Lumbar- pertaining to the lower spine.
Lordosis- an abnormal, anterior convexity (curvature) of the spine.
Neural Foraminal Narrowing- a narrowing of the opening through which the nerves pass.
Osteoporosis- loss of calcium from the bones, which causes them to become fragile and prone to fracture.
Osteophyte- a bony outgrowth usually branched in shape.
Posterolateral- located behind and at the side.
Retrolisthesis- the backward slippage of a vertebral body.
Radiculopathy- any disease of a nerve root.
Radiculitis- inflammation of the spinal nerve roots, accompanied by pain and hyperesthesia (unusual sensation).
Spurring- a pointed projection (bony overgrowth).
Subchondral marrow changes- refers to changes in bone marrow below or under a cartilage.
Sciatica- pain caused by the sciatic nerve, which runs down the buttock and into the leg and foot, being impinged upon. This could be from the nerve being inflamed, pinched (as by a herniated disc), or damaged. The pain can radiate the entire length of the sciatic nerve and can be a nagging ache, or a shooting pain. There can be numbness in the leg or foot, or even a pins and needles sensation.
Spinal Stenosis- this is a narrowing of the spinal canal, which can cause pressure on the spinal nerves.
Spondylolisthesis- this happens when a vertebra slips forward on the one that is resting below it.
Sondylosis- degenerative arthritis, osteoarthritis of the cervical or lumbar vertebrae and related tissues. It may cause pressure on nerve roots with subsequent pain or numbness in the extremities.
Scoliosis- an abnormal curvature of the spine.
Sclerosis- a hardening, or induration, especially due to excessive growth of fibrous tissue.
Thecal Sac- this is a sheath that encloses dangling nerve roots that come off of the spinal cord. It protects them and is made up of two layers, the dura matter and the arachnoid matter. Cerebrospinal fluid is also found in the thecal sac.
Uncovertebral Hypertrophy- concerning the enlargement of the uncinate (hooked shaped) process of the vertebra.
Vertebra- a bony segment in the spinal column. They interlock with one another, and are the building blocks of the spine. They protect the spinal cord.