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BACK GLOSSARY
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N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Gym Training
A physical conditioning program prescribed by the physician for purposes of general strengthening and fitness.
Herniated Disc
A general term used to describe a condition in which the nucleus pulposus escapes from the annular tears and enters the intervertebral foramina. A variety of clinical symptoms can be produced depending upon the size and the location of the herniation. Pain may result from direct physical pressure or chemical irritation.
Home Exercise Program
A specific spine exercise program given to patients either by their physicians, therapists or trainers, depending upon the patient's specific back condition and ability.
I + O
Intake and Output. Measurement of the amount of fluid a patient takes in and how much urine is put
IV
Intravenous. A method by which a patient is fed through the vein to maintain nutrition and hydration status.
Incentive Spirometer
An instrument that measures the volume of inhaled air, usually used after surgery, to provide adequate lung expansion and oxygenation to all sections of the lungs.
Inflammation
The protective response of body tissue to irritation or injury.
Informed Consent
Permission obtained from a patient to perform a specific test or procedure. Informed Consent is required before performing most invasive procedures and before admitting a patient to a research study. The document must be written in the language understood by the patient and at least one witness. Included in the document are clear, rational statements that describe the procedure or test, the risk to the patient, the expected benefits to the patient, the natural anticipated consequences of not allowing the test or procedure, and the alternative procedures or diagnostic aids that are available. Also required is a statement that care will not be withheld if the patient does not consent; Informed Consent is voluntary. By law, Informed Consent must be obtained more than a given number of hours or days before certain procedures are performed and must always be obtained when the patient is fully competent. The physician is responsible for giving the patient this information.
Instability
A condition in the spine which results in motion occurring between two or more vertebrae, usually the result of degenerative disease. Flexion and Extension X-rays are often helpful in making this diagnosis.
Internal Disc Disruption
A disorder in which chemical irritants released from the disc are thought to contribute to a change in the metabolism of the disc. A discogram is the only test which can be used to distinguish this problem from other abnormal back conditions. All other tests and studies are usually normal. Internal disc disruption never spontaneously subsides, distinct from degenerative disc disease which has x-ray changes over the years and can spontaneously resolve.
Internist
A physician member of the Spine Team who coordinates management of health problems a patient might have, such as diabetes, osteoporosis, high blood pressure, pain control, etc., with the patient's spine care. He/she makes recommendations regarding a surgical or nonsurgical approach based on the patient's overall physical exam and test results from a multi-disciplinary evaluation.
Invasive Procedure
Characterized by a tendency to spread, infiltrate, and intrude, such as a procedure done with a needle, e.g., epidural block, discogram, and EMG.
Isokinetic Exercise
Any action or skill maneuver which exerts the muscles and is performed repeatedly in order to develop or strengthen the body or any of its parts. A form of active exercise that increases muscle tension by applying pressure against stable resistance. This may be accomplished by opposing different muscles in the same individual as when a patient performs a partial sit-up and holds this position. There is no joint movement and the length of the muscle remains unchanged, but the muscle strength and tone are maintained or improved.
Isotonic Exercise
A form of active exercise in which the muscle contracts and causes movement. Throughout the exercise, there is no significant change in the resistance so that the force of contraction remains constant. Such exercise greatly improves joint mobility and helps to improve muscle strength and tone.
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