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Disc Injury Terminology

Bladder dysfunction
A condition in which the individual cannot control bladder activity.

Bowel dysfuncion
A condition in which the individual cannot control bowel activity.

Cauda equine
A group of nerves roots located at the end of the spinal cord

Cauda equina syndrome
A condition where the spinal canal narrows and compresses the nerve roots causing numbness in the buttocks, thigh and genitalia. This condition can lead to the loss of bowel and bladder control.

Cervical
Refers to body structures relating to the neck.

Cervical vertebrae
Refers to the C1-C7 vertebrae in the spinal cord.

Coccyx
A bone located at the bottom of the spine. Also referred to as the ‘tail bone.’

Disc
Refers to a piece of tissue located in between vertebrae to absorb shock.

Herniated disc
A condition in which a disc’s outer ring is torn.

Herniation
Abnormal protrusion of tissue through an opening

Inflammation
An internal or external reaction in which a contained part of the body becomes red, swollen, warm and painful.

Lumbar vertebrae
Refers to the L1-L5 vertebrae located between the thoracic and sacral vertebrae.

Rupture
A tear or break to a body structure.

Sacrum
The large bone located at the bottom of the spine and back of the pelvis comprised of the sacral vertebrae.

Saddle anesthesia –
The loss of sensation in the inner things, area around the rectum and back of legs.

Sciatica
Pain caused by the sciatic nerve extending from the buttock to the back side of the thigh.

Spinal column
The series of vertebrae which protect the spinal cord.

Spinal cord
The primary column of nerve tissue located in the vertebral canal that attaches to the brain.

Spinous process
A projection on the back side of a vertebra where muscles and ligaments attach.

Thoracic
Refers to structures related to the chest.

Thoracic vertebrae
Refers to the T1-T12 vertebrae located between the cervical and lumbar vertebrae.

Vertebra
Refers to the 33 bone structures that comprise the spinal column.

February 27, 2013