Chiropractic and injury care glossary

An injury that appears suddenly, such as a strain from the forces of a collision, as opposed to one that builds up slowly over time.

A hands on technique a chiropractor uses to move a joint, intended to improve movement and reduce discomfort. The right technique depends on the examination.

The seven vertebrae of the neck. Whiplash primarily affects this region.

A licensed provider who evaluates and manages musculoskeletal conditions, often of the spine, using manual and exercise based care.

A mild traumatic brain injury that can follow a crash, with symptoms such as headache, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating.

A clinician’s conclusion about the cause of your symptoms, based on history, examination, and sometimes imaging.

The cushion of tissue between two vertebrae. A collision can irritate or damage a disc, sometimes affecting a nearby nerve.

Swelling caused by fluid building up in tissues, which can follow a soft tissue injury.

The process of assessing your condition through history taking, physical examination, and any needed tests.

Bending a joint to decrease the angle between bones, for example tilting the head forward. Range of motion testing checks this.

Tests such as X ray, CT, or MRI used to look inside the body when the examination suggests they would help.

The body’s response to injury, which can cause swelling, warmth, and pain that often builds over the first day or two.

A band of tissue that connects bones at a joint. Ligaments can be strained or torn in a crash.

Hands on treatment of muscles and joints, which may include mobilization, soft tissue work, and adjustments.

Relating to the muscles, bones, joints, and connective tissue. Most crash related chiropractic care addresses musculoskeletal issues.

A written clinical summary a clinic can prepare that describes the injury, care, and progress, sometimes requested for a claim.

A type of auto insurance coverage, available in some states, that may pay for medical care after a crash regardless of fault.

Symptoms such as pain, numbness, or weakness that travel along a nerve when it is irritated or compressed.

How far a joint can move. A reduced range of motion in the neck or back is a common finding after a collision.

Muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other non bony tissue. Whiplash and many crash strains are soft tissue injuries.

A term some chiropractors use for a joint that is not moving well. Usage varies, so ask your provider what they mean by it.

The proposed course of care, including goals, expected visits, and how progress will be measured and reassessed.

One of the bones that stack to form the spine. The plural is vertebrae.

A neck injury from a rapid back and forth motion of the head, most often from a rear end collision.