Glossary of Terms
A
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Activator | A spring-loaded adjusting instrument that utilizes an extremely rapid pulse to help restore normal functioning in the body. |
| Acupressure | The practice of applying pressure on parts of the body to relieve pain. |
| Acupuncture | The practice of inserting fine needles on specific meridian points for the purpose of relieving tension, stress, and pain. Highly useful in the treatment and relief of back pain. |
| Acute back pain | Back pain that lasts a short while, usually a few days to several weeks. Episodes lasting longer than three months are not considered acute. |
| Adjustment | A specific form of spinal manipulation unique to chiropractic, typically involving a directed thrust to a joint creating a release. |
| Analgesic | A medication used to relieve pain without the loss of consciousness. |
| Anesthetic | A substance that causes the loss of sensation in a part of the body. Often used during surgery. |
| Annulus | The outer fibrous wall of a disc. |
| Anti-Inflammatory | A medication used to decrease inflammation and pain, often used for the treatment of acute back pain. |
| Antioxidant | One of many widely used drugs (such as aspirin or indomethacin) that reduce inflammation. A manmade or natural substance that may prevent or delay some types of cell damage. |
| Atlas | The first cervical vertebra (C1); articulates with the occiput and the second cervical vertebra (C2), the Axis. |
| Atrophy | A decrease in the size of a normally developed organ or tissue, muscle wasting. |
| Axis | The second cervical vertebra; referred to as C2. |
B
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Biofeedback | A method of treatment that uses a monitoring system to train people to improve their health by controlling body processes that normally happen involuntarily, such as blood pressure, muscle tension, and heart rate. |
| Blood sugar | The concentration of sugar (glucose) in the blood that is regulated by insulin. |
| BMI (Body Mass Index) | A method of determining health risk based on a mathematical formula of height and weight. |
| Body Composition | A common measurement in exercise physiology used to describe the percentages of fat, bone, water and muscle in the body. It distinguishes between fat and fat-free mass and is a better indicator of health than body weight alone. |
| Bone Density | A measure of the concentration of minerals in a bone. |
| Bone Spur | An outgrowth of new bone that may form along the end or margin of a bone or joint. Often caused by the body trying to stabilize a degenerative process. Also known as an osteophyte. |
| Bulging Disc | A disc condition in which the outer layer of the disc (the annulus fibrosus) bulges outward but does not rupture. This can cause pressure on nearby nerves. |
| Bursa | A small, fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between a bone and other moving parts, such as muscles, tendons, or skin. |
| Bursitis | Inflammation of the bursa, the small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the bones, tendons, and muscles near your joints. |
C
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Calorie | A unit of measurement of energy. A calorie is the amount of heat needed to raise one milliliter of water at standard atmospheric pressure by one degree Celsius. |
| Carbohydrate | One of the basic sources of fuel for the body. Carbohydrates are found in foods, such as bread, potatoes, fruit, and soft drinks. |
| Cardiovascular Disease | Disease of the heart or blood vessels. |
| Carpal Tunnel | The passageway of bone and ligament in the wrist through which the median nerve and tendons of the fingers pass. |
| Carpal Tunnel Syndrome | An irritation of the median nerve in the wrist causing tingling, numbness, and pain in the first three fingers and sometimes the entire hand. |
| Cartilage | A tough, elastic tissue that covers the ends of bones in joints, allowing smooth movement. |
| Cauda Equina | The collection of nerve roots that branch off the lower end of the spinal cord (from the conus medullaris). |
| Central Nervous System | Comprised of the brain and the spinal cord. It connects to the peripheral nervous system. |
| Cervical Spine | Seven vertebrae of the upper back/neck, referred to as C1 through C7. |
| Chiropractic | A healthcare profession that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders of the musculoskeletal system, especially the spine. |
| Chiropractor | A healthcare professional trained to diagnose and treat disorders of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. |
| Cholesterol | A waxy, fat-like substance produced by the liver and found in animal-based foods. The body needs some cholesterol, but too much in the blood can increase the risk of heart disease. |
| Chronic Back Pain | Back pain that lasts more than 3 months. |
| Coccyx | The tailbone; the small bone at the end of the spinal column in humans, formed of fused vestigial vertebrae. |
| Collagen | The major protein of connective tissue, cartilage, and bone. |
| Complex Carbohydrate | A type of carbohydrate. Complex carbohydrates include starch and dietary fiber. |
| Compression Fracture | Collapse of a vertebra from trauma or deterioration. |
| Computer Ergonomics | The study of the interaction between computers and human beings. The way the human body interacts with our computers and workstations can have negative effects on our health. |
| Concentric Exercise | An exercise in which the muscle contracts, producing motion in the joint. |
| Congenital | Present at birth. A condition that is recognized at birth, or that is believed to have been present since birth. |
| Connective Tissue | Any tissue that provides structural support and binds together body parts. Tendons and ligaments are connective tissue. |
| Contraindicated | Refers to something that is inadvisable or against medical advice. |
| Core Strengthening | Exercises that help strengthen the muscles that surround the trunk of the body. |
| Cortisone Shot | An injection of cortisone, a powerful anti-inflammatory, into the painful area to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. |
| CT Scan (Computerized Tomography) | A diagnostic imaging method that uses X-rays at a number of angles and a computer to produce detailed cross-sectional images of body tissues and organs. |
D
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Decompression | Reduction of pressure, usually used in context of a surgery or non-surgical treatment aimed at reducing pressure on a nerve. |
| Degenerative Disc Disease | The breakdown of one or more of the discs that separate the bones of the spine, often resulting in pain. |
| Degenerative Joint Disease | Also known as osteoarthritis, a condition that involves the wearing down of the cartilage in a joint. |
| Diabetes | A metabolic disease in which the body's inability to produce any or enough insulin causes elevated levels of glucose in the blood. |
| Dietary Fiber | A complex carbohydrate that is not digestible. It is found in fruits, vegetables and grain products. Also known as roughage. |
| Disc | A round, flat, plate-like structure, usually referring to the intervertebral disc. A disc separates each pair of vertebrae throughout most of the spinal column. |
| Disc Herniation | The protrusion of the nucleus of a spinal disc through the outer ring (annulus fibrosus), often pressing on nearby nerves. |
| Dislocation | The displacement of a bone from its normal position at a joint. |
| Diversified Technique | A widely used chiropractic technique that involves hands-on manual adjustments to the spine. |
| Dorsal | Pertaining to the back of the body. |
E
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Eccentric Exercise | An exercise in which the muscles contract as they lengthen. An example is walking downhill or lowering a weight slowly. |
| Edema | Swelling caused by the accumulation of fluid in a tissue. |
| Electrical Nerve Stimulation | A pain relief technique that involves the application of low-voltage electrical current to the affected area through electrodes placed on the skin. |
| Electromyography (EMG) | A diagnostic test that measures the electrical activity of muscles. |
| Endorphins | Naturally occurring hormones in the body that have pain-relieving qualities. |
| Enzyme | A protein that speeds up chemical reactions in the body. |
| Epidural | An injection of medication into the space around the spinal cord for pain relief. |
| Ergonomics | The study of work habits and environments and their effect on the body. |
| Essential Fatty Acids | Fatty acids (components of fat) that the body cannot make and that must be consumed from food. |
| Exercise Prescription | An individual exercise plan developed to achieve specific goals. |
| Extension | A movement that straightens or increases the angle between two body parts. |
| Extremity | A limb of the body. The arms are the upper extremities, and the legs are the lower extremities. |
F
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Facet Joints | Small stabilizing joints located between and behind adjacent vertebrae that allow the spine to move and flex. |
| Fascia | A sheet of connective tissue that covers, supports, and separates muscles and internal organs. |
| Fat | One of the macronutrients in food that provides energy. Each gram of fat has 9 calories. |
| Flexibility | The range of motion around a joint. |
| Flexion | A movement that decreases the angle between two body parts; the bending movement around a joint. |
| Foramen | A natural opening or hole in a bone through which nerves or blood vessels pass. |
| Fracture | A break or crack in a bone. |
G
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Gait Analysis | An evaluation of the manner or pattern of walking or running, which can help identify problems with posture, joint movement, or balance. |
| Glucose | The simplest form of sugar. It is the main source of energy for the body's cells and is carried to each cell through the bloodstream. |
| Gonstead Technique | A chiropractic technique that involves a thorough analysis of the spine using X-rays and a specific manual adjustment. |
H
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Hamstrings | A group of three muscles that make up the posterior thigh, used in walking, running, and jumping. |
| Heart Rate | The number of heartbeats per unit of time, usually measured per minute. |
| Herniated Disc | The extrusion of the nucleus through the outer ring (annulus) of a disc, often pressing on nearby nerves and causing pain. |
| High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) | Blood pressure that is consistently at or above 140/90 mm Hg. |
| High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) | Exercise involving alternating short periods of intense anaerobic exercise with less intense recovery periods. |
| Holistic | Relating to the treatment of the whole person, considering mental, social, and physical factors rather than just symptoms of a disease. |
| Hydration | The process of providing adequate liquid to body tissues. |
| Hyperextension | Movement at a joint beyond its normal range of motion. |
| Hypertrophy | An increase in the size of an organ or tissue, usually due to an increase in cell size. |
I
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Ice Therapy (Cryotherapy) | The application of ice or cold to a body part to reduce inflammation and numb pain. |
| Immune System | The body's system of defense against infectious disease and foreign material. |
| Impingement | Compression or irritation, often of a nerve or tendon, caused by pressure from surrounding structures. |
| Inflammation | The body's response to injury or infection, characterized by redness, warmth, swelling, and pain. |
| Insulin | A hormone that moves glucose from the blood into the cells for energy and storage. |
| Intervertebral Disc | The fibrous disc between vertebrae that absorbs shock and allows flexibility. |
| Ischemia | A condition in which the blood flow and oxygen supply is restricted to a part of the body, often causing pain. |
| Isometric Exercise | A type of strength training in which the joint angle and muscle length do not change during contraction. |
J
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Joint | The point where two or more bones meet. |
| Joint Mobilization | A manual therapy technique involving slow, passive movements of a joint within its range of motion. |
| Joint Restriction | A reduction of normal range of motion of a joint. |
K
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Kinesiology | The study of the mechanics of body movements. |
| Kyphosis | An excessive outward curvature of the spine, typically in the thoracic region, causing hunching of the back. |
L
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Lactic Acid | A byproduct of anaerobic metabolism of glucose that, in excess, can contribute to muscle fatigue. |
| Lateral | Relating to or situated at the side. |
| Lean Body Mass | The body weight that is not fat, including muscle, bone, organs, and water. |
| Ligament | A band of tough, flexible, fibrous connective tissue that connects bones at a joint. |
| Lordosis | An excessive inward curvature of the spine, typically in the lumbar or cervical region. |
| Lower Back | The lumbar region of the spine, consisting of the five vertebrae below the thoracic region. |
| Lumbar Spine | Five vertebrae of the lower back, referred to as L1 through L5. |
M
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) | A diagnostic imaging method that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the organs and tissues in the body. |
| Maintenance Care | Ongoing chiropractic care provided at regular intervals to maintain spinal health and prevent future problems. |
| Manipulation | A therapeutic technique that involves the application of controlled force to a joint, usually in the spine. |
| Massage Therapy | The manipulation of soft body tissues to enhance health and well-being. |
| Maximum Heart Rate | A predicted maximum level of exertion. 220 beats per minute minus one's age is one way to estimate maximum heart rate. |
| Median Nerve | The nerve that runs from the forearm to the hand through the carpal tunnel. |
| Meniscus | Crescent-shaped fibrocartilage found in certain joints, like the knee, that acts as a cushion and helps distribute body weight. |
| Metabolism | The process by which the body converts food and drink into energy. |
| Mineral | Inorganic substances that are essential for normal body function. Examples are calcium and magnesium. |
| Moderate-Intensity Physical Activity | Physical activity performed at an intensity that slightly increases heart rate and breathing. Walking briskly is a common example. |
| Monounsaturated Fat | A type of fat found in many foods and oils. Studies show that eating foods rich in monounsaturated fats can improve blood cholesterol levels. |
| Muscle Spasm | An involuntary contraction of a muscle, or a group of muscles, that is sudden and painful. |
| Muscle Strain | An injury to a muscle or a tendon, the fibrous tissue that connects muscles to bones. Strains range from mild overstretching to partial or complete tearing. |
| Musculoskeletal System | The system of the body that includes the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons that support and move the body. |
| Myofascial Release | A manual therapy technique that involves applying gentle, sustained pressure to the connective tissues (fascia) to relieve pain and restore motion. |
N
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Nerve | A fiber that carries impulses of sensation to the brain and spinal cord and impulses from these to the muscles and organs. |
| Nerve Block | An injection of a substance to numb a specific nerve or group of nerves to relieve pain. |
| Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV) | A diagnostic test that measures the speed at which electrical signals move through a nerve. |
| Nerve Root | The initial portion of a spinal nerve as it emerges from the spinal cord and exits through an opening in the spinal column. |
| Nervous System | The body's communication network, consisting of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. |
| Neuralgia | Sharp, severe pain along the path of a nerve or nerves. |
| Neurologist | A medical doctor who specializes in disorders of the nervous system. |
| Neuropathy | Damage to or disease affecting one or more peripheral nerves, typically causing numbness or weakness. |
| Neurotransmitters | Chemical messengers in the body that transmit signals from one nerve cell to another. |
| Non-surgical Spinal Decompression | A type of motorized traction to help relieve back and neck pain by gently stretching the spine. |
| NSAID (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug) | A class of drugs that reduce pain, inflammation, and fever (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen). |
| Nucleus Pulposus | The soft, gel-like center of an intervertebral disc. |
| Nutrients | Substances in food that the body needs for energy, growth, repair, and regulation of body processes. |
| Nutrition | The study of food and how the body uses it. Nutrition also refers to the food and nutrients a person consumes. |
O
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Obesity | Excess body fat. A BMI of 30 or above is considered obese. |
| Occupational Therapy | A form of therapy that helps people learn (or relearn) to perform daily living activities. |
| Omega 3 Fatty Acids | Essential fatty acids found in fish oils and certain plant oils. They have anti-inflammatory properties and health benefits for the cardiovascular system. |
| Orthopedics | The branch of medicine that deals with the correction of deformities or functional impairments of the skeletal system. |
| Osteoarthritis | A form of arthritis characterized by the breakdown and eventual loss of cartilage in the joints. |
| Osteoporosis | A condition that causes bones to become thin, weak, and easy to break. |
| Overweight | Excess body weight for a particular height. A BMI of 25 to 29.9 is considered overweight. |
P
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Pain Management | A multidisciplinary approach to treating pain, using techniques such as medication, physical therapy, and psychological strategies. |
| Palpation | A physical exam technique in which the doctor uses touch to examine body areas. |
| Passive Therapy | Treatments performed on a patient by a therapist, such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, or ice/heat therapy. |
| Pelvis | The basin-shaped bony structure formed by the hip bones, sacrum, and coccyx. |
| Peripheral Nervous System | The part of the nervous system outside the brain and spinal cord, comprising the cranial and spinal nerves. |
| Physical Therapy | The treatment of disease, injury, or disability by physical and mechanical means. |
| Piriformis Syndrome | A condition in which the piriformis muscle (in the buttock) spasms and causes pain. It may also compress the sciatic nerve. |
| Plantar Fasciitis | Inflammation of the plantar fascia, a band of tissue running along the bottom of the foot from the heel to the toes. |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | A type of fat found in plant-based foods and oils. Eating moderate amounts of polyunsaturated fats may be beneficial for cardiovascular health. |
| Posture | The position in which someone holds their body when standing or sitting. |
| Prenatal Chiropractic | Chiropractic care adapted for pregnant women, using gentle techniques to address spinal and pelvic alignment changes during pregnancy. |
| Preventive Care | Healthcare that focuses on disease prevention and health maintenance rather than on disease treatment. |
| Processed Food | Food that has been altered from its natural state for safety or convenience. It includes canned, frozen, and packaged foods. |
| Proprioception | The body's ability to sense its position, movement, and balance in space. |
| Protein | One of the three macronutrients. It is used for building and repairing body tissues. It provides energy at 4 calories per gram. |
Q
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Quadriceps | The group of four muscles at the front of the thigh. |
R
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Radiculopathy | A condition caused by compression or irritation of a nerve root in the spine, resulting in pain, numbness, or weakness. |
| Range of Motion (ROM) | The full movement potential of a joint, usually measured in degrees. |
| Referred Pain | Pain felt in a part of the body other than where it actually originates. |
| Rehabilitation | The process of restoring strength, function, and mobility after injury or surgery. |
| Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) | Injury to the musculoskeletal and nervous systems caused by repetitive tasks, forceful exertions, or sustained awkward positions. |
| Resistance Training | A form of exercise that improves muscle strength and endurance by exercising a muscle or muscle group against external resistance. |
| Resting Heart Rate | The number of times your heart beats per minute while at rest. A normal resting heart rate is between 60 and 100 beats per minute. |
| Rheumatoid Arthritis | A chronic autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation and painful swelling of the joints. |
| Rib Hump | An elevation of the ribs on one side of the body, often associated with scoliosis. |
| Rotator Cuff | A group of four muscles and their tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint. |
S
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Sacroiliac Joint | The joint connecting the sacrum (bottom of the spine) with the pelvis (iliac bone). |
| Sacrum | Five fused vertebrae below the lumbar spine. |
| Saturated Fat | A type of fat found in foods such as meat and dairy products. Consuming too much saturated fat may increase the risk of heart disease. |
| Sciatic Nerve | The longest nerve in the body, extending from the lower back through the hips and down each leg. |
| Sciatica | Pain radiating along the sciatic nerve, from the lower back through the hips and down the leg. |
| Scoliosis | A lateral curvature of the spine. |
| Sedentary Lifestyle | A type of lifestyle with little or no physical activity. |
| Serving Size | An amount of food that is used as a reference on a nutrition label. Serving sizes are standardized to make it easier to compare similar foods. |
| Simple Carbohydrate | A type of sugar found naturally in fruits, milk, and milk products, and also added to many foods and beverages. |
| Soft Tissue | Any tissue in the body that is not bone, such as muscles, ligaments, tendons, and fascia. |
| Spasm | A sudden, involuntary contraction of a muscle. |
| Spinal Canal | The space within the vertebral column through which the spinal cord passes. |
| Spinal Column | Another name for the vertebral column; the backbone. |
| Spinal Cord | A bundle of nerve fibers that extends from the brain down through the spinal canal. |
| Spinal Decompression | A therapy that involves stretching the spine to relieve back and leg pain. |
| Spinal Disc | See Disc. |
| Spinal Fusion | A surgery that joins two or more vertebrae into a single, solid bone. |
| Spinal Manipulation | A general term for techniques that apply force to the spine for the purpose of improving joint mobility and alignment. |
| Spinal Nerve | A nerve that branches off the spinal cord and exits through openings between the vertebrae. |
| Spinal Stenosis | A narrowing of the open spaces within the spine, which can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. |
| Spine | The series of 33 vertebrae extending from the skull to the coccyx that forms the axis of the skeleton and protects the spinal cord. |
| Spondylolisthesis | A condition in which a bone (vertebra) in the spine slips out of its proper position onto the bone below it. |
| Spondylosis | A general term for age-related wear and tear of the spinal discs. Also known as spinal osteoarthritis. |
| Sprain | An injury to a ligament caused by being stretched beyond its normal capacity and possibly torn. |
| Stability | The ability of a joint to maintain proper position under stress. |
| Stenosis | The narrowing of a body canal or passage; in the context of the spine, it refers to the narrowing of the spinal canal. |
| Strain | An injury to a muscle or tendon caused by overuse, force, or stretching. |
| Strengthening Exercises | Exercises designed to increase the strength of specific muscles or muscle groups. |
| Stress Fracture | A small crack in a bone caused by repetitive force, often from overuse. |
| Stretching | A form of exercise in which a specific muscle or muscle group is deliberately elongated. |
| Subluxation | A partial or incomplete dislocation or misalignment of a joint or organ. In chiropractic, it typically refers to a spinal vertebra that has lost its normal position or motion, affecting nerve function. |
| Supplement | A product taken orally that contains one or more ingredients intended to supplement one's diet. |
T
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Target Heart Rate | A heart rate (in beats per minute) that should be achieved during exercise that will produce health benefits. Most exercise guidelines recommend 50% – 85% of maximum heart rate. |
| Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) | The joint connecting the jawbone to the skull. Disorders of this joint can cause pain and dysfunction. |
| Tendinitis | Inflammation of a tendon, often caused by repetitive movements or overuse. |
| Tendon | A flexible but inelastic cord of strong fibrous tissue that connects a muscle to a bone. |
| TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) | A method of pain relief involving the use of a mild electrical current applied to the skin. |
| Therapeutic Exercise | Exercises prescribed by a healthcare provider to correct impairments, restore function, or maintain well-being. |
| Therapeutic Massage | A form of massage that involves the manipulation of the soft tissues of the body to decrease muscle spasm, pain and to improve movement. |
| Thoracic Spine | Twelve vertebrae above the lumbar spine and below the cervical spine. |
| Thyroid hormone | A hormone released by the thyroid gland that stimulates metabolism and helps to regulate a range of biochemical processes in the body. |
| Tolerance | Decreasing effect of a drug with the same dose or the need to increase the dose to maintain the same effect. |
| Tranquilizer | A drug used to treat anxiety. |
| Trigger Point Therapy | The application of pressure on tender trigger points in the muscles to relieve pain and tension. |
| Trigger Points | A generally small area of a muscle that is tightly knotted and in spasm causing referred pain. |
U
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Underwater Weighing | A research method for estimating body fat. A person is placed in a tank, underwater, and weighed. By comparing weight underwater with weight on land, one can get a very good measure of body fat. |
| Unsaturated Fat | A fat that is liquid at room temperature. Vegetable oils are unsaturated fats. Unsaturated fats include polyunsaturated fats, and monounsaturated fats. Sources of unsaturated fats include most nuts, olives, avocados, and fatty fish such as salmon. |
V
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Vertebra | Bony segment of the spine that encircles and helps protect the spinal cord and nerves. The plural of vertebra is vertebrae. |
| Vertebrae | The 24 cylindrical segments of bone that make up the vertebral column. |
| Vertebral Column | The Spine. The flexible structure that forms the "backbone" of the skeleton, arranged a straight line from the base of the skull to the tailbone; also called spine. |
| Vertebral Subluxation Complex | Another term for subluxation that is used in the chiropractic profession. |
| Vigorous-Intensity Physical Activity | To be classified as vigorous-intensity, physical activity requires sustained, rhythmic movements of an intense enough level to elevate heart rate to 70% – 85% of maximum heart rate. Vigorous-intensity physical activity may be intense enough to represent a substantial challenge to an individual, resulting in a significant increase in heart rate and respiration. |
W
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Waist Circumference | A measurement of the waist. Fat around the waist increases the risk of obesity-related health problems. |
| Weight Control | Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight by eating well and getting regular physical activity. |
| Weight-Cycle | Losing and gaining weight over and over again. Commonly called "yo-yo" dieting. With each cycle, there is a worsening of the percentage of body fat due to a loss of lean muscle tissue. |
| Whiplash | An injury to the cervical spine that occurs from rapid hyper-flexion, hyper-extension and compression movements, such as in an automobile accident. |
| Wrist Circumference | A measurement of the wrist at its thinnest point, just proximal to the hand, that is used to estimate the size of an individual's overall skeletal structure. |
X
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| X-Ray | A diagnostic imaging method that exposes photographic films with radiation passed through the body. It is most useful in diagnosing fractures, dislocations, abnormal positioning or other structural problems in bone. |