Back Care Advice
Back Care Glossary
back to index »Below is a list of the medical terms you might hear mentioned by health professionals talking about back pain.
Abdominal
The area of the body including stomach, intestines and other digestive organs.
Acupuncture
Where fine needles are used to control the bodys energy flows.
Ankylosing spondylitis
A painful disease that causes joints to swell up and the bones to fuse together.
Bilateral
On both sides of the body
Cervical
The seven vertebrae that make up the neck.
Coccyx
The last bone of the spine, often refered to as the tail bone. It is made up of four tiny joined vertebrae.
Conservative Management
Non-surgical treatment of back problems.
Degeneration of the disk
The disks between the vertebrae break up as they become more rigid, this restricts movement of the spine.
Facet Joints
The point where two vertebrae meet and rub against each other.
Inflammation
Tenderness, heat, pain and swelling caused by the body's reaction to injury or disease.
Nerve Root
The start of the nerve leaving the spinal cord.
Occupational Therapists
Also known as OTs, thay are health professionals who help people live independently at home.
Orthopaedic
The division of medicine that deals with problems of the skeleton.
Osteoporosis
A disease that makes the bones more brittle and less dense.
Pelvis
The bone structure at the base of the spine that supports the legs. It consists of the hip bone, sacrum and coccyx.
Sacrum
The solid, flat area at the bottom of the spine that forms the back of the pelvis. It consists of five fused vertebrae.
Sciatica
A pain that runs along the Sciatic nerve, and down the back of the leg.
Scoliosis
A sideways curve of the spine.
Spinal Canal
The running down the length of the spine. It contains the spinal cord.
Spinal Stenosis
A narrowing of the spinal canal. Often puttinf pressure on the nerves.
Spondylolisthesis
A condition where one vertebra slips out of alignment with another.
Spondylosis
A condition of the spine which results from wear and tear, causing the disks to narrow.
Top Tips on Posture
A good posture can greatly improve and prevent back problems. Follow these simple rules.
How To Stand:
Don't round your back - imagine you are being lifted by a string fixed to the top of your head.
Avoid hunching your shoulders and tensing your neck when stressed.
Wear comfortable, low heeled shoes - high heels put more pressure on the back.
How To Sit:
Use an upright chair that supports your lower back.
Support the small of your back with a small cushion.
Stand up and stretch every 20 to 30 minutes.
How To Lift:
Always look for alternatives to lifting - can you push or pull?
Lift only what you can handle and get help if you need it.
Bend your knees and keep your back straight and your feet apert when lifting.
Bend your knees and not your back when putting a load down.
