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- Acromion
- The projection of the scapula (the shoulder blade) that forms the point of the shoulder. The acromion is part of the scapula. It protrudes laterally (away from the midline) and is triangular in shape. The top of the shoulder is acromial. The word "acromion" comes from the Greek "akron", peak + "omos", shoulder = the peak of the shoulder.
- AlignMed
- First product is the S3 (Spine and Scapula Stabilizing) Brace which is a functional, flexible and dynamic shoulder and lumbar orthosis. It is a medical solution to common ailments. While addressing numerous pathologies, it is a market leader in addressing Proprioception and Neuromuscular Re-education.
Detailed description
- Allograft Bone
- Sterile bone derived from another human which is used for grafting procedures.
- Anterior
- 1 : relating to or situated near or toward the head or toward the part in headless animals most nearly corresponding to the head 2 : situated toward the front of the body : VENTRAL -- used in human anatomy because of the upright posture of humans - an·te·ri·or·ly adverb
- Biceps
- The biceps is a muscle that has two heads or origins. In Latin, biceps means two-headed and is derived from "bis", twice + "caput", head. There is more than one biceps muscle. The biceps brachii is the well-known flexor muscle in the upper arm and bulges when the arm is bent in a C-shape with the fist toward the forehead. The biceps femoris is in the back of the thigh.
- Bursitis
- Inflammation of a bursa especially of the shoulder or elbow
- Cartilage
- Firm, rubbery tissue that cushions bones at joints. A more flexible kind of cartilage connects muscles with bones and makes up other parts of the body, such as the larynx and the outside parts of the ears. space Related health and medical articles
- Central Nervous System
- CNS (central nervous system): That part of the nervous system that consists of the brain and spinal cord. The central nervous system (CNS) is one of the two major divisions of the nervous system. The other is the peripheral nervous system (PNS), that part of the nervous system that lies outside the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system (PNS) connects the central nervous system (CNS) to sensory organs (such as the eye and ear), other organs of the body, muscles, blood vessels and glands. The peripheral nerves include the 12 cranial nerves, the spinal nerves and roots, and what are called the autonomic nerves that are concerned specifically with the regulation of the heart muscle, the muscles in blood vessel walls, and glands.
- Cerebrospinal fluid
- The watery fluid that fills the spaces in and around the brain and spinal cord. Also called CSF.
- Cervical
- Having to do with any kind of neck including the neck on which the head is perched and the neck of the uterus. The word "cervix" in Latin means "neck". That is why cervical vertebrae and cervical cancer involve quite disparate parts of the anatomy joined only by the meaning of the word "cervix".
- Clavicle
- In anatomy, the clavicle or collar bone is a bone that makes up part of the shoulder girdle. It articulates with the sternum medially and the acromion, part of the scapula, laterally. It is part of the shoulder girdle and together with the scapula, allows for the free range of motion of the arms. Compare this with the limited range of motion of the legs. It forms by intramembranous ossification.
- Collarbone
- In anatomy, the clavicle or collar bone is a bone that makes up part of the shoulder girdle. It articulates with the sternum medially and the acromion, part of the scapula, laterally. It is part of the shoulder girdle and together with the scapula, allows for the free range of motion of the arms. Compare this with the limited range of motion of the legs. It forms by intramembranous ossification.
- Coracoid
- of, relating to, or being a process of the scapula in most mammals or a well-developed cartilage bone of many lower vertebrates that extends from the scapula to or toward the sternum -- see PECTORAL GIRDLE
- Core
- the central part of a body, mass, or part
Detailed description
- Cutaneous
- of, relating to, or affecting the skin - cu·ta·ne·ous·ly adverb
- Disc
- Shortened terminology for an intervertebral disc, a disk-shaped piece of specialized tissue that separates the bones of the spinal column. The center of a disc, called the nucleus, is soft, springy and receives the shock of standing, walking, running, etc. The outer ring of the disc, called the annulus (Latin for ring), provides structure and strength to the disc. The annulus consists of a complex series of interwoven layers of fibrous tissue that hold the nucleus in place. A disc can herniate. A herniated disc is often referred to as a slipped disc. This term came from the action of the nuclear tissue when it is forced from the center of the disc. The nuclear tissue located in the center of the disc can be placed under so much pressure that it can cause the annulus to rupture. When the disc has herniated or ruptured, it may create pressure against one or more of the spinal nerves which can cause pain, weakness or numbness. The terms slipped disc, herniated disc, prolapsed disc, and ruptured disc are synonymous
- Dynamic
- 1 also dy·nam·i·cal /-i-kschwal/ a : of or relating to physical force or energy b : of or relating to dynamics 2 : FUNCTIONAL 1b 3 a : marked by continuous usually productive activity or change b : marked by energy or forcefulness - dy·nam·i·cal·ly /-i-k(schwa-)lemacron/ adverb
- Ergonomics
- (also commonly termed human factors) involves understanding the needs, limitations and abilities of people and then using that understanding in the design of the products and environments which people must use. It is often called user-centred design or fitting the task to the person. Occupational Ergonomics is specifically concerned with the application of ergonomics to people's work, applying specialised data, analysis, tools and techniques to the design, implementation and operation of their tasks, interfaces, equipment and tools, workspaces, environments, systems, jobs and organisations. Correct and early application of ergonomics can produce major gains for both individuals and organisations, in terms of improved work effectiveness and productivity, enhanced worker well-being and quality of working life, and in addition can make a major contribution towards total quality objectives. The consequences of not applying ergonomics are increased risks of ill-health, discomfort and dissatisfaction for the workforce. For a company, the consequences can be loss of competitiveness - in terms of productivity, quality, flexibility, timeliness and innovation, as well as not making the best use of people in the organisation.
Detailed description
- Fractured Collar Bone
- The collar bone (or clavicle) is the bone that runs along the front of the shoulder to the breast bone (sternum). This bone is usually fracture as a result of falling badly onto an outstretched arm or onto the shoulder. Or in a collision with an opponent in a contact sport such as Rugby or American Football. The likelyhood of a clavicle fracture is increased if the playing surface is particularly hard. The bone usually fractures in it's middle third and is very painful. Symptoms include: * Pain on the collar bone! * Swelling. * A bony deformity may be seen or felt. Shoulder bones seen from the front. The clavicle is the long bone along the top. What can the athlete do? * If you suspect you have a broken collar bone you should see a doctor immediately. What can a doctor do? * Immobilize the bone with a figure of eight bandage. * Provide pain relief. * Advise on full rehabilitation and strengthening. For more information click here. * Operate if necessary. The injury is likely to take 4 to 8 weeks to heal. You should not do any sports or even running until it has properly healed. However you may be able to cycle.
- Function
- Any of a group of related actions contributing to a larger action ; especially : the normal and specific contribution of a bodily part to the economy of a living organism -- see VITAL FUNCTION - func·tion·less /-lschwas/ adjective
Detailed description
- Glenohumeral
- The shoulder blade and humerus, or upper arm, form the glenohumeral joint. This is what you would normally think of as your 'shoulder joint'. The glenohumeral joint is a ball-and-socket joint, consisting of the head of the humerus, or upper arm, and the glenoid fossa, which is formed by a slightly hollowed portion of the end of the shoulder blade. The head of the humerus maintains very little contact with the glenoid itself during movement, however. Instead, the shoulder relies on a group of ligaments, muscles and tendons to help keep the humerus in the proper place, and to provide stability to the joint.
- Glenoid
- Having the form of a smooth shallow depression -- used chiefly of skeletal articulatory sockets of or relating to the glenoid cavity or glenoid fossa
Detailed description
- Humerus
- The long bone in the arm which extends from the shoulder to the elbow.
Detailed description
- Inhibition
- the act or an instance of inhibiting or the state of being inhibited: as a (1) : a stopping or checking of a bodily action : a restraining of the function of an organ or an agent (as a digestive fluid or enzyme) (2) : interference with or retardation or prevention of a process or activity b (1) : a desirable restraint or check upon the free or spontaneous instincts or impulses of an individual guided or directed by the social and cultural forces of the environment (2) : a neurotic restraint upon a normal or beneficial impulse or activity caused by psychological inner conflicts or by sociocultural forces of the environment
- Injury
- Hurt, damage, or loss sustained
Detailed description
- Joint
- A joint is the area where two bones are attached for the purpose of motion of body parts. A joint is usually formed of fibrous connective tissue and cartilage. An articulation or an arthrosis is the same as a joint. Joints are grouped according to their motion: a ball and socket joint; a hinge joint; a condyloid joint (a joint that permits all forms of angular movement except axial rotation); a pivot joint; gliding joint; and a saddle joint. Joints can move in four and only four ways: * Gliding -- one bony surface glides on another without angular or rotatory movement; * Angular -- occurs only between long bones, increasing or decreasing the angle between the bones; * Circumduction -- occurs in joints composed of the head of a bone and an articular cavity, the long bone describing a series of circles, the whole forming a cone; and * Rotation -- a bone moves about a central axis without moving from this axis. The word "joint" comes from the Latin "junctio" meaning a joining (as in a junction).
Detailed description
- Kinetic Energy
- Kinetic energy is the energy of motion. An object which has motion - whether it be vertical or horizontal motion - has kinetic energy. There are many forms of kinetic energy - vibrational (the energy due to vibrational motion), rotational (the energy due to rotational motion), and translational (the energy due to motion from one location to another). To keep matters simple, we will focus upon translational kinetic energy. The amount of translational kinetic energy (from here on, the phrase kinetic energy will refer to translational kinetic energy) which an object has depends upon two variables: the mass (m) of the object and the speed (v) of the object. The following equation is used to represent the kinetic energy (KE) of an object. KE = 1/2 * m * V(Squared) where m = mass of object v = speed of object This equation reveals that the kinetic energy of an object is directly proportional to the square of its speed. That means that for a twofold increase in speed, the kinetic energy will increase by a factor of four; for a threefold increase in speed, the kinetic energy will increase by a factor of nine; and for a fourfold increase in speed, the kinetic energy will increase by a factor of sixteen. The kinetic energy is dependent upon the square of the speed. As it is often said, an equation is not merely a recipe for algebraic problem-solving, but also a guide to thinking about the relationship between quantities. Kinetic energy is a scalar quantity; it does not have a direction. Unlike velocity, acceleration, force, and momentum, the kinetic energy of an object is completely described by magnitude alone. Like work and potential energy, the standard metric units of measurement for kinetic energy is the Joule. As might be implied by the above equation, 1 Joule is equivalent to 1 kg*(m/s)^2.
Detailed description
- Knees
- the knees are..
- Kyphosis
- Exaggerated outward curvature of the thoracic region of the spinal column -- compare LORDOSIS, SCOLIOSIS - ky·phot·ic /-primarystressfät-ik/ adjective
- Labrum
- In medicine, a ring of fibrocartilage (fibrous cartilage) around the edge of the articular (joint) surface of a bone. The term labrum is used in anatomy to designate a lip, edge, or brim. Plural: labra. The glenoid labrum is a ring of fibrocartilage that runs around the cavity of the scapula (wingbone) in which the head of the humerus (the bone in the upper arm) fits. The labrum deepens this cavity (the glenoid cavity) and effectively increases the surface of the shoulder joint. Injuries to the glenoid labrum can occur from chronic trauma due to repetitive shoulder motion or from acute trauma. For example, from a fall on an outstretched arm, a direct blow to the shoulder, a sudden pull from trying to lift a heavy object, or a violent motion like pitching a baseball. Signs and symptoms of a glenoid labrum injury include pain accompanying overhead arm motion, occasional pain in the shoulder at night or during daily activities, decreased range of motion and loss of strength in the shoulder. Treatment may include anti-inflammatory medication and rest. Exercises to strengthen the rotator cuff muscles may then be recommended. If these measures are not effective, arthroscopic surgery may be done. The acetabular labrum is a ring of fibrocartilage that runs around the acetabulum (cup) of the hip joint and increases its depth. The causes of injury to the acetabular labrum, the signs and symptoms, and treatment are like those for a glenoid labrum injury. Labrum was borrowed from the Latin for lip. Labrum also gave rise to a number of other words including labia, labial; labrose, and, circuitously, lip.
Detailed description
- Ligament
- Ligaments are strong, tough, ropelike connective fibers. They connect bones to each other, connect cartilage to joints, and support internal organs, such as the kidneys.
Detailed description
- Lordosis
- Exaggerated forward curvature of the lumbar and cervical regions of the spinal column
- Low Back Pain
- The lower back is an elegant construction of bone, muscle, and ligament. Because the lower back is the hinge between the upper and lower body, it is especially vulnerable to injury when you are lifting, reaching, or twisting. When low back pain strikes, we become acutely aware of just how much we rely on a flexible, strong back. Ironically, most of us don't think of the importance of keeping our back and stomach muscles strong until we have back trouble. See an illustration of the lower back (lumbosacral region of the spine)Click here to see an illustration.. Up to 85%% of all people have low back pain at one time or another. Each year, about 2%% of American workers are compensated for disability caused by back pain.1 Low back pain is often triggered by some combination of overuse, muscle strain, or injury to the muscles and ligaments that support the spine. Less commonly, low back pain is caused by illness or spinal deformity. Back pain can be: * Acute, lasting less than 3 months. Most people gain relief after 4 to 6 weeks of home treatment. * Recurrent, a repeat episode of acute symptoms. Most people have at least one episode of recurrent low back pain. * Chronic, lasting longer than 3 months.
Detailed description
- Lumbar
- Lumbar: Referring to the 5 lumbar vertebrae which are situated below the thoracic vertebrae and above the sacral vertebrae in the spinal column. The 5 lumbar vertebrae are represented by the symbols L1 through L5. There are correspondingly 5 lumbar nerves.
Detailed description
- Lumbar Nerve
- Main Entry: lumbar nerve Function: noun : any nerve of the five pairs of spinal nerves of the lumbar region of which one on each side passes out below each lumbar vertebra and the upper four unite by connecting branches into a lumbar plexus
- Lumbar Radiculopathy
- Nerve irritation caused by damage to the discs between the vertebrae. Damage to the disc occurs because of degeneration ("wear and tear") of the outer ring of the disc, traumatic injury, or both. As a result, the central softer portion of the disc can rupture (herniate) through the outer ring of the disc and abut the spinal cord or its nerves as they exit the bony spinal column. This rupture is what causes the commonly recognized pain of "sciatica" that shoots down the leg. Sciatica can be preceded by a history of localized low back aching or it can follow a "popping" sensation and be accompanied by numbness and tingling. The pain commonly increases with movements at the waist and can increase with coughing or sneezing. In more severe instances, sciatica can be accompanied by incontinence of the bladder and/or bowels. Increased radiating pain when the lower extremity is lifted supports the diagnosis of lumbar radiculopathy. Nerve testing (EMG/electromyogram and NCV/nerve conduction velocity) of the lower extremities can be used to detect nerve irritation. The actual disc herniation can be detected with radiology testing, such as CAT or MRI scanning. Treatment of lumbar radiculopathy ranges from medical management to surgery. Medical management includes patient education, medications to relieve pain and muscles spasm, cortisone injection around the spinal cord (epidural injection), physical therapy (heat, massage, ultrasound, electrical stimulation), and rest (not strict bed rest, but avoiding re-injury). With unrelenting pain, severe impairment of function, or incontinence (which can indicate spinal cord irritation), surgery may be necessary. The operation performed depends on the overall status of the spine, and the age and health of the patient. Procedures include removal of the herniated disc with laminotomy (a small hole in the bone of the lumbar spine surrounding the spinal cord), laminectomy (removal of the bony wall), by needle technique (percutaneous discectomy), and disc-dissolving procedures (chemonucleolysis).
- Lumbar Strain
- A stretching injury to the ligaments, tendons, and/or muscles of the low back. The stretching incident results in microscopic tears of varying degrees in these tissues. Lumbar strain is one of the most common causes of low back pain. The injury can occur because of overuse, improper use, or trauma. It is classified as "acute" if it has been present for days to weeks. If the strain lasts longer than 3 months, it is referred to as "chronic." Lumbar strain most often occurs in persons in their forties, but can happen at any age. The condition is characterized by localized discomfort in the low back area with onset after an event that mechanically stressed the lumbar tissues. The diagnosis of lumbar strain is based on the history of injury, the location of the pain, and exclusion of nervous system injury. Usually, x-ray testing is only helpful to exclude bone abnormalities. The treatment of lumbar strain consists of resting the back (to avoid re-injury), medications to relieve pain and muscle spasm, local heat applications, massage, and eventual (after the acute episode resolves) reconditioning exercises to strengthen the low back and abdominal muscles. Long periods of inactivity in bed are no longer promoted as this treatment may actually slow recovery. Spinal manipulation for periods of up to 1 month has been found helpful in some patients that do not have signs of nerve irritation. Future injury is avoided by using back protection techniques during activities and support devices as needed at home or work.
- Lumbar Vertebrae
- There are 5 lumbar vertebrae. The lumbar vertebrae are situated between the thoracic vertebrae and the sacral vertebrae in the spinal column. The 5 lumbar vertebrae are represented by the symbols L1 through L5
- Meninges
- The three membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord (singular: meninx). The outside meninx is called the dura mater, and is the most resilient of the three. The center layer is the arachnoid membrane and the thin innermost layer is the pia mater. Inflammation of the meninges (meningitis) can occur due to bacterial infection.
- MRI
- Abbreviation and nickname for magnetic resonance imaging. For more information, see: Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Paul C. Lauterbur; Peter Mansfield. space Related health and medical articles
- Muscle
- Muscle is the tissue of the body which primarily functions as a source of power. There are three types of muscle in the body. Muscle which is responsible for moving extremities and external areas of the body is called "skeletal muscle." Heart muscle is called "cardiac muscle." Muscle that is in the walls of arteries and bowel is called "smooth muscle."
- Musculoskeletal
- of, relating to, or involving both musculature and skeleton
Detailed description
- Nerve
- A bundle of fibers that uses chemical and electrical signals to transmit sensory and motor information from one body part to another. See: Nervous system.
- Nervous system
- The sum total of the tissues that record and distribute information within a person, and does so by electrical and chemical means. The nervous system has two distinct parts -- central and peripheral. The central part is made up of the brain and spinal cord. Together they are the central nervous system (CNS). The peripheral part of the nervous system is said to be peripheral because it is outside the CNS. The function of the peripheral nervous system is to transmit information back and forth between the CNS and the rest of the body. The human nervous system contains approximately 10 billion nerve cells. These neurons are the basic building blocks of the nervous system. Neurons consist of the nerve cell body and various extensions from the cell body. These extensions, or processes, are the dendrites (branches off the cell that receive electrical impulses), the axon (the electrical wiring and conduit tube that conducts impulses), and specialized endings (terminal areas to transfer impulses to receivers on other nerves or muscles).
- Neurologic
- neu·ro·log·i·cal Pronunciation: neu·ro·log·ic : of or relating to neurology - neu·ro·log·i·cal·ly
- Pain
- A state of physical, emotional, or mental lack of well-being or physical, emotional, or mental uneasiness that ranges from mild discomfort or dull distress to acute often unbearable agony, may be generalized or localized, and is the consequence of being injured or hurt physically or mentally or of some derangement of or lack of equilibrium in the physical or mental functions (as through disease), and that usually produces a reaction of wanting to avoid, escape, or destroy the causative factor and its effects b : a basic bodily sensation that is induced by a noxious stimulus, is received by naked nerve endings, is characterized by physical discomfort (as pricking, throbbing, or aching), and typically leads to evasive action 2 pains plural : the protracted series of involuntary contractions of the uterine musculature that constitute the major factor in parturient labor and that are often accompanied by considerable pain
Detailed description
- Pectoralis
- Either of the muscles that connect the ventral walls of the chest with the bones of the upper arm and shoulder of which in humans there are two on each side: a : a larger one that arises from the clavicle, the sternum, the cartilages of most or all of the ribs, and the aponeurosis of the external oblique muscle and is inserted by a strong flat tendon into the posterior bicipital ridge of the humerus -- called also pectoralis major b : a smaller one that lies beneath the larger, arises from the third, fourth, and fifth ribs, and is inserted by a flat tendon into the coracoid process of the scapula -- called also pectoralis minor
- Posterior
- Situated behind: as a : situated at or toward the hind part of the body : CAUDAL b : DORSAL -- used of human anatomy in which the upright posture makes dorsal and caudal identical
- Posture
- pos·ture 1 : the position or bearing of the body whether characteristic or assumed for a special purpose 2 : a conscious mental or outward behavioral attitude
Detailed description
- Proprioception
- The reception of stimuli produced within the organism
- Rehabilitation
- re·ha·bil·i·ta·tion Usage: often attributive 1 : the action or process of rehabilitating or of being rehabilitated: as a : the physical restoration of a sick or disabled person by therapeutic measures and reeducation to participation in the activities of a normal life within the limitations of the person's physical disability b : the process of restoring an individual (as a convict or drug addict) to a useful and constructive place in society especially through some form of vocational, correctional, or therapeutic retraining 2 : the result of rehabilitating : the state of being rehabilitated
Detailed description
- Rotator Cuff
- A group of four tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint. Each of the four tendons hooks up to a muscle that moves the shoulder in a specific direction. The four muscles whose tendons form the rotator cuff are: * The subscapularis muscle, which moves the arm by turning it inward (internal rotation); * The supraspinatus muscle, which is responsible for elevating the arm and moving it away from the body; * The infraspinatus muscle, which assists the lifting of the arm during turning the arm outward (external rotation); * The teres minor muscle, which (like the infraspinatus) helps in the outward turning (external rotation) of the arm. Damage to the rotator cuff is one of the most common causes of shoulder pain.
- Sacral Vertebrae
- There are 5 sacral vertebral bones. They are represented by the symbols S1 through S5 and are situated between the lumbar vertebrae and the coccyx (the lowest segment of the vertebral column). The sacral vertebrae are normally fused to form the sacrum.
- Scapula
- The shoulder blade (or "wingbone"), the familiar flat triangular bone at the back of the shoulder. The word "scapula" (with the accent on the first syllable) is Latin. The Romans always employed the plural "scapulae", the shoulder blades. Because the shoulder blade resembles the blade of a trowel (a small shovel), the word "scapula" is thought to have come from the Greek "skaptein" meaning "to dig." The term "subscapular" means under (sub) the scapula. The subscapularis muscle originates beneath the scapula. This muscle moves the arm by turning it inward (internal rotation). The subscapularis muscle tendon is part of the rotator cuff. Main Entry: scap·u·la Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural scap·u·lae: either of a pair of large essentially flat and triangular bones lying one in each dorsolateral part of the thorax, being the principal bone of the corresponding half of the pectoral girdle, divided on the posterior surface into the supraspinous and infraspinous fossae by an oblique transverse bony process or spine terminating in the acromion, having a hook-shaped bony coracoid process on the anterior surface of the superior border of the bone, providing articulation for the humerus, and articulating with the corresponding clavicle -- called also shoulder blade
Detailed description
- Scapula of the Spine
- Main Entry: spine of the scapula Function: noun : a projecting triangular bony process on the dorsal surface of the scapula that divides it obliquely into the area of origin of parts of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles and that terminates in the acromion
Detailed description
- Sciatica
- Medical Author: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR Medical Editor: Kenneth Kaye, MD * What is sciatica? * What are causes of sciatica? * How is sciatica treated? * Sciatica At A Glance What is sciatica? Sciatica is pain resulting from irritation of the sciatic nerve. Sciatica pain is typically felt from the low back to behind the thigh and radiating down below the knee. The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body and begins from nerve roots in the lumbar spinal cord in the low back and extends through the buttock area to send nerve endings down the lower limb. What are causes of sciatica? While sciatica is most commonly a result of a disc herniation directly pressing on the nerve, any cause of irritation or inflammation of this nerve can reproduce the symptoms of sciatica. These cause include irritation of the nerve from adjacent bone, tumors, muscle, internal bleeding, infections, injury, and other causes. How is sciatica treated? Bed rest has been traditionally advocated for the treatment of sciatica. But how useful is it? To study the effectiveness of bed rest in patients with sciatica of sufficient severity to justify treatment with bed rest for 2 weeks, a research team in the Netherlands led by Dr. Patrick Vroomen randomly assigned 183 such patients to bed rest or, alternatively, to watchful waiting for this period. To gauge the outcome, both primary and secondary measures were examined. The primary outcome measures were the global assessments of improvement after 2 and 12 weeks by the doctor and the patient. The secondary outcome measures were changes in functional status and in pain scores, absenteeism from work, and the need for surgical intervention. Neither the doctors who assessed the outcomes nor those involved in data entry and analysis were aware of the patients' treatment assignments. The results, reported in The New England Journal of Medicine, showed that after 2 weeks, 64 of the 92 (70 percent) of the patients in the bed-rest group reported improvement, as compared with 59 of the 91 (65 percent) of the patients in the control (watchful- waiting) group. After 12 weeks, 87 percent of the patients in both groups reported improvement. The results of assessments of the intensity of pain, the bothersomeness of symptoms, and functional status revealed no significant differences between the two groups. The extent of absenteeism from work and rates of surgical intervention were similar in the two groups. The researchers concluded that: "Among patients with symptoms and signs of a lumbosacral radicular syndrome, bed rest is not a more effective therapy than watchful waiting." Sometimes conventional wisdom is not as wise as research! Other treatments for sciatica include addressing the underlying cause, medications to relieve pain and inflammation and relax muscles, and physical therapy. Sciatica At A Glance * Sciatica is a nerve pain from irritation of the sciatic nerve. * The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body. * Sciatica pain is typically felt from the low back to behind the thigh and radiating down below the knee. * Treatments for sciatica depend on the underlying cause and the severity. Reference: Patrick C.A.J. Vroomen, Marc C.T.F.M. de Krom, Jan T. Wilmink, Arnold D.M. Kester, J. Andre Knottnerus. Lack of Effectiveness of Bed Rest for Sciatica. N Engl J Med 1999; 340:418- 23.
- Shoulder
- A structure made up of two main bones: the scapula (shoulder blade) and the humerus (the long bone of the upper arm). The end of the scapula, called the glenoid, is a socket into which the head of the humerus fits, forming a flexible ball-and-socket joint. The scapula is an unusually shaped bone. It extends up and around the shoulder joint at the rear to create a roof called the acromion and around the shoulder joint at the front to constitute the coracoid process. The shoulder joint is cushioned by cartilage that covers the face of the glenoid socket and the head of the humerus. The joint is stabilized by a ring of fibrous cartilage around the glenoid socket that is called the labrum. Ligaments connect the bones of the shoulder and tendons join these bones to surrounding muscles. The biceps tendon attaches the biceps muscle to the shoulder and helps stabilize the joint. Four short muscles that originate on the scapula pass around the shoulder where their tendons fuse together to form the rotator cuff. The two main bones of the shoulder are the humerus and the scapula (shoulder blade). The joint cavity is cushioned by articular cartilage covering the head of the humerus and face of the glenoid. The scapula extends up and around the shoulder joint at the rear to form a roof called the acromion, and around the shoulder joint at the front to form the coracoid process The end of the scapula, called the glenoid, meets the head of the humerus to form a glenohumeral cavity that acts as a flexible ball-and-socket joint. The joint is stabilized by a ring of fibrous cartilage surrounding the glenoid called the labrum.
Detailed description
- Shoulder blade
- The familiar flat triangular bone at the back of the shoulder. Known familiarly as the wingbone or, medically, as the scapula. The word "scapula" (with the accent on the first syllable) is Latin. The Romans always employed the plural "scapulae", the shoulder blades. Because the shoulder blade resembles the blade of a trowel (a small shovel), the word "scapula" is thought to have come from the Greek "skaptein" meaning "to dig."
Detailed description
- Shoulder Joint
- Shoulder joint: The flexible ball-and-socket joint formed by the junction of the humerus and the scapula. This joint is cushioned by cartilage that covers the face of the glenoid socket and head of the humerus. The joint is stabilized by a ring of fibrous cartilage (the labrum) around the glenoid socket. Ligaments connect the bones of the shoulder, and tendons join these bones to surrounding muscles. The biceps tendon attaches the biceps muscle to the shoulder and helps stabilize the joint. Four short muscles that originate on the scapula pass around the shoulder, where their tendons fuse together to form the rotator cuff.
Detailed description
- Spinal Cord
- The major column of nerve tissue that is connected to the brain and lies within the vertebral canal and from which the spinal nerves emerge. Thirty-one pairs of spinal nerves originate in the spinal cord: 8 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 sacral, and 1 coccygeal. The spinal cord and the brain constitute the central nervous system (CNS). The spinal cord consists of nerve fibers that transmit impulses to and from the brain. Like the brain, the spinal cord is covered by three connective-tissue envelopes called the meninges. The space between the outer and middle envelopes is filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), a clear colorless fluid that cushions the spinal cord against jarring shock. Also known simply as the cord.
Detailed description
- Spine
- Spine: 1) The column of bone known as the vertebral column, which surrounds and protects the spinal cord. The spine can be categorized according to level of the body: i.e., cervical spine (neck), thoracic spine (upper and middle back), and lumbar spine (lower back). See also vertebral column. 2) Any short prominence of bone. The spines of the vertebrae protrude at the base of the back of the neck and in the middle of the back. These spines protect the spinal cord from injury from behind. space Related health and medical articles
Detailed description
- Tendon
- The tissue by which a muscle attaches to bone. A tendon is somewhat flexible, but fibrous and tough. When a tendon becomes inflamed, the condition is referred to as tendinitis or tendonitis. Inflamed tendons are at risk for rupture. Tendons are like ligaments in being tough, flexible cords. But tendons differ from ligaments in that tendons extend from muscle to bone whereas ligaments go from bone to bone as at a joint. Despite their tough fibrous nature, tendons and ligaments are both considered "soft tissue," that is soft as compared to cartilage or bone. The term "tendon" comes from the Latin "tendere" and the Greek "teinein." Both mean "to stretch." The Achilles tendon is a celebrated example of a tendon.
Detailed description
- Therapeutic
- ther·a·peu·tic: of or relating to the treatment of disease or disorders by remedial agents or methods
- Thoracic
- tho·rac·ic: of, relating to, located within, or involving the thorax - tho·rac·i·cal·ly /-i-k(schwa-)lemacron / adverb
- Thoracic Vertebrae
- The 12 thoracic vertebrae are situated between the cervical (neck) vertebrae and the lumbar vertebrae. The thoracic vertebrae are represented by the symbols T1 through T12. The thoracic vertebrae provide attachment for the ribs and make up part of the back of the thorax (the chest).
- Trunk
- 1 : the human body apart from the head and appendages : TORSO 2 : the main body of an anatomical part (as a nerve or blood vessel) that divides into branches
Detailed description
- Ultrasound
- Ultrasound What is an ultrasound? An ultrasound test is a radiology technique, which uses high- frequency sound waves to produce images of the organs and structures of the body. The sound waves are sent through body tissues with a device called a transducer. The transducer is placed directly on top of the skin, which has a gel applied to the surface. The sound waves that are sent by the transducer through the body are then reflected by internal structures as "echoes." These echoes return to the transducer and are transmitted electrically onto a viewing monitor. The echo images are then recorded on a plane film and can also be recorded on videotape. After the ultrasound, the gel is easily wiped off. The technical term for ultrasound testing and recording is "sonography." Ultrasound testing is painless and harmless. Ultrasound tests involve no radiation and studies have not revealed any adverse effects.
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