GLOSSARY
(^)
WORD^ DEFINITION^
The most common type of back pain. Acute pain often begins (^)
Acute Pain suddenly — e.g. after a fall or injury — and lasts no longer than 12 (^)
(^) weeks. (^)
Analgesics^ Medications designed to relieve pain.^
Annulus fibrosus^ Outer fibrous layer of the intervertebral disc consisting ofoverlapping collagen fibers. Annulus means ring-like.^
(^)
A bony projection, part of which has a small smooth surface (^)
Articular process^ known as a facet. In the spine there are 4 articular processes offthe back of each vertebra –^ two upper and two lower –^ that^
comprise the facet joints. (^)
The collection of nerves that continue beyond the lower end of the (^)
Cauda Equina spinal cord, protected by the spinal column. The cauda equina (^)
resembles a horse's tail. (^)
The less common type of back pain. Chronic pain may come (^)
Chronic pain about suddenly or gradually; it generally lasts for 3 months or (^)
longer (^)
A circular piece of cushioning tissue situated between each (^)
Disc (intervertebral) vertebrae of the spine. Each disc has a strong outer cover and a (^)
soft jelly-like filling. (^)
Dura mater^ The outermost and toughest and spinal cord.^ membrane surrounding the brain^
(^)
(^) Technique whereby a liquid (steroid and/ or anesthetic) is (^)
Epidural injections injected clinically into the space outside the membranes (^)
(^) surrounding the spinal cord. (^)
(^) The most important extensor muscle group of the back. (^)
Erector spinae Responsible for returning the back to an erect position following (^)
muscles motion. The erector spinae muscles also contribute to lateral (^)
bending, rotation of the spine, and movement of the head. (^)
Facet joints^ Joints of the spine that connect one vertebra to another.^
Largest muscle of the body forming the buttock on either side. (^)
Gluteus maximus Originates from the back of the pelvic bone and inserts into the (^)
lower part of the thigh bone. (^)