Here is a comprehensive list of terms related to back pain, each with a mini-definition:
- Acupuncture : Alternative medicine technique using needles to stimulate specific points on the body.
- Pain relievers : Drugs used to relieve pain.
- Anesthesia : Use of drugs to block the sensation of pain during medical procedures.
- Analgesics : Another term for analgesics, used to relieve pain.
- Antidepressants : Drugs often used to treat chronic back pain.
- Anti-inflammatories : Drugs that reduce inflammation and pain.
- spinous process : Small bony protuberance at the back of each vertebra.
- Arthrodesis : Surgical fusion of two or more vertebrae to stabilize the spine.
- Arthrose : Wear of the cartilage between joints, often in the spine.
- Atlas : First cervical vertebra that supports the head.
- Axialgia : Pain along the central axis of the body, often in the back.
- Biofeedback : Stress management technique to help control pain.
- Bulging Disk : Swelling of an intervertebral disc, less severe than a herniated disc.
- Cauda Equina : Bundle of nerves located at the base of the spinal cord.
- cervicalgia : Pain in the cervical region or neck.
- chiropractic : Manual treatment focused on the alignment of the spine.
- Coccyx : The last segment of the spine, commonly called the tail bone.
- Lumbar Corset : Support device for the lower back.
- Corticosteroids : Anti-inflammatory drugs often injected to relieve back pain.
- Kyphosis : Excessive backward curvature of the spine, often in the thoracic region.
- Spinal Decompression : Technique to relieve pressure on the intervertebral discs.
- Discectomy : Surgery to remove a damaged intervertebral disc.
- Intervertebral Disc : Cartilaginous cushion between the vertebrae.
- back pain : Pain in the dorsal region or the middle of the back.
- Electrotherapy : Use of electric currents to treat pain.
- Epidural : Injection of drugs into the epidural space of the spine.
- Thorn in Lenoir : Abnormal bone growth on the heel, often associated with back problems.
- occupational therapy : Therapy focused on improving function and mobility.
- Kegel Exercises : Exercises to strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor, often recommended for back problems.
- Facet Articular : Small joint between the vertebrae that allows movement of the spine.
- Fasciitis : Inflammation of the fascia, the connective tissue that surrounds the muscles.
- Fibromyalgia : Disorder characterized by generalized muscle pain, often associated with back pain.
- Foraminotomy : Surgical enlargement of the opening in a vertebra where a spinal nerve exits.
- Herniated disc : Protrusion of an intervertebral disc which can press on the nerves.
- Hydrotherapy : Use of water to treat various conditions, including back pain.
- Hyperlordosis : Excessive forward curvature of the spine.
- Hypertrophy : Increase in the size of a tissue or organ, such as an intervertebral disc.
- Infiltration : Injection of drugs directly into a specific area to relieve pain.
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) : Medical imaging technique to visualize the internal structures of the back.
- Sciatica : Pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve, often caused by a herniated disc.
- Kinesitherapy : Physical therapy to improve mobility and function.
- Laminectomy : Removal of the back part of a vertebra to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.
- Ligament : Band of connective tissue that connects bones together.
- Low back pain : Pain in the lumbar region or lower back.
- Lumbosciatica : Pain that begins in the lower back and radiates down the leg, often caused by a herniated disc.
- Lordous : Forward curvature of the spine, often in the lumbar region.
- Lumbago : Sudden and intense pain in the lower back.
- Spinal Manipulation : Manual technique to adjust the alignment of the spine.
- Massotherapy : Using massage to relieve muscle tension and pain.
- Microdiscectomy : Surgical removal of a small portion of a damaged intervertebral disc.
- Spinal cord : Central nerve channel that passes through the spine.
- Myelography : Medical imaging examination to study the spinal cord and nerves.
- Myofascial : Relating to muscle and fascia, the connective tissue that surrounds it.
- Neuralgia : Severe pain along a nerve, often in the back.
- Sciatic nerve : Large nerve that runs from the spine to the leg.
- Neurosurgery : Surgery of the nervous system, including the spine.
- Shock Waves : Treatment using sound waves to stimulate tissue healing.
- Orthopedics : Branch of medicine dealing with musculoskeletal disorders.
- Osteopathy : Care approach centered on the manipulation of the musculoskeletal system.
- osteoporosis : Weakening of the bones which can affect the spine.
- Paralysis : Loss of ability to move, often due to spinal problems.
- Paraplegia : Paralysis of the legs and lower body, often caused by spinal cord injury.
- Epidural : Injection of drugs into the space around the spinal cord to relieve pain.
- Physiotherapy : Set of rehabilitation techniques to improve movement and function.
- Pilates : System of exercises designed to improve physical strength and flexibility.
- Platyspondyly : Flattening of the vertebrae, often due to osteoporosis.
- Disc prosthesis : Surgical implant used to replace a damaged intervertebral disc.
- spinal pain : General term for pain in the spine.
- Cervical spine : Upper part of the spine, located in the neck.
- Dorsal spine : Middle part of the spine, also called the thoracic spine.
- Lumbar spine : Lower part of the spine, located in the lower back.
- Radio frequency : Using electrical currents to heat a nerve and reduce pain.
- X-ray : Image of internal body structures, often used to diagnose back problems.
- Global Postural Re-education (RPG) : Physiotherapy method focused on improving posture.
- Reflexology : Foot or hand massage technique to relieve tension in other parts of the body.
- Sacroiliac : Articulation between the sacrum and the iliac bone of the pelvis.
- Sacrum : Triangular bone at the base of the spine.
- Scoliosis : Lateral deformation of the spine.
- Sedentary lifestyle : Lack of physical activity, often associated with back problems.
- Spondylitis : Inflammation of the vertebral joints.
- Spondylolisthesis : Slippage of one vertebra on another, often in the lumbar region.
- Spinal Stenosis : Narrowing of the spinal canal which can compress the spinal cord or nerves.
- TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) : Use of electric currents to relieve pain.
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) : A psychological approach to managing chronic pain.
- Ultrasound Therapy : Using sound waves to treat pain and promote healing.
- Computed tomography (CT) : A type of X-ray that creates cross-sectional images of the body.
- Traction : Technique to stretch the spine and relieve pressure on the discs.
- Trigger Points : Tender points in the muscles that can cause pain.
- Vertebrate : Individual bone that makes up the spine.
- Vertebroplasty : Injection of medical cement into a fractured vertebra to stabilize it.
- Yoga : Physical and mental practice that can help improve posture and relieve back pain.
- Zygapophyseal : Relating to the joints between the spinous processes of the vertebrae.