Medical dictionary

What is spinal fusion?   Spinal fusion, also known as vertebral arthrodesis, is a surgical intervention that aims to fuse two vertebrae in the spine permanently, so that there is no movement between them.     Why is spinal fusion performed?   Spinal fusion is carried out to treat degenerative diseases of the spine, such as: spinal stenosis fract

What are spinal injections? Your spine is made of various bones called vertebrae. These are connected to one another and allow your spine to move, they also protect the nerves and spinal cord. These interconnections are made up of intervertebral discs (they act as a spine’s shock absorbing system) and facet joints (these connect the vertebrae to one another). Due to many reasons, t

What is spinal arthritis (or spinal osteoarthritis)?Spinal arthritis is a degenerative disease affecting the cartilage of the intervertebral discs, which become less elastic and are no longer able to absorb the impacts caused by body movements. Spinal arthritis may affect the neck (cervical arthritis) or lower back (lumbar arthritis). Spinal arthiritis should be seen by an orthopaedic surgeon.Ther

What is spinal stenosis? Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the small spaces in between your spine which puts pressure on the nerves that travel through the spinal cord. It typically occurs due to ageing but older people are not the only ones who risk suffering from spinal stenosis. There are two different types of spinal stenosis, depending on the part of the spine where the condition occurs.

What is spinal surgery? Spinal surgery consists of performing surgery to correct possible structural abnormalities. Back injuries, and more specifically those of the spine, have become a problem that is affecting more and more people around the world. The passing of the years, accidents, overexertion and bad posture in everyday life are the causes of the problem. Spine surgery allows

What is a spinal fracture? A spinal fracture is a break or collapse of one of the bones of the spinal column. It is a serious lesion. A fracture can occur in any part of the spinal column. Generally, spinal fractures are divided into three categories: Compression fractures: Occur when more pressure is put on a bone than it can withstand, causing it to break.   Dislocation fractur

What is a spine MRI? A spinal MRI is a type of scan which uses a magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed images of your spine. An MRI is carried out by a radiologist, and is a safe procedure. Why might I need a spinal MRI? A spinal MRI is often advised if you suffer from back pain that won’t go away, or numbness in your legs or arms. Compared to a CT scan or X-ray, an

What is spinology? Spinology is a non-medical alternative practice system that aims to conserve the relationship between the spinal bones (vertebrae), maintaining normal pressure and ensuring that there is no interference with the central nervous system. Hence, spinology is concerned with the spinal column, which is made up of individual vertebrae which protects the spinal cord and nerves, and

What is spirometry? Spirometry is a test that measures the amount of air you exhale and the speed you exhale it at. It can help to diagnose lung diseases that might otherwise go undetected by other tests. During a spirometry you breathe through a mouthpiece connected to a spirometer, a device that measures the amount and frequency of air inhaled and exhaled during a specific time. The test