However, we’ve also decided to list them alphabetically – so, even if you’re not sure where to find the page you’re looking for, you should be able to find it here...

Kyphosis

Kyphosis is the name given to the normal curvature of the upper back, or thoracic spine (looking at the spine from front to back, this curvature is concave). If, for some reason however, the curve becomes abnormally pronounced, the condition is referred to as hyperkyphosis – commonly known as dowager’s hump, or simply kyphosis. More >>>

Osteoarthritis

Most of the joints in the human body are designed to allow different bones to move, relative to each other. Where the bones meet (to form the joint), they are covered in a layer of smooth cartilage, designed to lower friction and reduce shock; in addition to this, most joints are lubricated by synovial fluid (similar in appearance to uncooked egg white). Osteoarthritis refers to a condition where the cartilage, and/or fluid, is damaged by wear and tear. More >>>

Osteoporosis

The term osteoporosis literally refers to a condition where the bones become porous; that is, holes begin to appear inside the bones. As a result of this, they become lighter, weaker, and more susceptible to fracture (the condition is also referred to as brittle bone disease). More >>>

Pins and Needles (Paraesthesia)

The term aesthesia comes from the Greek word aisthesis, meaning sensation; para means beside (or parallel) – hence, paraesthesia refers to a sensation that is slightly different to a ‘normal’ sensation. Paraesthesia is the medical term given to pins and needles. More >>>

Sciatica

The sciatic nerves are the largest in the human body – they run from the base of the lumbar spine, on either side, through the buttocks and down the back of the legs (they extend all the way to the feet). If the nerve-root becomes compressed, pain is often experienced – not only in the lumbar spine, but also radiating into the buttocks, hamstrings, and (occasionally) lower legs. The condition is referred to as sciatica, and it’s very common. More >>>

Scoliosis

Scoliosis refers to a condition where the spine (which is normally straight when viewed from the front or back) develops a lateral, or side-to-side, curve. The individual vertebrae also rotate towards the centre of the curve. If the main, scoliotic, curve is present in the thoracic spine (where the ribs are attached), this rotation will cause the rib-cage to distort. More >>>

Slipped Disc

The human spine is made up of individual vertebrae, or units of bone, that are stacked on top of each other. Intervertebral discs sit between these units of bone, acting as shock absorbers. If the spine becomes compressed for any reason, the pressure on one (or more) of the discs is increased. If the pressure becomes too great, the disc will start to bulge; eventually, it may even burst. More >>>