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Chiropractic Terminology | E

Edema: A condition in which excess fluid fills a damaged joint area. An example of this is the swelling associated with a twisted ankle.

Efferent: Carrying away from a central organ; nerve impulses leaving the brain to peripheral tissues.

Electromyography (a.k.a. EMG): Procedure that tests the spinal cord, nerves and muscle nerve endings.

Electrical Nerve Stimulation: A type of physical therapy modality treatment that utilizes rotating frequencies and waves of electrical current to elicit therapeutic effects on the nervous and musculoskeletal system.

Electro-Muscle Stimulation (a.k.a. EMS): A form of electrical stimulation designed to reduce swelling and inflammation and provide palliative relief.

Endorphins: These are among the brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters, which function to transmit electrical signals within the nervous system. Stress and pain are the two most common factors leading to the release of endorphins. Endorphins interact with the opiate receptors in the brain to reduce our perception of pain and act similarly to drugs such as morphine and codeine. In addition to decreased feelings of pain, secretion of endorphins leads to feelings of euphoria, modulation of appetite, release of sex hormones, and enhancement of the immune response.

Energy Expenditure: The amount of energy, measured in calories that a person uses on a daily basis. Calories are used to perform all activities of the body including breathing, blood circulation, food digestion and the ability to be physically active.

Epidural Injection: An injection into the spinal column in an effort to block pain sensations. This procedure is commonly performed on the pregnant mother during delivery.

Examination: An in depth process of inspecting and testing the body to determine the best course of action for treatment. Usually involves history, neurological and orthopedic testing. This time is used to address the cause of the patient's complaints and symptoms.

Exercise: This is any planned or structured physical activity. It usually involves repetitive bodily movement done to improve or maintain cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, endurance, flexibility and body composition.

Exercise Therapy: A form of treatment referred to as a physical therapy modality that is used to help manage pain, rehabilitate and strengthen damaged soft tissues, such as muscles, ligament, and tendons. It also works to restore normal range of motion and function.

Extensor Muscles: The muscles that cause your joints to straighten, such as the back and gluteus muscles that help keep your back straight. These muscles are used to move body parts away from each other.

Extension: Movement of a joint whereby one part of the body is moved away from another. This is the act of stretching.