Magnetic Resonance
Imaging (MRI) Scan

A highly technical scanner that uses magnetic fields and
computer technology to generate images of the internal
anatomy of the body including discs and nerve roots. A
painless procedure, although like CT scans, people with
claustrophobia may find it difficult. Most scanners
have a panic button and radiologists will talk through
the process. A contrast medium (gadolinium) can be
used intravenously to gain clarity of image, especially
with those who have already undergone back surgery .

Medial

Inter towards the mid line.

Myelography

A water soluble, radio opaque dye is injected into the cerebra spinal fluid. This allows nerve tissue to be viewed on x-ray and enables a doctor to trace any nerve entrapment. An invasive procedure that many people report to be unpleasant.

Nerve root

The start of the nerve as it leaves the spinal chord or
cauda equina and passes through the left and right
foramen to serve an area of the body.

Neural Arch

The posterior part of the vertebral canal composed of
the pedicles at the sides and the laminar behind.

Neurogenic Claudication

A clinical condition when a patient has pain in the leg whilst walking due to spinal stenosis.

Nucleus Pulposus

The core of the intervertebral disc. It has a high fluid content in early years which dries out with age.

Osteoarthritis

The degenerative change of a joint, which makes it less able to withstand stresses and strains, causing pain and change to the shape of the joint.

Osteophytes

Osteoporosis

A disease of bone characterised by the decrease of calcium content. This makes the bone more liable to fracture and collapse causing spinal pain. More common in women after the menopause but it can be found in people who have had eating disorders and after long term steroid use.

Pain

An emotion experienced in the brain. Categorised into acute pain - less than 12 weeks duration - and chronic pain - of more than 12 weeks duration. Pain can be perceived as a warning of potential damage, but can also be present when no actual harm is being done to the body.

Paraplegic

Paralysis caused by injury or damage to the spinal cord below the neck.

Parathesia

Pins and needles or sensation of numbness.

Pars Interarticularis

A fibrous defect in the neural arch where there is loss of bony continuity of the arch.

Pedicles

The bony struts which project backwards from the vertebral bodies to join the laminae. They form the lateral part of the vertebral canal.

Peridural Fibrosis

Scar tissue formation around the dura. This can be as a result of natural degenerative processes or of invasive treatment such as surgery

Posterior Longitudinal

The long ligament which links the vertebral bodies together behind each vertebra.

Protrusion

A term applied to a bulging disc when the annulus is intact but bulging forward.

Radiculogram

A spinal x-ray where radio-opaque dye is injected into the dural sac. It outlines the extent of the dural sac. It is used to describe imaging of the nerve roots of the carda equinus.

Root Entrapment
Syndrome

A clinical condition causing severe root pain. The pain is in the leg usually down to the ankle or foot. It is caused by degenerative change in the root canal.

An imprecise term for low back pain.