As every back pain is different, the possible questions are endless.  Rather than attempt to answer all those questions, this section defines the many terms used around back pain to assist communication and understanding. 

Ankylosing spondylitis - An inflammatory degenerative disease of the spine that creates permanent stiffening.  
CAT Scan - A three dimensional x-ray that allows slices of the body to be seen.
Degenerative disc disease - Age and wear related degeneration that thins the intervertebral disc
Fibromyalgia - A systemic disease characterised by tenderness in muscles, fatigue and poor sleep.
Kyphosis - The normal forward curve of the thoracic part of the spine
Laminectomy - Surgical removal of the lamina of the spinal ring.  Used to decompress the area when a bulge is compressing a nerve root.
Lordosis - The normal back curve of the neck and low back.
Lumbago - A broad term to describe low back pain that is not often used anymore.
Manipulation - A forceful thrust that moves a joint beyond its normal range
Mobilisation - Rhythmical repeated movements of a joint.
MRI - Magnetic Resonance Imaging offers visualisation of bones and soft tissues at multiple angles through the body.
Myelogram - Injection of dye to allow visualisation on x-ray of any compression on the spinal cord

Frequently Asked Questions

Osteophyte - An outgrowth of bone, usually in response to increased pressure in the area.
Osteoporosis - A thinning of the bones making them more susceptible to fracture.
Retrolisthesis - A backward slip of a vertebra on the one below
Sciatica - The sensation of pain running down the back of the leg
Scoliosis - A sideways curvature of the spine.  Present in 80% of the population, but is of concern when extreme.
Slipped Disc - An erroneous term as disc's cannot slip, however they can prolapse, herniate or rupture.
Spondylosis - Osteoarthritis of the spine
Spondylolysis - A stress fracture of the pars of the spine
Spondylolisthesis - A forward slip of one vertebra on another, often secondary to a spondylolysis.
Torticollis - A twisted neck.  A short-lived condition often occurring due to muscle spasm.
Trigger Point - A sensitised pain nerve ending, usually located in muscle and felt as a "knot."
Whiplash - The mechanism of injury often experienced by the neck in a motor vehicle accident.