pain, numbness, tingling and weakness in the hand and arm caused by pressure on the median nerve of the wrist running through the carpal tunnel, a narrow passageway at the base of the hand.

the formation of bubbles due to pressure changes. During a chiropractic adjustment, the short thrust to a joint may cause a popping sound, which is the release of oxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide gas “bubbles” from the joint space (just as when you crack your knuckles).

the neck vertebrae, which consists of the seven uppermost vertebrae of the spine. The cervical spine supports the weight of your head and connects to the thoracic, or middle, spine. Each cervical vertebra is designated by the letter C, with C1 being the uppermost vertebra and C7 the lowest, connecting to the upper back at shoulder level.

headache caused by a disorder of the cervical spine (neck), including the intervertebral cervical discs and soft tissues.

back pain that lasts three months or more, even after the injury or underlying cause has been treated. It may come and go, and the source of the pain may be hard to determine. Most chronic back pain is mechanical rather than caused by disease.

a treatment for pain, inflammation and stiffness using a handheld laser device. It is called “cold laser” because the low levels of light stimulate healing without heating the tissues.

pain from the disruption of nerve impulses involving sensory input. In addition to sensory loss, many patients also experience increased or decreased sensitivity to touch and pain.

a condition in which vertebral discs are damaged primarily by wear and tear combined with aging. DDD may be asymptomatic or result in chronic pain in the lumbar spine (lower back) or cervical spine (neck).

a manual high-velocity, low amplitude (short and quick) thrust to restore range of motion to restricted joints. It is the technique most commonly associated with chiropractic treatment.

a therapy using an electronic medical device to deliver low-voltage electrical current to the muscle, stimulating the fibers to contract and blocking pain transmission to the brain. It can build strength, speed recovery and reduce pain and inflammation.