N

Narcotic

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:53:18 -0800

Definition

A narcotic is a potent analgesic drug used to treat severe episodes of pain. Narcotics also known as opioids are derived from the opium poppy plant and produce the effect of dulling the senses and sometimes inducing sleep.

Narcotic medications are highly effective in treating back pain for less than two weeks to treat post-operative pain or severe acute episodes of low back pain. After the initial two weeks, the body rapidly builds a natural tolerance to narcotic medications and they lose their effectiveness.

Nerve

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:53:19 -0800

Definition

A nerve is a cordlike structure composed of fibers that conduct sensory and motor impulses between the brain and spinal cord and other areas of the body. Nerve fibers can convey sensory signals to the brain from the skin or organs (afferent nerves) or conduct stimulatory signals from the brain to the muscles (efferent nerves).

Nerve Block

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:53:18 -0800

Definition

Nerve block is a pain management technique involving the injection of an anesthetic into the area surrounding an affected nerve. The technique is used to treat nueropathic pain by interrupting pain signals to the brain. An injection of steroids, local anesthetics, or opoids can effectively produce short-term back pain relief.

Nerve Compression

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:53:18 -0800

Definition

Nerve compression is a condition in which pressure is placed on the nerve causing pain, muscle weakness and potentially, nerve damage. A nerve can become compressed as it passes between tight regions of muscles and tissue or more commonly from spine conditions such as a herniated disc, spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis, or arthritis in the spine.

Nerve Root

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:53:18 -0800

Definition

Nerve root is the portion of the nerve that runs through the bony canal and exits at each vertebral segment of the spinal cord. The spinal cord can be divided into segments according to the nerve roots that branch off of it. Nerve roots along the cord consists of 8 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 sacral, and 1 coccygeal nerves.

Neural Arch

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:53:19 -0800

Definition

The neural arch is the bony structure that arises from the back of the vertebral body and encloses the spinal cord. The vertebral arch is comprised of two pedicles, the short stout processes that extend from the sides of the vertebral body and two laminae, the broad flat plates that project from the pedicles and join in a triangle to form a hollow archway (the foramen).

Neurologist

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:53:20 -0800

Definition

A neurologist specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders of the nervous system, including diseases of the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles (such as strokes, epilepsy, headaches, Alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's, and various forms of pain).

A neurologist may serve as a consultant to other physicians as well as provide long-term care to patients with chronic neurological disorders.

Related information

Specialty Care Physicians
read more

Neurosurgeon

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:53:20 -0800

Definition

A neurosurgeon is a Medical Doctor or Doctor of Osteopathy who has completed a five or six-year residency that focuses on the surgical treatment of patients with neurological conditions.

A neurosurgeon is trained in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the brain, spine, spinal cord, nerves, intracranial and intraspinal vasculature. A neurosurgeon may complete additional training with a Spine Fellowship and specialize in spine surgery.

Neurosurgery

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:53:20 -0800

Definition

Neurosurgery is the surgical specialization that treats diseases and disorders of the brain and spinal cord. Back pain can sometimes produce neurological symptoms such as numbness, muscle weakness and loss of bowel and bladder control due to dysfunction at the nerve root.

These symptoms are indicators that neurosurgery is required to treat the underlying cause of back pain as opposed to conservative treatments. Procedures to treat back pain under the realm of neurosurgery include discectomy, laminectomy and spinal fusion surgery.

Non-invasive Procedure

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:53:21 -0800

Definition

A non-invasive procedure is a conservative treatment that does not require incision into the body or the removal of tissue. For the treatment of back pain, a combination of non-invasive procedures such as chiropractic manipulation, physical therapy and heat therapy are typically prescribed for several weeks.

Noninvasive procedures are essential to pain management serving as an alternative to invasive surgery.

Non-steroidal Anti-inflammataory Drugs (NSAIDs)

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:53:22 -0800

Definition

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is a class of analgesic medication that reduces pain, fever and inflammation. Since most episodes of back pain involve inflammation, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and naproxen are often an effective treatment option.

NSAIDs are cleared from the blood stream by the kidney; thus, precautions should be taken to avoid kidney damage and disease when NSAIDs are taken over an extended period. Side effects of NSAIDs include stomach ulcers and kidney and platelet dysfunction.

Non-Union

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:53:21 -0800

Definition

A non-union refers to a failed spinal fusion (pseudoarthrosis) in which the segments of vertebral bone do not merge over the disc space. Spinal fusion can take up to two years for union to take place consummately and the rate of improvement depends on the health of the bones, recovery of nerve compression and conditioning of spinal muscles.

Nucleus Pulposus

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:53:22 -0800

Definition

Nucleus pulposus is the inner core of the vertebral disc. The core is composed of a jelly-like material that consists of mainly water, as well as a loose network of collagen fibers.