Read Part 1 (A-C) and Part 2 (D-G)
This is part 3 of the continuing series that is focused on listing the definitions of important terms surrounding issues of the spine, bones, and spinal cord. You may want to bookmark this blog post so that you can find it at a later time. While you won’t hear all these words in one visit to the doctor, there’s going to be a few terms listed that will spark your memory and hopefully help you better understand what your doctor is saying.
This post lists terms from H through L.
H____________________________________________________
herniated disc: With age, the center of vertebral discs may start to lose water content, making the disc less effective as a cushion, causing displacement of the disc’s center (herniated or ruptured disc) through a crack in the outer layer. Most disc herniations occur in the bottom two discs of the lumbar spine, at and just below the waist. A herniated disc can press on a nerve root in the spine and may cause back pain or pain, numbness, tingling or weakness of the leg called “sciatica.” Also known as a slipped or ruptured disc, or herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP). Can also occur in the neck and rarely in the thoracic portion of the spine.
HHS: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. United States government’s principal agency for protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential human services, especially for those who are least able to help themselves.
HMO: Health maintenance organization.
Hx: History.
I____________________________________________________
IDET: Intradiscal electrothermal therapy. A percutaneous procedure done on damaged discs to relieve pain by inserting a heated catheter into the damaged area.
instability: When vertebrae move beyond their normal range of motion.
interbody fusion: Grafting bone in the space between discs for the purpose of fusing two vertebral segments.
intervertebral cage: A type of instrumentation used to promote fusion during surgery.
IV: Intravenous.
J____________________________________________________
K____________________________________________________
kyphoplasty: Procedure to repair osteoporosis fractures, where glue-like material is injected into a balloon inserted into a collapsed vertebra.
kyphosis: A curve in the spine that points to the back of the body. A hunchback is one example of kyphosis.
L____________________________________________________
L#: The letter L followed by a number identifies a specific vertebra in the lumbar spine. For example, L3 is the 3rd vertebra in the lumbar spine.L3-4 would refer to the disc between the L3 and L4 vertebrae.
laminectomy: Surgical procedure removing the shingle-like portions of a vertebra to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots.
laminotomy: Surgical procedure removing a small bony portion of shigle-like elements (lamina) that protect the neural canal to relieve pressure on the nerve roots.
LBP: Low back pain.
lordosis: Curve in the spine that points to the front of the body.
lumbar: Lower back.
In a recent blog post from Elance they noted some interesting numbers about the typical 40 hour work week. For those that sit in front of a computer, you will spend close to an hourly equivalent of three months sitting in that office chair typing and reading your computer monitor during one calendar year. While that alone may not concern some, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics 34% of all lost-workday injury and illness is caused by repetitive strain injury (RSI), which is definitely a major concern!
Your workstation doesn’t have to be a place of injury to your hands or lower back. There are steps you can take to avoid the pitfalls of a poorly designed workstation. Below are four great tips that can help your overall health while working those 40 hour weeks tapping away at your computer.
1. Move, Look, And Stretch: The RSI Action committee at Harvard University recommends that you take many short breaks rather than a few long ones. “Taking a break can be as simple as taking your hands off the keyboard and letting your arms droop at your sides. Every half hour, get up from your desk and stretch to loosen your neck and shoulder muscles. Try to take 10 minutes of breaks every hour, more if you need it.” Additionally, take some time to shift your eyesight away from your monitor to a far away object to relieve strain in your eyes.
2. Have Good Posture: The Occupational Safety & Health Administration division of the Department of Labor suggests that your head, neck, shoulders, and upper arms to be in-line with your torso. Your upper arms and elbows should be close to your body and not extended outward, while your forearms should bend at about a 90-degree angle to your upper arm. Your wrists and hands should be straight (not bent up/down or sideways) and should not rest on sharp or hard edges.
3. Configure Your Desktop: Your mouse or trackball should be located right next to your keyboard so it can be operated without reaching, and the top of your screen should be at or below eye level so you can read without bending your head or neck down. The distance to your monitor should allow you to read the screen clearly without leaning, and glare should be kept to a minimum. If using a document holder, it should be placed around the same height and distance as the monitor screen to minimize neck movement. Your room and work area should be well lit and should be rid of any potential glare sources.
4. Avoid Bad Habits: Avoid using the left Shift/option for any keys on the left side, and vice versa. This will reduce the amount of tension in your hands and wrist big time. Also, avoid slouching, and do not use a wrist pad if you feel strain or tension in your hands or wrists. When using your keyboard and mouse, avoid using more pressure than you need to.
via Elance blog
This is part 2 of the continuing series that is focused on listing the definitions of important terms surrounding issues of the spine, bones, and spinal cord. You may want to bookmark this blog post so that you can find it at a later time. While you won’t hear all these words in one visit to the doctor, there’s going to be a few terms listed that will spark your memory and hopefully help you better understand what your doctor is saying.
This post lists terms from D through G.
D____________________________________________________
DBM: Demineralized bone matrix. Material that enhances bone growth.
decompression: Surgical removal of pressure from nerve roots or spinal cord to relieve.
degenerative disc disease (DDD): A catch-all term to describe degenerative changes in the disc(s) caused by aging or wear and tear.
disc: The intervertebral disc is a combination of strong connective tissues which hold one vertebra to the next, and acts as a cushion between the vertebrae. It is made of a tough outer layer called the “annulus fibrosus” and a gel-like center called the “nucleus pulposus.”
discectomy: Surgical procedure in which part of a herniated disc is removed. The goal of the surgery is to make the herniated disc stop pressing on and irritating the nerves which cause pain and weakness. These procedures may be done as an open procedure, with a microscope or via a minimally invasive method.
discitis: Inflammation of the disc.
discography: Discography involves the injection of dye into the nucleus of an intervertebral disc. During the injection, the physician performing the procedure asks the patient if the injection generates pain similar to his/her “usual pain.” Discographic images are generated from plain radiographs and computed tomography (CT) scanning.
DJD: Degenerative joint disease.
DRG: Dorsal root ganglion. Clump of nerve cells in spinal canal outlet of a root.
Dx: Diagnosis.
E____________________________________________________
electromyography (EMG): A test used to determine the function of the peripheral nerves and nerve roots, involving placement of tiny needles in muscles and an electrical stimulus that can be monitored for changes that reflect the function of the connection between the nerve and muscle. This test is usually performed in conjunction with a nerve conduction velocity study (NCV).
endoscopic discectomy: A minimally invasive method of discectomy done with an endoscope, which is a special device that allows visualization of the disc from the inside. See discectomy.
Epidural steroid injection (ESI): Injection of corticosteroid medications into the epidural space (the area around the spinal nerves) to reduce inflammation of the nerve and disc.
F____________________________________________________
facet joints: The bones of the spine are connected in the front of the spine by intervertebral discs and in the back by paired joints. These paired joints are commonly called “facet joints,” “zygapophysial joints,” or, “z-joints.”
facet injection: Injections of steroids and local anesthetic into the facet joints to determine if it is a source of pain or to reduce pain and inflammation.
fluoroscopic guidance: Use of radiologic imaging to assist in the placement of instrumentation for invasive diagnostic and surgical procedures.
fusion: A surgical procedure performed to eliminate movement over painful or unstable spinal segments. Spinal fusion is often used to treat degenerative disc disease but is also used to treat scoliosis, kyphosis, fractures and tumors. Bone is grafted across a section of the spine where it grows together fusing the area.
G____________________________________________________
GI: Gastrointestinal.
GU: Genito-urinary.
GYN: Gynecological.
Tags: Back Pain
Below are three back stretches and exercises that your spine specialist might recommend.
Pelvic Tilt
The pelvic tilt strengthens your lower abdominal muscles and stretches your low back (lumbar spine).
- Start on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor.
- As you exhale, contract your abdominal muscles, pushing your belly button towards the floor and flattening your low back.
- Hold 5 seconds.
- Repeat 10 times.
Knee to Chest
The knee to chest stretch is used to stretch your hip and low back (lumbar spine) muscles. It should also help relieve pressure on spinal nerves by creating more space for those nerves as they exit the spine.
- Start on your back.
- Gently pull one knee towards your chest, using your hands to hold your leg in the stretch.
- Hold 10 seconds. You should feel a stretch in your low back and hip.
- Switch legs and pull your other knee towards your chest, again holding 10 seconds.
- Repeat 3-5 times with each leg.
- Bring both legs to your chest, holding 10 seconds and repeating 3-5 times.
Lower Trunk Rotation
By doing the lower trunk rotation, you will work on increasing flexibility in your low back (lumbar spine) and hips, allowing for greater mobility and rotation in the spine.
- Start on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor.
- With your knees together, bring them to one side. Your feet should stay on the floor.
- Hold 3-5 seconds.
- Contract your abdominal muscles while moving your legs to the opposite side, again holding for 3-5 seconds
- Repeat 5-10 times on each side.
You can watch the demonstration videos at spineuniverse.com
Tags: Back Pain, Medical Questions
Everyone respects a doctor because we’ve all experienced the massive amount of knowledge that doctors contain. Often a point of confusion is translating the complicated practice of medicine into a jargon that a layperson can understand. For those not familiar with the medical abbreviations that health professionals use on a daily basis we laypeople can quickly become lost in the discussion that is supposed to help us understand our condition.
Today we’re starting a multipart series listing the definitions of important terms surrounding issues of the spine, bones, and spinal cord. You may want to bookmark this blog post so that you can find it at a later time. While you won’t hear all these words in one visit to the doctor, there’s going to be a few terms listed that will spark your memory and hopefully help you better understand what your doctor is saying.
We’ll begin with words starting with A through C.
A____________________________________________________
acute: Suddenly occurring.
allograft: Tissue transplant between non-identical individuals, in the case of spine surgery, usually bone. Allografts are from cadaver donors.
annulus fibrosis: The outer portion of the intervertebral disc, made of layers of collagen fibers that lie in circumferential layers around the nucleus pulposus.
anterior: Front. Being in front, frontal. Anterior approach in spine surgery refers to an approach through the front of the neck or the through the abdomen.
anterior interbody fusion (AIF): A surgical procedure which involves the replacement of some or all of the disc with a bony graft through an anterior approach. This technique is used commonly in the cervical spine to treat degenerative disc disease and HNP (herniated nucleus pulposus). This technique is also used in the lumbar spine to accomplish a fusion in many situations.
arachnoiditis: Inflammation of the arachnoid membrane (one of the coverings of the spinal cord/brain) that can lead to scarring. This condition may be identified after surgery in some patients who have persistent pain.
arthritis: Commonly used term that describes a disorder that causes inflammation and pain of the joints. Inflammation of a joint.
arthroscopic microdiscectomy (AMD): Minimally invasive method of discectomy.
artificial disc replacement (ADR): A new surgical procedure that will replace diseased or dysfunctional discs with artificial discs. There are multiple designs of artificial discs under development at this time.
autograft: A bone graft taken from the patient and used for fusion in that patient. Tissue taken from the site of the same patient to repair or replace another site (e.g., bone graft used for fusion).Typically, in spine surgery, the bone is taken from the patient’s iliac crest (part of the pelvis).
automated percutaneous lumbar discectomy (APLD): The removal of bulging disc material percutaneously (passage through skin, tissue, membrane) through a large-bore needle inserted into the disc space.
B____________________________________________________
back school: A class or course in body mechanics, proper lifting techniques and back care aimed at prevention of back pain.
BMP: Bone morphogenetic protein. Biologic material that enhances bone growth. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: Back Pain, Medical Questions, Minimally Invasive Spine Institute
According to details listed in The American Journal of Medicine, men regularly taking painkillers are much more likely to suffer hearing loss. Researchers say a new study shows men, especially young men, taking paracetamol at least twice a week doubled the risk of mild to severe deafness before their 50th birthday. Painkillers like aspirin and ibuprofen were also linked to hearing loss. Scientists at Harvard University tracked more than 26,000 men for 18 years and found nearly 3,500 reported some type of hearing loss.
We’ve discussed the risk of masking the pain by overusing painkillers. Recently we’ve discovered that the issue is common in the military. According to a Pentagon report 20% of Marines surveyed had abused prescription drugs, mostly painkillers.
For those that use painkillers to help reduce the impact of back pain, this new study does not directly link hearing loss and painkillers. The researchers admitted that although they found a connection, they have not shown that painkillers cause hearing problems. The researchers did not have any information on how much noise the men were exposed to did not ask why they took painkillers. However, the scientists say that the drugs may cause damage to part of the inner ear.
If you have specific questions about how you can safely deal with back pain or the proper use of painkillers, we would encourage you to visit zerospinepain.com and connect with one of our highly specialized team members.
Tags: Back Pain, Medical Questions
Last week The Lancet published a paper about cognitive behavioral treatment for low back pain. They state that the benefits of cognitive behavioral intervention were broad ranging and when maintained at 12 months these benefits led to substantial health gain.
Let’s take a step back and explain what cognitive behavioral treatment means. Basically it aims to solve problems concerning dysfunctional emotions, behaviors and cognitions through a goal oriented procedure. For the patients involved in this study, they received one individual session and six group sessions. The therapists focused on behaviors and beliefs about physical activity.
The percentage of patients reporting recovery was 60 percent in the therapy group and 30 percent in the standard group. “Overall,” states The Lancet, “the results suggest that cognitive behavioral therapy is an excellent option for primary care physicians before they seek specialty consultations for their patients.”
The take home message here is that back pain is more than just a physical barrier that can only be overcome with standard surgery. Many noninvasive or minimally invasive procedures can be implemented to help patients overcome their low back pain. The specialists at The Minimally Invasive Spine Institute are focused on bringing about results using the least invasive methods.
“Stand up while you read this.” That’s the headline on a The New York Times article about the negative effects of sitting down all day long. Even those that exercise regularly are still doing damage to themselves by staying seated in a chair all day long. According to the article, people who sit in front of the television for more than three hours each day verses those who exercise are as fat as those who don’t: sitting a lot appears to offset some of the benefits of jogging.
Sitting requires almost no energy. Even standing in one place requires you to tense your leg muscles and use the muscles of your back and shoulders, so at least you are burning some energy. Several strands of evidence suggest that there’s a “physiology of inactivity”: that when you spend long periods sitting, your body actually does things that are bad for you.
A study of people who sit for many hours found that those who took frequent small breaks — standing up to stretch or walk down the corridor — had smaller waists and better profiles for sugar and fat metabolism than those who did their sitting in long, uninterrupted chunks.
The article even makes mention to radical alternatives to sitting down all day like replacing your desk with a “stand-up desk” or even adding a treadmill. How about replacing the couch with a rocking chair, even that little bit of motion takes energy.
We encourage you to take a look at the New York Times article which has some very interesting information about the effects of sitting down all day.
Tags: Back Pain, Medical Questions
Many things can cause a pinched nerve. Whether it’s facet disease and bone spurs, disc bulges or herniations, or thickened ligaments due to arthritis, the Minimally Invasive Spine Institute can treat the source with a tiny laser through a 7 or 15 mm incision to free the nerve and rid you of your pain. And because we do not use expandable retractors, like many others who claim to do minimally invasive surgery, we avoid cutting muscle altogether, so you can get back to life as quickly as possible.
Definition:
A pinched nerve occurs when too much pressure is applied to a nerve by surrounding tissues such as bone spurs, disc herniation and ligaments. This pressure (compression) disrupts the nerve’s function – causing pain, tingling, numbness or weakness in the affected area, and in many cases causing permanent damage.
A pinched nerve can occur anywhere in your body. For example, a herniated disc in your spine (neck, thoracic or lumbar) may put pressure on a nerve root, causing pain that radiates down the back of your leg (sciatica), or down your arms or hands. Another common type of pinched nerve is the median nerve in the carpal tunnel in your wrist; compression of that nerve can lead to pain and numbness in your hand and fingers (carpal tunnel syndrome). These are just two common examples of pinched nerves; many other nerves can be pinched including those in your neck, shoulder, elbow and other areas.
With rest and other conservative treatments, most people recover from a pinched nerve within a few days or weeks. In some cases, however, surgery is necessary.
Symptoms:
- Numbness or decreased sensation in the area supplied by the nerve.
- Sharp or burning pain, which may radiate outward. When the pinched nerve comes from the spinal cord, coughing or sneezing may aggravate the pain.
- Tingling, “pins and needles” sensations (paresthesia).
- Muscle weakness or twitching in the affected area.
- Frequent feeling that a foot or hand has “fallen asleep.”
Tags: Back Pain, Medical Questions, Minimally Invasive Spine Institute
Sometimes the most practical types of tips for dealing with back pain come from regular people living their lives around and watching healthy people as they go about their normal day. Ester Gokhale has a very practical blog post that gives four simple tips to help you achieve a pain free back. We know that these quick tips won’t actually “free” you from back pain, but it’s an important part of a healthy lifestyle to pick up good habits like these.
- When you’re in bed – Use your arms to help stretch your back out as you lie down for the night. Bend your knees and hoist yourself up on your elbows. Press your elbows towards your feet so your back is lengthened. Lay yourself down with this extra length in place. This allows your back to heal itself as you sleep.
- When you’re carrying a purse – Carry the purse closer to your spine than your belly button. Use your elbow to nudge the bag or straps towards your back. This way, there’s less pressure on your back, the purse doesn’t slide from your shoulders as easily and the weight of the purse helps settle your shoulder backward instead of forward.
- When you’re at your computer – Come in close so you are not tempted to hunch your shoulders and/or body to reach the keyboard. Roll your shoulders back so they are in a good starting position and then come in towards your keyboard so you can reach with just your forearms reaching ahead of you.
- When you are brushing your teeth – Hinge from your hips and keep your back as straight as possible. Check your profile in the mirror to see how you’re doing. Hip hinging benefits your body by strengthening your back muscles and stretching your hamstrings. Do not hunch forward as this will damage your spinal discs, nerves and ligaments.
You can read Ester’s blog at empowher.com
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