues, and organ systems.

Reimbursement

— The payment of the expenses incurred because of an accident or sickness, up to any limit specified in the policy.

Relief Care

— See Initial Intensive Care.

Report of Findings

— A short presentation, usually by the doctor, describing the practice members problem, how long it will take to correct, and the prognosis.

S

S.O.A.P notes

— A system of practice member record keeping based on the practice members Subjective complaints, Objective complaints, Doctor's Assessment, and treatment Plan.

Sacrum

— The triangular bone at the base of the spine.

Sciatica

— A pain that radiates from the back into the buttocks and into the leg caused by the irritation of the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the body.

Scoliosis

— Side to side curvature of the spine. Typically with a "classic" scoliosis there is an S-shape to the spine, starting to one side in the low back, then to the opposite side and back again in the middle and upper back. However, scoliosis can simply be a one-sided curve in any part of the spine.

Slipped Disc

— An incorrect name given a condition in which a disc becomes wedge-shaped and bulges. In extreme cases this pressure will cause a disc to rupture.

Somatic Nervous Syatem

— This is the part of the nervous system which carries pain sensations and voluntarily controls muscle functions.

SOT

— SOT stands for Sacro Occipital Technique, a method of normalizing the relationship between the foundation of the spine and the top of the spine by specifically positioning the body to use its weight to correct the body.

Spasm

— A contraction of muscle tissue.

Spinous Process

— A posterior protruding part of a spinal bone that can be seen or felt when examining the spine.

Spurring

— A projecting body, as from a bone.

Subjective complaints

— Those problems identified by the practice member such as headaches, leg pain, etc.

Subluxation

— A vertebra or other bone which has misaligned (moved from its normal position) and become fixated (restricted) in movement, causing irritation of the surrounding tissue. The irritation results in inflammation, swelling, pain, and eventually loss of function and degeneration/atrophy. In the case of a vertebra, the misalignment and fixation will result in irritation, or occasionally compression or pinching, of the spinal nerve root exiting the spinal column between that bone and the adjacent one. This irritation or compression of the nerve will, in turn, cause pain along the course of the nerve and/or malfunction (with or without pain) of the tissue or organ supplied that nerve.

Superior

— Upper or higher in position.

Supine

— Lying horizontal on the back with the face upward.

Supplements

— Vitamins, minerals, food concentrates and herbs which are taken orally to boost the nutritional level of the body. They can be used to make-up for deficiencies or to add extra elements to the body to bring about a physiologic change. Generally, they are used to help restore and maintain health.

T

Technique

— A specific procedure, method or maneuver used to correct spinal problems.

Therapy

— Methods used to assist in the relief of pain, rehabilitation, and restoration of normal body functions.

Third-Party payer

— Any payer for health care services other than the practice member such as an insurance company, HMO, PPO or the government.

Thoracic

— The section of the spine in the mid to upper back composed of 12 vertebra and their discs. Each vertebra in the thoracic spine is also attached to 2 ribs, one on each side.

Traction

— The act of drawing or exerting a pulling force, as along the long axis of a structure.

Transverse Process

— Lateral protrusions (wings) of bone from the vertebrae to which powerful muscles attach.

Trigger Point

— An involuntarily tight band of muscle that is painful when pressed and can cause referred pain in other parts of the body.

U

Ultrasound

— High frequency inaudible sounds whose vibrations can be used for heating internal structures of the body.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

— An insurance provision that pays for bodily injury to you, a family member or others in your car when the injury is caused by an uninsured, underinsured or hit-and-run driver.

Usual fee

— Fee that a doctor usually charges for a specific service.

V

Vertebra

— One of the bones which makes up the spinal column. There are 24 vertebrae in the spine: 7 cervicals (neck), 12 thoracic (mid and upper back) and 5 lumbar (lower back). All vertebrae, except the top two, are separated by a disc. From between each two vertebrae, a pair of spinal nerves, which branch off from the spinal cord, exits the spine.

Vertebral Subluxation Complex

— Various kinds of pathology resulting from a Vertebral Subluxation which often include spinal kinesiopathology, neuropathophysiology, myopathology, histopathology and pathophysiology.

Vertebral Subluxation

— A misalignment of spinal bones that is less than a complete dislocation but sufficient to cause disruption of nerve system function.

W

Walk in

— A practice member who shows up for an unscheduled appointment.

Wellness care

— Health care that is not prompted by sickness or injury but by an attempt to achieve or promote an optimum state of physical, mental and social well-being.

Whiplash

— An injury to the cervical spine caused by an abrupt jerking motion of the head, either backward or forward.

Wholistic

— See Holistic.

Work hardening

— Physical conditioning, work simulation and education to build strength and endurance and help an injured employee return to work.

Worker’s Compensation

— A type of insurance that covers employee illnesses, injuries and disabilities occurring in the course of their employment.

X

X-rays

— Electromagnetic radiation that can penetrate many objects and reveal their internal structure by recording the shadow cast on photographic plates.

Y

There are no words that begin with the letter "Y".

Z

There are no words that begin with the letter "Z".