Always ask your nurse or doctor to explain any term you do not understand.  A list of common spinal terms include:

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.  See our cervical vertebrae page.

coccyx:  Also called the tailbone.   The four fused vertebrae at the base of the spine.  See our spine anatomy page.

computed tomography (CT-scan):  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.  See our disc problems page.

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.

fluoroscopy:  X-ray visualization of the discs and spine.  See our services section.

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.

intevertebral:  "between the vertebrae" (such as the discs).

kyphosis: Scheuermann's kyphosis, also called "hunchback" condition, abnormal curvature of the thoracic spine.  See our related article.

laminectomy:  complete removal of the lamina, relieving pressure on the nerves (in spinal stenosis).

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

lumbar:  Low back.  Includes L1-L5.  See our spine anatomy page.

magnetic resonance imaging (MRI):  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.  See our spine anatomy page.

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.  See our spine anatomy page.

sciatica:  Pronounced "si-atic".  Pain, weakness, numbness or tingling in the leg.  Caused by injury to or compression of the sciatic nerve.  See our article on sciatica.

scoliosis:  Abnormal curvature of the spine.  Can be a result of bone deformity or unequal muscle contraction.  See our articles on scoliosis in the Health Education section.

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.  See our article on spinal stenosis.

spondylolisthesis:  "Slippage" or forward movement of one of the lower lumbar vertebrae.  See our article on spondylolisthesis.

thoracic spine:  Middle region of the spine.  T1-T12.  The ribs are attached to the thoracic spine.  See our spine anatomy page.