The spine is made up of distinct areas: the cervical spine, which is essentially the neck; the thoracic spine, in the mid-back; the lumbar spine, the lower back; and the sacral spine, in the pelvis. The lumbar vertebrae—the individual bones that make up the lumbar section of the spinal column—are described as L1 through L5. If one or more of those vertebrae are out of line—what chiropractors call a ‘subluxation’—here are some problems that may ensue:

Most people’s approach to health care is a preventive one. They visit their medical doctor regularly to check for high blood pressure, high cholesterol and other issues. They see the dentist regularly to prevent development of cavities, gum disease and other problems with the mouth. The idea is to not wait until a problem becomes evident.

It used to be thought that the pain, stiffness and diminished function of joints due to arthritis were just an unavoidable part of the aging process. Advice on the topic was for some time limited to, “slow down.” We know now, though, that exercise is essential to managing the disease. Though chiropractors may be best known for working on the spine, particularly keeping its vertebrae, or individual bones, in line, they are trained in the operation of all the body’s joints and in the various therapies available to keep those joints working smoothly.

Fibromyalgia is a condition in which, essentially, a person “hurts all over.” Difficult to diagnose, fibromyalgia is characterized by widespread pain in muscles, ligaments and tendons and creates tender spots all over the body. In some cases, symptoms have begun to appear after a physically traumatic event, like a fall or car accident; after surgery or an infection; or in the aftermath of severe psychological stress. In other cases, though, symptoms may just build gradually. For some reason, women are more likely to develop fibromyalgia than are men.

Experts estimate that as many as 80 percent of Americans will experience back pain at some point in their lives. The back is a complicated weave of nerves, muscles, joints and ligaments. There are plenty of opportunities for something to go wrong. A twinge or minor pain in the back may come and go. But what the average person would call “pain” in the back is not likely to go away on its own. Low back pain, some experts say, is the leading cause of disability worldwide. Back pain often is the result of mechanical problems with the back.

Exercise, of course, is good for you. But any form of exercise also can expose you to the risk of injury. Riding a bicycle is a great form of exercise, but it, too, has its risks. A relatively common injury among cyclists is an irritation and inflammation of the ulnar nerve, which runs from the armpit through the inside of the elbow and into the hand and forearm.

As with any specialized area, whether it’s a sport or a health care field like chiropractic, there is a lexicon that develops. When you’re visiting your chiropractor, you shouldn’t hesitate to ask about any words or phrases you hear with which you are not familiar. Here are some terms you might hear:

The shoulder is the third most commonly treated part of the body for chiropractors (after the lower back and the neck). As with any part of the body, the shoulder can become painful as a result of wear and tear over time, or as the result of a trauma, like a car accident or a fall. Shoulder pain often begins in the cervical spine, the upper portion of the spine. The nerves that control the hands, arms and shoulders pass through that section of the spine.

Nearly 40% of older adults currently use at least one integrative medicine strategy to try to ease symptoms of a physical or mental health issue, or to help them relax, a new poll finds.

Chiropractors are licensed professionals with doctorate degrees who use a hands-on approach to ease pain and inflammation by manipulating parts of your body.

The philosophy behind chiropractic care is that your body can heal itself with interventions performed by a chiropractor.

Chiropractic care, like physical therapy, doesn’t involve taking medications or undergoing surgery. You may want to try chiropractic care before undergoing more invasive treatments.