Other Condition Definitions

Disc Protrusion

Commonly called a disc bulge, a disc protrusion occurs when the spinal disc and the associated ligaments remain in tact, but form an outpouching that can press against the nerves.  See also bulging disc.

Disc Extrusion

A disc extrusion occurs when the outer part of the spinal disc ruptures, allowing the inner, gelatinous part of the disc to squeeze out.  Disc extrustions can occur with the ligaments in tact, or damaged.

Disc Sequestration

A disc sequestration occurs when the center, gelatinous portion of the disc is not only squeezed out, but also separated from the main part of the disc.  The fragment can become "free floating" and contact either a nerve root or the spinal cord and cause extreme pain, numbness and tingling.

Facet Syndrome

Facet syndrome is defined as an irritation of one or more of the joints on the back of the spinal vertebrae.  Facet syndrome is most often caused by whiplash and athletic injuries where the spine and/or neck spends a lot of time in extension.  Young gymnasts, for example, are at risk for facet syndrome.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA), which is also known as osteoarthrosis or degenerative joint disease (DJD), is a progressive disorder of the joints caused by gradual loss of cartilage and resulting in the development of bony spurs and cysts at the margins of the joints.  The name osteoarthritis comes from three Greek words meaning bone, join, and inflammation.

Bone Spur

A bone spur is a bony outgrowth.  It forms from a calcium deposit that can be part of the body's response to abnormal motion or position of bones in the spine or elsewhere.

Osteophyte

Bone spurs (osteophytes) are bony projections that form along joints.  Common in arthritis, they are often responsible for limitations in joint motion.