|
BACK GLOSSARY
A
B C D
E F G
H I J
K L M
N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Occupational Therapist
A person who practices occupational therapy and who may be licensed, registered, certified or otherwise regulated by law to do so.
Occupational Therapy
A rehabilitative practice which encompasses the evaluation, treatment and consultation for patients who are limited by physical injury or illness. The practice utilizes activities of daily living (such as cooking and gardening) to maximize independence, prevent disability and maintain health.
Orthopedic Spine Surgeon
Orthopedist. An orthopedic physician who is specialized in the evaluation and surgical treatment of spine problems. Based on the history, physical examination and all test results, the surgeon will make recommendations as to whether or not a patient's condition can be helped by surgery.
Osteopathy
A therapeutic approach to the practice of medicine that uses all usual forms of medical therapy and diagnosis, including drugs, surgery, and radiation, which places greater emphasis on the role of the relationship of the organs and the musculoskeletal system than in conventional medicine. Osteopathic physicians recognize and correct structural problems using manipulation.
Osteoporosis
A disorder characterized by abnormal loss of bone, occurring most frequently in post-menopausal women, in sedentary or immobilized individuals, and in patients on long-term steroid therapy. The disorder may cause pain, especially in the lower back, pathologic fractures, loss of stature, and various deformities.
PCA
Patient Controlled Analgesia A system connected to the IV which allows the patient to administer pain mediation that is within the parameters prescribed by the physician. By pushing a button, medication can be released into the bloodstream for immediate pain relief.
PLIF
Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion. An infrequently used surgical procedure in which graft material is inserted into the disc space, as well as in the posterior bony spinal elements.
Pain Medication
A drug that relieves pain The narcotic analgesics act on the central nervous system and may alter the patient's pain perception; the non-narcotic analgesics, used for mild-to-moderate pain, do not alter the patient's pain perception. (e.g., aspirin, Tylenol) .
Pedicle
A particular location of the bone within the vertebral joint complex.
Peripheral
Of or pertaining to the outside, surface, or surrounding area of an organ or other structure.
Physical Therapist
A member of the Spine Team who is licensed to assist in the examination, testing, and treatment of patients with low back pain. He or she can evaluate the patient's spine, assess response from diagnostic injections, teach body mechanics and exercise, and make recommendations to the team regarding future treatment needs.
Physical Therapy
The treatment of disorders with physical agents and methods, such as body mechanics instruction, therapeutic exercises, mobilization, and manipulation.
Physiatrist
A physician who is specialized in rehabilitative medicine. He/she assists in the evaluation of the patient and performs EMG's and various injections. Based upon the physical exam and test results, he/she makes recommendations to the Spine Team regarding a non-surgical approach to the patient's treatment plan.
Posterior
The rear or back part of a structure.
Primary Physician
The physician who usually first sees a patient for the care of a given health problem such as back pain. This physician may be an internist or an orthopedist.
Pseudoarthrosis
A suspected symptomatic spinal condition with a history of fusion and signs of instability. X-rays may show motion and poor bone graft consolidation.
Psychiatrist
A physician who is trained to evaluate the physical, social and emotional dimensions of chronic spine pain. Each person's pain experience is unique. The psychiatrist's task is to comprehend this uniqueness in the context of the patient's particular stage of individual and family development through one or more individual meetings. Additionally, adjustment of medication, meeting family members or the administration of psychological tests may be recommended.
Psychological Testing
Test(s) used to determine the impact of pain on a patient's life.
|
