Glossary

Acute
Of short duration and relatively severe.

Atlas
The uppermost and most freely moveable bone of the spine.

Bone Spur
An extra calcium deposit in response to injury, disease, or incorrect motion or position of a joint.

Cervical
The vertebrae of the neck, usually seven bones.

Chronic
Persisting for a long period of time.

Disc
A cartilage (cushion/pad) that separates spinal vertebrae, absorbs shock to the spine, and helps protect the nervous system.

Facet
The actual joint surface of a spinal bone, facing the adjacent bone above and below.

Fixation
An area of the spine or specific joint with stuck or restricted motion.

Health
A state of optimal physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease and infirmity.

Lumbar
The vertebrae of the lower back, usually five bones.

Palpation
Examining the spine with your fingers; the art of feeling with the hand.

Range of Motion
The range, measured in degrees of a circle, through which a joint may be moved.

Sacrum
The triangular bone at the base of the spine. Usually referred to as the "tailbone."

Sciatica
Pain, numbness, weakness, or burning that starts in the lower back and can radiate down one or both of the legs.

Spinous Process
A posterior protruding part of the spinal bone that can be seen or felt when examining the spine.

Thoracic
Pertaining to the part of the spinal column from the base of the neck to about six inches above the waistline.

Transverse Process
Lateral protrusions (wings) of bone from the vertebrae to which powerful muscles and ligaments attach.

Vertebra
Any of the individual bones of the spinal column.

Whiplash
An injury to the spine caused by an abrupt jerking motion, either backward, forward, or sideways.