Chiropractic Terminology | B
Ball And Socket Joint: In this type of joint, a spheroidal surface of one bone works within a cup of another bone; this allows motion of the spheroidal boine in any direction, its extent being dependent on the concavity of the cup. In the case of the hip joint, the cup is deep and the extent of movement is sacrificed to obtain additional strength. The shoulder, in contrast, allows a wide range of movement since the cup is shallow.
Back Extension: This is backward bending of the spine done for strengthening lower back muscles.
Back Flexion: (a.k.a. Trunk or Spinal Flexion): The act of curling the spine forward, as one does during an abdominal crunch. This method has shown to be effective in relieving back pain by strengthening the lower back muscles and ligaments of the back.
Bariatric Surgery: This is a serious weight loss surgical procedure that decreases the size of the stomach, reduces food intake and can enable you to lose a significant amount of weight. It is a permanent procedure that requires a lifetime commitment to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Basal Energy Expenditure (a.k.a. BEE or Basal Metabolic Rate): This is the energy needed to carry out fundamental metabolic functions, such as breathing, ion transport, normal turnover of enzymes and other body components. It is measured with the subject in the fasted state, lying quietly in a room of comfortable temperature.
Big Idea: Written by BJ Palmer; this is the concept behind the chiropractic theory that the body can heal itself if the nervous system is optimally functioning and any and all interference is removed.
Bilateral: Refers to both sides of the body or structure.
Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA): Body fat scales use the Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) technique. This method measures body composition by sending a low, safe electrical current through the body. The current passes freely through the fluids contained in muscle tissue, but encounters difficulty/resistance when it passes through fat tissue. This resistance of the fat tissue to the current is termed 'bioelectrical impedance' and is accurately measured by body fat scales. When set against a person's height, gender and weight, the scales can then compute their body fat percentage.
Biomechanics: This is the science concerned with the internal and external forces acting on the human body and the effects produced by these forces.
Blocks or Blocking: These blocks are wedge-shaped adjusting devices. They are used by chiropractors performing the sacral occipital technique, also known as SOT. The practitioner uses them to raise one or both sides of the pelvis into a healthier pattern for better support of the spine and head.
Body Composition Score (a.k.a. BCS): A measure that combines many variables such as body weight, percentage of body fat, waist circumference and hip circumference into one health score. The BCS is a more accurate measure of weight loss progress than simply measuring body weight.
Body Mass Index (a.k.a. BMI): It is a measure of body composition. BMI is calculated by taking a person's weight and dividing that by their height squared. BMI can be used to determine if people are at a healthy weight, overweight, or obese. The higher the figure the more overweight you are. Like any of these types of measures it is only an indication and other issues such as body type and shape have a bearing as well.
Bodywork: A variety of hands on therapies which involve physical manipulation of the body or the energy fields believed to be associated with the body.
Bone Spur (a.k.a. Osteophyte): A bone spur, also known as an osteophyte, is a bony growth formed on normal bone. Most people think of something sharp when they think of a "spur," but a bone spur is irregular shaped bone. A bone spur forms as the body tries to repair and protect itself by building extra bone. It generally forms in response to pressure, rubbing, or stress that continues over a long period of time. Chiropractic treatment restores normal mobility and function to the spine which can slow this bone spurring process down.
Brain Stem: The lower extension of the brain where it connects to the spinal cord. Neurological functions located in the brainstem include those necessary for survival such as breathing, digestion, heart rate and blood pressure as well as those for arousal such as being awake and alert. It consists of the midbrain, medulla oblongata, and the pons.
Bulging Disc: A common condition related to the spine, usually the lumbar, which occurs when a disc extends beyond its normal space. The annulus portion of the lumbar disc weakens causing the nucleus to press against it resulting in the annulus pinching or pressing against a nerve resulting in pain.
Bursitis: This is the term used to describe inflammation or irritation of a bursa. Bursitis can result from a direct hit or from repetitive joint movements. A bursa is a customized fluid sac that provides cushioning for movement and pressure. People can also get bursitis when the body has to change its balance or movement to adapt to differences; for example, if a person has one leg that's longer than the other.
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