Back pain is a problem that can affect people of all ages and ways of life. This post has compiled a list of 40 terms connected to back pain to help you understand this subject. Whether you’re in the medical field, a patient, or just interested in this common problem, this list will give you a good base of information. Let’s get started!
First Set
- The spinal cord is a group of nerves that run down the back of the body. Also, it sends messages between the brain and the rest of the body.
- Vertebrae are the separate bones that make up the spine. It protects and supports the spinal cord.
- Herniated disc: When one of the discs between the vertebrae slips out of place and presses on nearby nerves. Thus, this will lead to pain.
- Sciatica is a disease in which pain goes from the lower back down the leg. The discomfort or the pressure on the sciatic nerve causes the pain.
- Scoliosis is an abnormal spine curve, which often looks like an “S” or “C” shape. Thus, it can cause back pain and problems with your posture.
- The lumbar region: The five vertebrae below the ribs make up the lumbar region, which is the lower back.
- Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints, like the facet joints in the spine. This inflammation makes the back stiff and painful.
- Muscle strain is when you overstretch or tear the muscles or tendons in your back. This happens when you lift enormous things or when you leap.
- Posture: How the body is aligned and placed, especially the spine, is essential for back health.
- Decompression therapy is a non-surgical way to ease pressure on the spine. Usually, gravity or motorized devices are used to do this.
Second Set
11. Lordosis is when the lumbar spine curves too far inward. This is called “swayback,” which can cause lower back pain.
12. Kyphosis is when the upper back curves too far forward, causing a stooped stance and possibly pain.
13 Osteoporosis is a disease that makes bones weak and brittle. This makes the spine more likely to break and cause much pain.
14. A facet joint is one of the small joints between each pair of neighboring vertebrae that allows the spine to move.
15. Nerve compression occurs when a nerve is pinched or irritated. Structural problems or back pain often cause irritation.
16. Disc degeneration is the normal wear and tear of the discs between the vertebrae. Therefore, you become less flexible, and that causes you pain.
17. Trigger points in the muscles cause myofascial pain syndrome, which is long-lasting muscle pain and tightness. Thus, it will cause pain in other body parts, including the back.
18. Sacroiliac joint disorder is when the joint joining the sacrum (the bottom of the spine) to the pelvis doesn’t work right or is out of place. This displacement causes pain in the lower back and hips.
19. An epidural injection is a non-surgical technique in which a health provider puts a corticosteroid or analgesic drug into the epidural area. This operation reduces inflammation and eases pain.
20. TENS, or Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation:
It is a treatment that uses low-voltage electrical currents. This procedure helps to relieve pain by firing nerves and releasing endorphins.
Third Set
21. Discogenic pain is a type of pain that originates from the spinal discs. This pain is typically the result of damage or wear and tear.
22 Radiculopathy is a disease in which spinal nerves are pinched or irritated. It causes pain, stiffness, tingling, or weakness along the nerve path.
23. A trigger point is a tight knot or area of stress in a muscle that often causes pain in its location and other body parts, such as the back.
24. Inflammation is the body’s normal reaction to an injury or infection. It causes pain, swelling, and redness in the affected area.
25 Facet syndrome is when the facet joints become swollen, causing localized back pain that may worsen when you move.
26. The intervertebral foramen is the hole between two vertebrae that allows spinal nerves to leave the spinal cord. Then it goes to different body parts.
27. The nucleus pulposus is the soft, gel-like part in the middle of an intervertebral disc that absorbs shock and cushions the vertebrae.
28. The annulus fibrosus is the rigid outer ring of an intervertebral disc that helps keep the nucleus pulposus in place and protects it.
29. Spondylolisthesis is when one vertebra slips forward or backward about the vertebrae next to it. This usually happens because of a flaw or a broken bone. Thus, it can cause back pain.
30. Disc protrusion: When the top layers of a disc stick out.
Fourth Set
31. A disc bulge happens when the top layers of an intervertebral disc become weak or broken, causing the disc to stick out. This can cause back pain.
32 Facet joint injections are when the health provider injects an anti-inflammatory drug or anesthetic straight into the facet joint. This operation relieves pain and reduces inflammation.
33 Lumbar radiculitis is an inflammation of the nerves in the lower back that sends pain down the legs or buttocks.
34 Piriformis syndrome occurs when the piriformis muscle, deep in the buttocks, pulls on or irritates the sciatic nerve, causing back and leg pain.
35 Core strength is the strength and flexibility of the belly, pelvis, and lower back muscles. It is essential for keeping a good balance and supporting the spine.
36. Traction is a therapeutic method that softly stretches and decompresses the spine. Thus, it will ease pressure on the discs and nerves.
37. Muscle imbalance: When some muscles in the body are stronger or tighter than others. Therefore, it causes an imbalance, which leads to strain and pain in the back.
38 Facet joint syndrome is when the facet joints hurt, are stiff, and don’t move as well as they should because of age or damage.
39. Chiropractic care is an alternative medicine that identifies and treats joint problems, like back pain, by manually adjusting and moving the spine.
40. Heat treatment is when someone applied heat to the back, like a heating pad or a warm shower, to relax the muscles. Thus, it will improve blood flow and relieve pain.
Ultimately,
This glossary overviews some of the most important words about back pain. Knowing these terms can help people talk to medical workers and understand medical information. Also, figure out how to deal with their back pain. Remember, if you have back pain, you must get the proper medical advice and help from trained professionals.