Defining The Doctor’s Discourse – A List of Spine Related Terms (Part 2)

Continued from part 1.

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, Back Pain, Pain