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Magnetic Therapy

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:53:11 -0800

Definition

Magnetic Therapy is a form of alternative medicine using magnetic fields to treat medical conditions. Permanent magnets are placed close to the body in order to cause bones to heal faster, relieve pain and induce other therapeutic effects. It is most commonly recommended by practitioners as a cure for joint disorders and back problems.

Critics charge that no evidence shows that magnet therapy has any real benefits, and thus relegate it to the realm of pseudo-science. It may act as a placebo in some people.

Massage Therapy

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:53:12 -0800

Definition

Massage therapy is a general term referring to several practices of manipulating soft tissue for therapeutic purposes. Massage incorporates manual touch to improve circulation, relax muscles, improve range of motion, and increase endorphin levels.

Healthcare providers are recognizing massage therapy as a legitimate aid for lower back pain.

Mechanical Pain

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:53:12 -0800

Definition

Mechanical pain is the general term that refers to any type of back pain caused by placing abnormal stress and strain on muscles of the vertebral column. Typically, mechanical pain results from bad habits, such as poor posture, poorly-designed seating and incorrect bending and lifting motions.

Medical Device Reporting

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:53:13 -0800

Definition

Medical Device Reporting is the means by which adverse events and malfunctions with medical devices are reported to the Food and Drug Administration. Under the Safe Medical Devices Act of 1990, device user facilities including hospitals and nursing homes must report known device-related deaths to the FDA and the manufacturer.

Medical Device Reporting was implemented in order to equip the FDA with the information necessary to detect and correct medical device malfunctions and ensure safety in the healthcare industry.

Microdiscectomy

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:53:13 -0800

Definition

In a microdiscectomy or a microdecompression, a small portion of the bone over the nerve root and some of the disc material from under the nerve root is removed to relieve pressure on the nerve and provide room for the nerve to heal.

A microdiscectomy is typically performed for lumbar herniated disc and is more effective in relieving symptoms of leg pain than for low back pain.

Milwaukee Brace

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:53:14 -0800

Definition

The Milwaukee brace is a plastic body jacket used in the treatment of adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis and Sheuermann's disease. The Milwaukee brace also referred to as a Cervico-Thoraco-Lumbo-Sacral-Orthosis brace is similar to braces for the lower back, but also includes a neck ring held in place by vertical bars attached to the body of the brace.

Minimally Invasive Surgery

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:53:14 -0800

Definition

Minimally invasive surgery is a surgery minimizing surgical incisions to reduce trauma to the body. This type of surgery is usually performed using thin-needles and an endoscope to visually guide the surgery.

Mobilization

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:53:15 -0800

Definition

Mobilization is a manual therapeutic technique that fosters movement in stagnant tissues and joints. Mobilization uses massage to break down scar tissue and restrictions that are typically associated with trauma to the soft tissue such as a strained muscle or pulled ligament.

MRI Scan

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

Definition

Magnetic Resonance Imaging is a diagnostic technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce a detailed image of the body’s soft tissue and bones. An MRI images the spine by using a magnet that goes around the body to excite hydrogen atoms.

Muscle

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:53:16 -0800

Definition

Muscle is the tissue of the body composed of bundles of cells that contract and relax to create movement. A complex group of muscles which include extensor, flexor and oblique muscles work together to support the spine, hold the body upright and allow the trunk of the body to move and twist.

The muscles can spasm and cause low back pain and marked limitation in motion. An extended episode of low back pain can lead to muscle weakness and eventually to disuse atrophy or muscle wasting from avoiding the use of painful muscles.

Muscle Relaxants

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:53:15 -0800

Definition

A muscle relaxant is a type of drug that causes muscle contraction to cease. Muscle relaxants act on the brain to cause an overall sedative effect on the body rather than acting directly on the muscle.

The drug works by blocking the effect of a chemical neurotransmitter at the neuromuscular junction. Muscle relaxants are typically prescribed early in a course of back pain, on a short-term basis, to relieve low back pain associated with muscle spasms.

Muscle Spasm

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:53:15 -0800

Definition

Muscle spasm is an involuntary contraction of a muscle that can cause a great deal of pain. When the facet joints of the spine become injured or inflamed, the muscles supporting the spine can spasm causing low back pain and limitation in motion.

Muscle spasm is typically treated conservatively with muscle relaxants and exercise therapy. Muscle relaxants inhibit painful contractions by sedating the muscle, while exercise stretches the muscles so they are less likely to strain, tear or spasm.

Muscle Tension

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:53:16 -0800

Definition

Muscle tension refers to the condition in which muscles of the body remain semi-contracted for an extended period. Muscle tension is typically caused by the physiological effects of stress and can lead to episodes of back pain.

Myelogram Pain

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:53:16 -0800

Definition

A myelogram is an X-ray study that involves the injection of a dye into the spinal canal to assess the nerve roots. A needle is injected into the thecal sac containing the nerve roots with radiopaque dye that will highlight the nerve areas in the X-ray image.

A myelogram is typically used to evaluate for disk pathology and degenerative changes of the spine. Although the technique has been largely replaced by the MRI, a CT scan with a myelogram may be used since it is more sensitive and can diagnose even subtle cases of nerve root pinching.

Myofascial Pain

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:53:16 -0800

Definition

Myofascial pain refers to pain caused by muscular irritation. The large upper back muscles are prone to developing myofascial pain that radiates from sensitive points, called trigger points throughout muscle tissue. Muscular irritation and upper back pain is due to muscle weakness and repetitive motions.

Myofascial Release

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:53:17 -0800

Definition

Myofascial release is a manipulative treatment that attempts to release tension in the fascia due to trauma, posture or inflammation. Connective tissues called fascia surround the muscles, bones, nerves and organs of the body. Points of restriction in the fascia can place a great deal of pressure on nerves and muscles causing chronic pain.

Practitioners of myofascial release employ long stretching strokes meant to balance tissue and muscle mechanics and improve joint range of motion in order to relieve pain.