Sacrum

The area of the spine between the lumbar vertebrae and the coccyx, which consists of 5 fused vertebrae. The sacral nerve roots control the bladder and bowel.

Scheuermann's

Sometimes referred to as Spinal Osteochondritis. A developmental abnormality in the intervertebral discs and vertebral bodies causing them to become wedge shaped. This can cause an increase in the kyphotic curve and predispose the person to premature wear and tear. Exercise and attention to posture and lifestyle are important to prevent pain and deformity.

Scoliosis

A sideways curvature of the spine which can be caused
by a congenital deformity, or a temporary reaction
caused by muscle spasm.

Sciatica

Strictly speaking, pain along the length of the sciatic nerve, that is down the back of the thigh, through the calf and into the foot. Sometimes used more loosely to describe any leg symptoms.

Spinal Canal

The hole that runs the length of the spine containing the spinal chord, its covering and the nerves that leave it in pairs at each level of vertebrae.

Spinal Shock

The early stage of the body's response to spinal cord injury usually lasting between 3-6 weeks and during which paralysis appears complete.

Spinal Stenosis

Narrowing of the width of the canal causing pressure on the nerve held within it. This can occur in the central spinal canal and in the lateral (side) nerve root canal.

Spinous Process

The bony projection from the back of the vertebral lamina to which the muscles are attached.

Spondylo

A prefix meaning the vertebrae or the spinal column.

Spondylitis

Inflammation of any of the spinal vertebrae. This can be because of injury , infection or rheumatoid disease.

Spondylolisthesis

A condition where one vertebra slips out of alignment with another. Most common is the 4th over the 5th lumbar vertebra or the 5th over the sacrum. Causes can be congenital or due to structural defects, degenerative changes and injury . Some people have it without symptoms, but others have major pain and nerve related symptoms. Called retrolisthesis if the slippage is backwards.

Spondylolysis

A crack in the neural arch of the vertebra that can predispose to a Spondylolisthesis. This can be congenital, caused by overuse or found in people with a history of falls.

Spondylosis

A condition of the spine where the discs have narrowed
and osteophytes have formed at the junction of the disc and vertebrae. This can lead to stiffness and eventually fixation of the joints.

Straight Leg Raising (SLR)

The test lifting the straight leg as the patient lies flat on the sofa. It is described as a root tension sign. When it is limited it suggests disc protrusion.