Common Spine Terms Every Patient Should Know
When it comes to discussing your spine health, medical terminology can often feel overwhelming. At our practice, we believe informed patients make better decisions about their care. This guide breaks down common spine terminology into clear, accessible language to help you better understand your diagnosis and treatment options.
The Basics: Spine Anatomy
Vertebrae:
Your spine is made up of 33 bones called vertebrae that stack on top of each other to form your spinal column. These vertebrae are grouped into five regions:
Cervical spine - Your neck (7 vertebrae)
Thoracic spine - Upper and mid-back (12 vertebrae)
Lumbar spine - Lower back (5 vertebrae)
Sacral spine - Lower spine that connects to the pelvis (5 fused vertebrae)
Coccyx - Tailbone (4 fused vertebrae)
Discs
Between most vertebrae are cushioning discs called intervertebral discs. Each disc has a tough outer layer (annulus fibrosus) and a gel-like center (nucleus pulposus).
Spinal Cord
The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves running from your brain down the center of your back, protected by your vertebrae. It carries signals between your brain and the rest of your body. This of this as the tree trunk.
Nerve Roots
These are the points where spinal nerves branch off the spinal cord and exit the spine. Think of these as the branches off the tree trunk. Compression of these nerves—often by a herniated disc or bone spur—can cause symptoms like pain, numbness, or weakness in the arms or legs
Common Conditions Explained
Disc Problems
Herniated disc (sometimes called a "slipped disc"): When the soft center of a disc pushes through a crack in the tougher exterior. Think of it like squeezing a jelly donut until the filling comes out.
Bulging disc: The disc extends beyond its normal boundary but hasn't ruptured. Unlike a herniation, the inner material hasn't leaked out.
Degenerative disc disease: Normal wear and tear of discs over time, causing them to thin and provide less cushioning.
Bone and Alignment Issues
Spinal stenosis: A narrowing of spaces within your spine that can put pressure on nerves. Imagine a water pipe becoming narrower, restricting flow.
Scoliosis: An abnormal sideways curvature of the spine, often resembling an "S" or "C" shape when viewed from behind.
Spondylolisthesis: When one vertebra slips forward over the one below it, potentially compressing nerve roots.
Compression fracture: A break in a vertebra, often due to osteoporosis, causing the bone to collapse in height.
Understanding Pain Sources
Radiculopathy: Irritation of a nerve root as it exits the spine, causing pain that radiates along the nerve path. "Sciatica" is a form of radiculopathy affecting the sciatic nerve.
Myelopathy: Compression of the spinal cord itself, potentially causing problems with coordination, balance, and bowel/bladder function.
Facet joint pain: Pain from the small joints on the back portion of your spine that help provide stability and enable movement.
Common Treatments and Procedures
Discectomy: Surgical removal of disc material that presses on a nerve or the spinal cord.
Laminectomy: Removal of the lamina (part of the vertebral arch) to create more space for nerves.
Spinal fusion: Joining two or more vertebrae permanently using bone grafts or spacers and sometimes titanium plates, screws, or rods.
Artificial disc replacement: Replacing a damaged disc with an artificial one to maintain motion.
Microdiscectomy: A minimally invasive procedure to remove herniated disc material using microscopic visualization.
When Your Doctor Uses These Terms
Understanding these terms can help you have more productive conversations with your spine surgeon. Next time you hear these words in your consultation, you'll have a clearer picture of what's being discussed.
Remember that each spine is unique, just like each patient. Our team is committed to explaining your specific condition and treatment options in terms you can understand.
Do you have questions about spine terminology not covered here? Contact our office—we're here to help you navigate your spine health journey with confidence and clarity.
