Glossary of Spinal Terms

A–E

Ankylosis

Stiffening of a joint with fibrous or bony tissue buildup across the joint.

Anulus Fibrosis

Tough, fibrous outer layers of cartilage that surround the soft central nucleus pulpous of the disc.

Atlas

Topmost of the cervical (neck) vertebrae, C1.

Axis

Second cervical vertebrae, C2, upon which the head rotates.

Bone Spur

Common in the aging spine (osteoarthritis). Bone spurs push on nerves causing arm and leg pain.

Cervical Vertebrae

The seven vertebrae along the back of the neck.

Coccyx

Also called the tailbone. The four fused vertebrae at the base of the spine.

Computed Tomography (CT-scan)

An imaging procedure that takes hundreds of images inside the body. A computer linked to an x-ray machine.

Contraindication

Any symptom or fact that makes the use of a drug, device, or procedure inadvisable.

Disc Decompression

Technique to reduce pressure within the disc by reducing the volume of nuclear material inside the disc.

Disc Nucleoplasty

The molding or shaping of the disc to reduce the pressure inside the disc. Often involves reducing the volume of the tissue inside the disc.

Disc Replacement

Removal of an intervertebral disc and replacement with a synthetic disc. Often with a discectomy.

Discectomy

Removal of an intervertebral disc.

Discography/Discogram

By injecting reactive dye into the nucleus of the disc, the doctor is able to view the interior of the disc by x-ray.

F–L

Fluoroscopy

X-ray visualization of the discs and spine.

Foramen

Space between vertebrae, where nerves exit.

Hemangioma

Benign, blood-filled cyst of the vertebrae.

Indication

A medical reason (i.e., symptom, condition, etc.) for suggesting a test or procedure.

Intervertebral

“Between the vertebrae” (such as the discs).

Kyphosis

Scheuermann’s kyphosis, also called the “hunchback” condition, is an abnormal curvature of the thoracic spine.

Laminectomy

Complete removal of the lamina, relieving pressure on the nerves (in spinal stenosis).

Laminotomy

Removal of a portion of the lamina, to better access and remove a disc portion.

Lumbar

Low back. Includes L1-L5.

M–S

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

An imaging procedure that uses magnetic scans of the body. Clearest images of the spine.

Motion Segment

Two adjacent vertebrae and the disc between them. Allows for movement.

Osteoarthritis

Arthritis by erosion of cartilage. Can be caused by trauma. Soft cartilage results in pain and loss of motion. Most common in the elderly.

Osteomyelitis

An infection of the bone.

Sacrum

A section of fused vertebrae between the lumbar spine and the coccyx. Nerve roots thread through the openings of the sacrum.

Sciatica

Pronounced “si-atic”. Pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling in the leg. Caused by injury to or compression of the sciatic nerve.

Scoliosis

Abnormal curvature of the spine. Can be a result of bone deformity or unequal muscle contraction.

Spinal Fusion

Removal of a disc and fusion of the adjacent vertebrae into a single “bone”.

Spinal Stenosis

Narrowing of the holes in the vertebrae through which the nerves of the spinal cord pass. This narrowing causes pain by pinching the nerves.

Spondylolisthesis

“Slippage” or forward movement of one of the lower lumbar vertebrae.

T–Z

Thoracic Spine

The middle region of the spine. T1-T12. The ribs are attached to the thoracic spine.