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K
Kinesiology:  The study of muscles and their relation to movement and pain relief.
KinesioTaping (KT Tape): a revolutionary solution for treating and preventing common injuries, even sports injuries such as ITBS, shin splints, plantar fasciitis, knee pain and more. Ultra-light, elastic, and strong, KT Tape is highly effective at providing pain relief, stability & support, & faster recovery for injured or sore muscles and joints-without sacrificing comfort or freedom of movement. 
Kyphosis:  Normal curve of the thoracic spine.  Also describes an excess curvature of the  thoracic spine called a "dowager's hump." This is a  common occurrence in people with osteoporosis.
Kyphotic: From the side, the backward curve of the spine seen in the thoracic spine.

L
Laminectomy:  A surgical procedure that removes a portion of the plate that serves as the back of the spinal canal. This decompression procedure is performed for treatment of herniated intervertebral discs and spinal stenosis.
Leptin: A hormone produced by the small intestine that signals the brain to stop eating.  People who are overweight will often have a diminished leptin response in the brain.
Ligament:  Strong, dense bands made of connective tissue that stabilize a joint, connecting bone to bone across the joint.
Lipoprotein: Compounds of protein that carry fats and fat-like  substances, such as cholesterol, in the blood.
Local anesthetics:  Drugs that block nerve conduction in the region where it is applied.
Lordosis:  The curve in the cervical and lumbar spine.  An abnormal accentuated arch in the lower back swayback.
Low back pain:  Pain at the base of the spine that can be caused by several factors.
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): A form of cholesterol that  circulates in the blood. Commonly called "bad" cholesterol.  High LDL increases the risk of heart disease. An LDL less than 100 mg/dl  is considered optimal,100-129 mg/dl is considered near or above optimal, 130-159 mg/dl is considered borderline high, 160-189 mg/dl is considered high, and 190 mg/dl or greater is considered very high.
Lumbalgia:  A general term meaning low back pain (See Low Back Pain).
Lumbar:  The lower five weight bearing vertebrae that are located between the thoracic vertebrae and the sacrum.
M
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI):  Magnetic radio frequency energy used to see internal structures of the body, including bone, discs, and nerves without the use of x-rays.  Overall, the most useful technique in the investigation of spinal abnormalities.
Manipulation:  Manual movement of the spinal bones or joints to restore normal function.
Massage Therapy:  A general term to describe various bodywork techniques.
Maximum heart rate: A person's maximum heart rate is based on their age.  An estimate of a person's maximum age-related heart rate can be obtained by subtracting the person's age from 220.  For example, for a 50-year-old person, the estimated maximum heart rate would be calculated as: 220 - 50 = 170 beats per minute.  The maximum heart rate is important for measuring whether exercise is classified as moderate-intensity (50% - 70% of maximum) or vigorous-intensity (70% - 85% of maximum).
Meditation:  A general term for numerous practices where one focuses awareness on one thing such as breath or a short phrase in order to quiet the mind.
Metabolism: All of the processes that occur in the body that  turn the food you eat into energy your body can use.
Moderate-intensity physical activity: To be classified as moderate-intensity, physical activity generally requires sustained, rhythmic movements of an intense enough level to elevate heart rate to 50% - 70% of maximum heart rate.  A person should feel some exertion but should be able to carry on a conversation comfortably during the activity.
Monounsaturated fat: Fats that are in foods are combinations  of monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, and saturated fatty acids. Monounsaturated  fat is found in canola oil, olives and olive oil, nuts, seeds, and avocados.  Eating food that has more monounsaturated fat instead of saturated fat  may help lower cholesterol and reduce heart disease risk. However, it  has the same number of calories as other types of fat, and may still contribute  to weight gain if eaten in excess.
Muscle Tension:  A state where the muscles are in a general state of contraction.
Muscle Spasm:  A sudden violent involuntary contraction of a muscle or a group of muscles. A muscle spasm is attended by pain and interference with function, producing involuntary movement and distortion.
Muscles: Soft tissues that provide strength and assist with motor ability, or movement. Spinal muscles support your spine as it bends and flexes.
Myofascial Pain:  Referred pain caused by trigger points, or hard nodules in muscle tissue.
Myofascial Release:  Releasing the fascia (the sheath around a muscle) by gentle movements.

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