Definitions & References
HSD Fact: Definitions & Citations
Abbreviations
ADHD = Attention Deficit Hyperactivity DisorderANS = Autonomic Nervous System
ASD = Autism Spectrum Disorder
BS = Beighton Score
C0-C7 = cervical vertebrae #0, 1, 2, etc.
EDS = Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
EDS III = old name for hEDS
GABA = gamma aminobutyric acid (a neurotransmitter)
GI = gastrointestinal
GJH = generalized joint hypermobility
hEDS = hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
HMS = hypermobility syndrome
HSD = Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder
IBS = Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
JH = joint hypermobility
JHS = joint hypermobility syndrome
MCAS = Mast Cell Activation Syndrome
OCD = Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
POTS = Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome
PT = physical therapy
S-GJH = symptomatic GJH
TENS = Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation
TMJD = temporomandibular joint dysfunction
Glossary
autonomic nervous system = the part of the nervous system that controls unconscious bodily functions, like breathing, heartbeat, and digestioncase study = observational study that describes a single patient
case-control study = observational study that compares patients known to have a condition (e.g., HSD) to those without it (controls)
controlled study = experimental study that compares the response of different groups (e.g., those with or without HSD) to the specific treatments to which they are exposed
cross-sectional study = observational study that collects one-time information about multiple patients (which may include both those with and without HSD)
cervical vertebrae = the seven bones of the spine in the neck
collagen = a protein that provides structure, support or strength to skin, muscles, bones and connective tissues
comorbidity = a co-occurring medical condition
compensatory tightness/stiffness = activation of muscle or fascia tissue that increases rigidity to compensate for the failure of other tissues (e.g., lax ligaments) to support bodily structures
connective tissue = tissue that supports and protects other tissues and organs, including bone, blood, cartilage, tendon, ligament, fat, and the inner layer of skin
dislocation = when the bones of a joint are so far out of place that they no longer touch correctly, causing severe pain, swelling, bruising, and inability to move the joint normally (usually requiring medical care)
dumping syndrome = overly rapid gastric emptying, when food moves too quickly from the stomach into the small intestine, which can immediately trigger low blood pressure and later hypoglycemia (among other symptoms)
dysautonomia = dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system, which includes a wide range of symptoms (e.g., lightheadedness, rapid heartbeat, sweating, fatigue, cog-fog, digestive problems, etc.)
dysmotility = impaired movement of food through the GI tract, (e.g., too fast or too slow)
epigenetics = things that affect the expression/activity of genes
exercise intolerance = an inability to exercise normally for your age (e.g., fatigue, shortness of breath, cramping, etc.); in HSD, it is usually a form of dysautonomia
extracellular matrix = the proteins and other molecules that surround and support the cells of the body
fascia = the thin sheaths of fibrous tissue that enclose muscles and organs
functional seizures = seizure-like activity not caused by abnormal brain activity
genitourinary = genital and urinary organs
gut dysbiosis = imbalance of the composition and function of the gut microorganisms that help us digest food
gut-brain axis = the two-way communication channel of nerves connecting the brain and digestive system, which includes the vagus nerve
high-velocity chiropractic adjustments = quick thrusts to move bones back into place, which can damage the weak connective tissues of those with HSD
hyperextended = being beyond the normal range of motion
hypermobile = mobility beyond the normal range of motion
hypomobile = mobility less than the normal range of motion
lax/laxity = loose/looseness (e.g., too long, weak, or stretched)
leaky gut = an excessively permeable lining of the small intestine, allowing overly large molecules to enter the bloodstream (often triggering an immune response)
MCAS = chronic abnormal activation of immune mast cells, triggered by stressors and resulting in a variety of “allergy” like symptoms as well as dysautonomia
neurodivergence = unusual neurological functioning, such as with autism, attention deficit, or bipolar disorders
ocular vitreous = the gel-like fluid that maintains eye shape and clarity
paradoxical reaction = when the result of a medical treatment is the opposite of what was expected
POTS = when your heart rate increases excessively upon standing up or sitting up, often resulting in lightheadedness
prolapse = the displacement of an organ from the usual position, usually downward (i.e., sagging)
proprioception = the sensory perception of the movement and position of parts of the body (i.e., your sense of 'self' in space), which can be as large as a limb in action or as small as a nerve impulse
ptosis = drooping of the upper eyelid
reactive hypoglycemia = low blood sugar after eating (such as in dumping syndrome)
subluxation = when the bones of a joint are out of place but still touching, causing pain and swelling but still allowing movement with only a reduced range of motion (may be able to be moved back into place with chiropractic- or self-adjustment)
tachycardia = abnormally fast heartrate (>100 bpm)
vagus nerve = a cranial nerve that connects the brain to the heart, lungs, upper GI tract, and other organs in the chest and abdomen
vasovagal syncope = fainting due to a sudden loss of blood pressure or heartrate
visceroptosis = drooping of an organ (like the uterus)