Medical dictionary

What is a spinal cord stimulator? A spinal cord stimulator is an implanted device that sends low levels of electricity directly into the spinal cord to relieve pain. It is used to relieve chronic pain when nonsurgical pain treatment has failed to provide relief.   Spinal cord stimulators consist of thin wires (electrodes) and a small pacemaker-like battery (generator). The electr

What is spinal disc replacement surgery? A disc prosthesis, also known as spinal disc replacement surgery, is the replacement of an intervertebral disc for a device that is able to maintain mobility between both lumbar vertebrae, and is carried out by a specialist spinal surgeon or neurosurgeon. Disc replacement surgery mainly involves surgically replacing the intervertebral disc w

What's a spinal endoscopy? A spinal endoscopy is a treatment which is classified as a minimally invasive surgery. It allows surgeons to operate on:  herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and; other spinal conditions. A thin tube with a camera on the end is inserted so that the procedure can be done with minimal incisions. Thanks to the high resolution images the surgeon

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 stenosisfracture in the vertebraeinfections or tumoursspondylolitesis (a

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 surgeons to deco

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