a diagnostic method used by chiropractors to manually check for restricted motion (misalignments) or fixations that may be causing pain or limited mobility.

gentle manual pressure to the body’s connective tissue to help reduce muscle pain and restore motion. Myofascial tissues are tough membranes that wrap, connect and support your muscles. Myofascial pain, which is targeted by this treatment, may stem from “trigger points” and radiate to other areas.

a bundle of nerve fibers directly emerging from the spinal cord. The nerve roots enter and exit the spinal column through small holes called foramens (or foramina) on each side of the vertebrae. Nerve roots house the nerve fibers that relay signals back and forth between the brain and the body.

inflammation of a peripheral nerve or nerves. Symptoms depend on which nerves are inflamed but may include pain, pins and needles (paresthesia), numbness (hypoesthesia), weakness (paresis), paralysis, wasting and/or loss of reflexes.

a disorder of the nerves caused by damage or disease. Symptoms are pain, numbness, tingling, swelling and muscle weakness. It typically begins in the extremities (arms and legs) and progresses over time.

the most common form of arthritis, in which the cartilage that cushions the joints wears down over time. It most commonly affects joints in your hands, knees, hips and spine.

smooth, bony deposits that develop on the edges of the bone. These slow-growing structures are not painful unless they press on a nerve or muscle. They are very common in people over 50 or those with osteoarthritis.

a burning or prickling sensation, often in the hands, arms, legs or feet. It may come and go or be long-lasting (chronic) and may be caused by a number of underlying neurological or musculoskeletal conditions.

a chiropractic technique in which cushioned wedges are placed under the pelvis. The body becomes a sort of hinge, using its own weight to release pressure on spinal nerves. An alternative to rapid, precise thrust techniques.

nerve pain or dysfunction in areas other than the spinal cord. Symptoms may include numbness, weakness, stabbing or burning pain (most often at night), lack of coordination and loss of reflexes.