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Spinal Canal Stenosis

cmaynard — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 08:18:29 -0700

Definition

Formed by an opening at the back of each vertebra, the spinal canal is the passageway through which the spinal cord passes. Spinal stenosis can occur in three locations in the spinal canal: in the middle of the canal, in the lateral recess (where the nerve roots run in the spinal canal), or in the neuroforamen (where the nerve exits the spine).

Swedish Massage

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:53:55 -0800

Definition

Swedish Massage is a manual therapy that emphasizes long strokes, kneading and friction motions to encourage proper circulation. The technique involves rubbing muscles together in the same direction as the flow of blood to the heart. Swedish massage works to improve circulation, relieve muscle tension, stretch tight ligaments and reduce emotional stress. Currently, many massage chairs are designed to mimic the movement of Swedish massage.

Synonyms and relevant terms

Stress Management

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:53:54 -0800

Definition

Stabilization Training

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:53:54 -0800

Definition

Sports Medicine

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:53:54 -0800

Definition

Spondylolisthesis

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

Definition

Spondylosis

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

Definition

Spondylolysis

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

Definition

Spine

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:53:52 -0800

Definition

Spondylitis

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:53:52 -0800

Definition

Spondylitis is a disease in which inflammation of the vertebrae leads to partial or total fusion of the joints and bones of the spine. The condition begins with inflammation at a point of attachment for ligaments in the spine. As the inflammation heals, the process of new bone growth is set off and bone replaces the connective tissue. The fusion can spread throughout the column of vertebrae merging the segments. Spondylitis typically occurs at the sacroiliac joint of the pelvis as well as the neck and lower back.

Spinous Process

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:53:52 -0800

Definition

Spinal Tap

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:53:51 -0800

Definition

Spinal Tumor

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:53:51 -0800

Definition

Spinal Cord

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:53:50 -0800

Definition

Spinal Stenosis

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:53:50 -0800

Definition

Spinal stenosis is a condition in which the spinal cord or spinal nerve roots are compressed or choked. Spinal stenosis is related to degeneration in the spine and often results when a bone spur or herniated disc compresses the nerve roots exiting the vertebral canal. Sciatica is the most common symptom of spinal stenosis. Sciatica is pain, tingling, weakness or numbness that radiates into the rear and legs.

Spinal Fusion

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:53:50 -0800

Definition

Spinal Canal

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:53:49 -0800

Definition

Spina Bifida

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:53:49 -0800

Definition

Spinal Cord Stimulation

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:53:49 -0800

Definition

Spinal cord stimulation is an aggressive pain management technique that involves the surgical implantation of an electrotherapeutic device onto the spinal cord. In the procedure, a device is implanted that introduces low levels of electrical current to the dorsal portion of the spinal cord to block the sensation of pain. Spinal cord stimulators may be a fully implanted system or a system with an external power source.

Slipped Disc

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:53:48 -0800

Definition

See Herniated Disc

Synonyms and relevant terms

Short Leg Syndrome

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:53:48 -0800

Definition

Short Leg Syndrome refers to a discrepancy in leg lengths resulting in chronic leg and back pain. Different leg lengths tend to tilt the pelvis down on one side placing abnormal stress on the muscles and spine. There are two types of short leg syndrome: anatomical and functional. Anatomical short leg is when one leg is longer and can be corrected with a heel lift in the shoe of the short leg.

Somatosensory Evoked Potential (SSEP)

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:53:48 -0800

Definition

Somatosensory Evoked Potential (SSEP) is a noninvasive diagnostic test to assess the speed of electrical conduction across the spinal cord. The technique involves applying electrical stimulus at specific nerves in the arms and legs and measuring the impulses generated by the stimulus at various points in the body. If the spinal cord is pinched, the electrical signals will travel slower than usual. SSEP may also be used to monitor spinal cord function during surgical procedures, particularly for cervical or thoracic spine surgery.

Shingles

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:53:47 -0800

Definition

Shiatsu Massage

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:53:47 -0800

Definition

Shiatsu Massage is an alternative technique that involves manual pressure applied to specific points on the body in an attempt to relieve tension and pain. According to the Japanese healing treatment, Shiatsu (meaning finger pressure) massage uses thumbs, fingers, elbows and knees to concentrate pressure at certain energy pathways in the body called meridians. The massage also known as acupressure works to reduce muscle tension and fatigue and is thought to improve blood circulation in the body as well as improve function of the lymphatic system.

Sequestrated Disc

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:53:47 -0800

Definition

Sequestrated disc is a condition in which a portion of the vertebral disc fragments and migrates into the spinal canal. The condition results when the nucleus pulposus of a herniated disc extrudes through the annular fibers and a piece of the nucleus breaks free. The disc fragment can compress the spinal nerve root, causing pain and symptoms similar to herniated discs. Pain from a sequestrated disc can be treated conservatively or with spinal fusion surgery.

Sciatic Nerve

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:53:46 -0800

Definition

Scoliosis

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:53:46 -0800

Definition

Scoliosis is a condition involving an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine. It can be caused by congenital, developmental or degenerative problems, but most cases of scoliosis actually have no known cause called idiopathic scoliosis. Scoliosis usually develops in the thoracic spine or the thoracolumbar area of the spine. The curvature of the back may develop as a single curve (shaped like the letter C) or as two curves (shaped like the letter S).

Sciatica

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:53:46 -0800

Definition

Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve and is typically felt in the buttocks, down the back of the leg and possibly to the foot. Sciatica is typically caused by common conditions including a herniated disc, degenerative disc disease and lumbar spinal stenosis. Sciatica is a descriptive term rather than a diagnosis.

Scar Tissue

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:53:45 -0800

Definition

See Peridural fibrosis

Synonyms and relevant terms

Epidural fibrosis
Extradural fibrosis
Fibrosis
Adhesive arachnoiditis

Scheuermann’s Disease

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:53:45 -0800

Definition

Scheuermann’s Disease is a growth condition in which the normal curve in the upper spine is increased, forming a hunched back. The disease also called Scheuermann’s Kyphosis typically occurs in the thoracic spine when the front does not grow as fast as the back of the spine, so that the vertebrae become wedge-shaped. Most people with Scheuermann’s disease do not experience pain unless the roundback deformity is severe.

Sacrum

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:53:44 -0800

Definition

Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:53:44 -0800

Definition

Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction is a condition in which pain is caused by the sacroiliac joint that connects the sacrum and the pelvis. Sacroiliac joint pain is believed to be caused by either too much movement (hypermobility) or too little movement (hypomobility) at the joint. The condition is difficult to diagnose, since sacroiliac joint pain mimics low back and leg pain caused by lumbar disc herniation.