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Wellness
Glossary
A
- B - C - D -
E - F - G -
H - I - J -
K - L - M
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- O - P - Q -
R - S - T -
U - V - W -
X - Y - Z
A
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.
Addiction: Psychological, emotional, or physical dependence on the effects
of a drug.
Adjustments: A form of chiropractic technique involving the application of
gentle, yet firm, pressure to a bone. Adjustments employ a high velocity, low
amplitude thrust. The goal of any adjustment is to restore the bone to its
natural, or original, position.
Adrenal glands: Small glands located on the kidneys that produce the stress
hormones adrenaline and cortisol.
Adrenaline: A hormone that stimulates metabolism, increases alertness and
increases blood pressure.
Aerobic Exercises: These kinds of exercises generally involve large muscle
groups and foster a strong and healthy heart and lung function.
AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome): is the final and most serious stage
of HIV disease, which causes severe damage to the immune system. AIDS begins
when a person with HIV infection has a CD4 cell count below 200. (CD4 is also
called "T-cell", a type of immune cell.) AIDS is also defined by
numerous opportunistic infections and cancers that occur in the presence of HIV
infection. AIDS is the fifth leading cause of death among persons between
ages 25 and 44 in the United States.
Alternative Medicine: The use of various non-drug, non-surgical related
therapies. Using natural means of treatment.
Amino acid: The basic unit from which proteins are made. There are two
classes of amino acids: essential and non-essential. Essential amino acids
are those that cannot be manufactured by the body and must be attained from the
diet. Non-essential amino acids are those that the body can synthesize
from other amino acids.
Anabolism: The metabolic process of building new tissue. Typically used in
relation to building muscle, ligaments and tendons.
Analgesics: Medicines that are used to relieve pain - aspirin is an example.
Anesthesiologist: A physician who specializes in giving drugs or other agents
that block, prevent, or relieve pain.
Ankylosing Spondylitis: A chronic, progressive, rheumatic disease of the
spine that causes calcification of the spinal ligaments, resulting in a loss of
movement.
Annulus fibrosis: The tough outer layer of the intervertebral disc.
Cartilage-like material formed in a series of rings surrounding the nucleus
pulposus (soft center) of a disc.
Arthritis: Inflammation of a joint; most arthritis is caused by
degenerative changes related to aging. Arthritis affects not only joints
but also connective tissue throughout the body can be involved, as well.
Autonomic nervous system: The part of the nervous system that is responsible for
controlling the involuntary functions in the body, such as digestion,
metabolism, blood pressure, etc.
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Dr. Charles R. Dixon, D.C., F.A.S.A. ~ 903-849-2200