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Osteopathy

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:53:27 -0800

Definition

Osteopathy is a field of medicine that emphasizes normal body mechanics and manipulation to correct faulty body structures, particularly the nerves, muscles, bones and joints. Osteopathic medicine is one of the two health fields nationally recognized as complete schools of medicine.

Osteoporosis

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:53:27 -0800

Definition

Osteoporosis is a skeletal disorder characterized by abnormal bone loss, causing increased susceptibility to fracture.

There are two types of osteoporosis: Type I osteoporosis and Type II osteoporosis. Type I leads to an accelerated rate of resorption of bone (bone loses substance) and generally develops in women after menopause due to a decrease in estrogen. Type II involves the thinning of both the inner spongy bone and outer cortical bone causing hip and vertebral body fractures.

Osteophytes

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:53:27 -0800

Definition

Osteophytes is a term referring to bone spurs, smooth structures that form on the spine over a long period of time. Bone spurs are physical indications that there is degeneration in the spine and become common with age.

As disc material degenerates, ligaments at the facet joint loosen and gradually thicken in order to continue to hold vertebrae together. These ligaments tend to calcify resulting in bone spurs.

Ossification

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:53:26 -0800

Definition

Ossification is the process in which cartilage is transformed into bone. Bone grows in three stages: first, tissue forms a mesh of collagen fibers, then the body creates a polysaccharide that acts like cement to hold the tissues together. Finally, calcium crystals salts are deposited to form bone.

The bone marrow contains osteoprogenitor cells that help in the formation and growth of new bone. Likewise, bone morphogenic proteins further stimulate new bone formation.

Osteoarthritis

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:53:26 -0800

Definition

See Degenerative Arthritis.

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Orthopedics

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:53:25 -0800

Definition

Orthopedics is the field of medicine concerned with the study and treatment of the musculosketetal system, particularly the spine, joints and muscles. Orthopedics mainly deals with correction of disorders and deformities related to the musculosketal system; hence, orthopedics is central to the treatment of back pain.

Orthopedic Implants

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:53:24 -0800

Definition

An orthopedic implant is a device surgically placed into the body designed to restore function by replacing or reinforcing a damaged structure. For the treatment of back pain, orthopedic implants such as bone plates and bone screws are used in spinal fusion surgery and fixation of fractured bone segments, as well as implant components used for hip and joint replacement.

The material used in orthopedic implants must be biocompatible to avoid rejection by the body.

Orthopedic Surgeon

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:53:24 -0800

Definition

An orthopedic surgeon is either a Medical Doctor or Doctor of Osteopathy who has completed a five-year residency focused on the surgical treatment of musculoskeletal conditions.

An orthopedic surgeon is trained in the diagnosis and treatment of spinal disorders, arthritis, sports injuries, trauma, and fractures. An orthopedic surgeon may complete additional training with a Spine Fellowship and specialize in spine surgery.

Occupational Therapist

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:53:23 -0800

Definition

An occupational therapist is a health professional trained to assess and implement rehabilitation to help optimize functional activities for patients with disabling injuries.

For back pain, treatment focuses on using proper body mechanics which include using larger joints in movement, conserving energy by balancing work and rest and listening to pain signals to avoid overexertion. An occupational therapist will examine overall activities of the patient at home, work and during recreation.

Opiate

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:53:23 -0800

Definition

See Narcotic

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