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BACK GLOSSARY
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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
Radicular Pain
Pain which radiates through a particular nerve distribution.
Radiologist
A physician who is specialized in radiographic medicine. This team member performs and interprets selective spinal tests such as CT scans, x-rays, discograms, myelograms, MRI's, and injections. He/she will make recommendations to the members of the Spine Team based on interpretations of these tests.
Rhizotomy
A cutting of the roots of spinal nerves within the spinal canal; done for relief of intractable pain.
SSEP
Somatosensory Evoked Potential. A non-invasive diagnostic test which assesses the levels and degree of lumbosacral nerve root involvement by stimulating specific peripheral nerves.
Sacral
Pertaining to the sacrum; the large, triangular bone at the bottom of the pelvis, inserted like a wedge between the two hip bones. It moves with the last lumbar vertebra and the coccyx
Scar Tissue
Fibrotic tissue that is vascular, pale, contracted, and occurs with healing.
Sciatic Nerve
The largest nerve in the body arising from the sacral plexus on either side, passing from the pelvis through the sciatic foramen, down the back of the thigh where it divides into the lower leg, ankle and foot.
Sequestrated Disc
Referring to a portion of the disc material that is separated or isolated from the interior portion of the nucleus pulposus.
Spinal Cord Stimulator
A spinal cord stimulator is an electrical device which is implanted surgically to apply low voltage stimulation to the spinal cord to block the feeling of pain.
Spinal Stenosis
A spinal condition in which the canal through which the nerves pass is smaller than normal, usually the result of disc degeneration. Nerves are frequently compressed as a result of the closing down of the spinal canal.
Spine Team
A group of physicians and ancillary health professionals involved in the multidisciplinary aspects of spine care.
Spondylolisthesis
The partial forward dislocation of one vertebrae over the one below it. A condition in which a fracture occurs in the pars inarticularis of the vertebrae. This often leads to a spondylolisthesis.
Stabilization Training
An exercise treatment regimen which is characterized by training the patient to find the neutral, balanced, pain-free position of the spinal segment involved. Holding the segment in its balanced, pain-free position is accomplished by the use of the abdominal, gluteal, and paraspinal musculature.
TED Hose
Stockings which patients may be required to wear following surgery to promote adequate blood circulation.
TNS Unit
Transcutaneous Nerve Stimulator. A device used to reduce painful stimuli or to stimulate bowel function.
Thoracic
Referring to or relating to the chest area.
Transverse Process
A projection of bone from the vertebrae connected by muscles and ligaments to other vertebral segments. This portion of the bone is often the area to which a bone graft is affixed for a spinal fusion.
Vascular
Of or pertaining to a blood vessel.
Vertebrae
The individual bones of the spine, the sizes and shapes of which correspond to functional needs and location. In all, there are seven cervical, twelve thoracic, and five lumbar vertebrae. The sacrum consists of five vertebrae which are fused into one bone and the number of coccygeal bones is variable.
Vertebral Segment
The basic building component of the spinal column. It is composed of two vertebrae, a disc, muscles, ligaments, nerves, nerves, intervertebral foramina and facet joints. Vertebral segments, along with the sacrum and the coccyx, link together to form the spinal column. The spinal column is divided into five parts from head to tailbone; cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal.
X-ray
Electromagnetic radiation of shorter wave length than visible light. They are produced when electrons, traveling at high speed, strike certain materials. X-rays can penetrate most substances and are used to make photographic images for diagnostic purposes, such as to diagnose degenerative disc disease.
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