Glossary of Spine Terms

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.
coccyx: Also called the tailbone. The four fused vertebrae at the base of the spine.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
thoracic spine: Middle region of the spine. T1-T12. The ribs are attached to the thoracic spine.