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Lateral Stenosis

cmaynard — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 12:20:14 -0700

Definition

Lateral stenosis occurs in the spinal canal (the space in vertebrae through which the spinal cord passes), specifically in the region in the lateral portion of the spinal canal (the lateral recess). Lateral stenosis usually occurs when the spinal nerve is pinched by a herniated disc or the superior facet joint. Lateral stenosis is the most common type of spinal stenosis.

Lumbar Stenosis

cmaynard — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 11:56:08 -0700

Definition

Lumbar stenosis occurs when the spinal nerve roots in the lower back are compressed or "choked" as a result of degenerative changes that are common in aging. Symptoms of spinal stenosis of the lumbar spine (lower back) may include lower back pain, referred leg pain (sciatica), leg pain while walking (claudication) and other symptoms.

Lumbosacral

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:53:10 -0800

Definition

Of or relating to or near the small of the back and the back part of the pelvis between the hips. The lumbosacral junction consist of the L5 vertebral body articulating with the first sacral vertebral body. In the seated position the lumbosacral discs are loaded three times more than standing.

The L5-S1 disc is deep in the pelvis, and does not have much motion. It is also connected to the sacrum by a large ligament (sacral-ala ligament) which helps limit motion.

Lumbar Lordosis

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:53:09 -0800

Definition

See Lordosis.

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Lumbago

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:53:09 -0800

Definition

An older, non-medical term used to describe lower back pain or back pain in general.

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Lumbar Spine

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:53:09 -0800

Definition

The part of the spine comprised of five vertebral bodies (L1-L5) that extend from the lower thoracic spine (chest) to the sacrum (bottom of the spine). The vertebral bodies are stacked on top of each other with a disc in between each one.

Synonyms and relevant terms

Lower back

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Lordosis

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:53:08 -0800

Definition

An increased inward curving of the lumbar spine (just above the buttocks). The spine has three types of curves: lordotic, kyphotic (the outward curve of the thoracic spine at rib-level), and scoliotic (sideways curving).

A small degree of both kyphotic and lordotic curvature is normal. Too much lordotic curving is called swayback (lordosis). Too much kyphotic curving causes round shoulders or hunched shoulders (Scheuermann's disease).

Local Anesthetics

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:53:08 -0800

Definition

Drugs used for the interruption of the nerve transmission of pain sensations. Local anesthetics act at the site of application to prevent perception of pain.

When used for the treatment of chronic pain, local anesthetics may break the cycle of pain and provide some relief from chronic pain. Examples include procaine and lidocaine.

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Ligament

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:53:07 -0800

Definition

The fibrous tissue that connects bone to bone at or near a joint, providing stability for a joint and preventing or limiting a certain amount of joint motion. Ligaments can be a source of pain if they are strained or torn.

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Leg Pain

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:53:07 -0800

Definition

Characterized by aches, numbness, tingling, burning, or weakness, leg pain quite often is not caused by a problem in the leg or foot, but rather by a condition in the lower back. In fact, with many low back problems, there is actually little or no low back pain.

Ligamentum Flavum

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:53:07 -0800

Definition

One of a series of bands of elastic tissue that runs between the lamina from the axis to the sacrum, the ligamentum flavum connects the laminae and fuses with the facet joint capsules. These bands serve as a covering over the spinal canal.

Ligamentum flavum literally means “yellow ligament”, and is so known because it has a yellow coloring due to the amount of elastin (a springy type of collagen). The elastin pulls the ligament out of the canal when the spine is extended.

Laminotomy

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:53:06 -0800

Definition

A procedure in which an opening is made in a lamina to approach the intervertebral disc or neural structures.

Laminoplasty

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:53:06 -0800

Definition

A procedure in which the lamina are hinged laterally opened like a door, and secured in their new position with suture or bone to enlarge the spinal canal.

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Laminectomy

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:53:06 -0800

Definition

A procedure involving surgical removal of the bony arch of the vertebrae (lamina) which covers the nerve and allows for exploration of the disc and foramina, often used in the treatment of spinal stenosis.

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Lamina

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:53:04 -0800

Definition

The flattened or arched part of the vertebral arch, forming the roof of the spinal canal; the posterior part of the spinal ring that covers the spinal cord or nerves.

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