E

Extruded Disc

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:52:49 -0800

Definition

See Herniated disc.

Synonyms and relevant terms

Herniated disc

Related information

Potential causes of back pain in children and teens

Epidural Steroid Injection

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:52:48 -0800

Definition

Epidural steroid injection is a minimally invasive procedure that delivers steroids via a needle directly into the epidural space to help reduce inflammation.

Epidural Space

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:52:47 -0800

Definition

The epidural space is the area between the dura mater (a membrane) and the vertebral wall, containing fat and small blood vessels. The space is located just outside the dural sac which surrounds the nerve roots and is filled with cerebrospinal fluid.

Epidural steroid injections are delivered to the epidural space in order to deliver analgesics to the immediate site of pain. The epidural space is vulnerable to developing epidural abscesses, infections that can impair neurological function.

Endoscope

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:52:47 -0800

Definition

An endoscope is a tube-shaped surgical instrument equipped with a light and camera lens in order to view an internal cavity of the body. The use of an endoscope during surgery allows operations to be done through several one-inch incisions to view the involved tissue and operative site with less disturbance to body.

Back surgeons may employ endoscopes when implanting minimally invasive spine fusion systems, interbody cages for spine fusion and for anterior lumbar interbody fusion.

Endorphins

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:52:46 -0800

Definition

Endorphins are natural painkillers produced by the body.

The protein molecules bind to receptors in the brain and spinal cord to stop messages of pain and create an analgesic effect. In the treatment of back pain, electrical stimulation has been shown to promote the release of endorphins. Likewise, aerobic exercise for a prolonged period of time is thought to increase the production of endorphins.

The release of endorphins probably creates the "runner’s high" that occurs during exercise.

Electromyogram

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:52:45 -0800

Definition

An electromyogram is a diagnostic test involving the placement of small needles into the muscles to assess the electrical activity of muscle and nerve function.

An EMG showing abnormal electrical muscle activity may indicate nerve degeneration (neuropathy) from nerve root compression, disc herniation, or indicate conditions, such as muscular dystrophy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig disease).