The Vertebral Subluxation Today
Definitions Continued

Spinal Nerves - As the Brain exists the boney skull, it becomes the Spinal Cord. Coming off of the Spinal Cord are the various nerves which pass through spaces created by the Spinal Column (Intervertebral Foramen). These nerves are referred to as Spinal Nerves.

Motion Segment - a functional unit made up of two adjacent articulating surfaces and the connecting tissues binding them to each other.

Spinal Motion Segment - Two adjacent vertebrae and the connecting tissues binding them to each other.

Range of Motion - the normal movements allowed anatomically by a Motion Segment. Normally, the Spinal Column allows for 6 Ranges of Motion (ROM): Flexion, Extension, Right and Left Lateral Flexion and Right and Left Rotation.

Manual Therapy - procedures by which the hands directly contact the body to treat the articulations or soft tissues.

Manipulation - a manual procedure that involves a directed thrust to move a joint past the physiologic range of motion without exceeding the anatomic limit. (More about this in a future Module.) In general, dysfunctional joints can fall into 2 general categories: Moving too much (Hypermobile joints) or moving too little (Hypomobile or Fixed joints).

Mobilization - movement applied singularly or repetitively within or at the physiologic range of joint motion, without imparting a thrust or impulse, with the goal of restoring joint mobility.