Letter: C

These are benign fluid filled cysts in the spine that develop from degeneration of the facet joints. They can cause nerve compression and occasionally have to be removed surgically. 

Stocking-like boots placed on the calves in the lower extremity and connected to a pneumatic pump. They provide stimulation to the vasculature of the lower extremity, when immobile, to reduce the risk of blood clots.

A system of treatments in which there is manipulation or mobilization of parts of the musculoskeletal system to provide pain relief. Chiropractic treatments of the spine can often provide short-term relief.

Of, or pertaining to, the neck or region of the neck.

A highly sophisticated x-ray exam which produces 3-dimensional images of the body, joints, nerves, discs, bones, and tissues. The scans are taken at regular intervals through the body part of interest as the patient lies on a table which moves slowly through the CT Scan machine. The imaging data are collected by the x-ray tube moving opposite a series of detectors. The detectors transmit the data signals to a computer where they are mathematically processed and reconstructed into images. These images are then processed by a computer and printed. It is important that the patient lie absolutely still throughout the procedure. The exam takes less than an hour. The patient is subjected to radiation for this procedure.

A structure (usually plastic or metal) that is filled with bone graft and inserted into the disc space once the disc has been removed. This helps re-establish the normal height of the disc space and facilitates a fusion since it is usually filled with bone graft.