Glossary

cervical vertebrae- neck bone

coccygeal vertebrae- tailbone region

disc herniation- “slipped disk”

intervertebral discs- the fluid-filled “pillows” between the spine

kyphosis- a forward bending of the thoracic vertebrae that often affects elderly people

lordosis- an exaggerated curvature of the lumbar vertebrae that usually affects 

               overweight people and pregnant women

lumbar vertebrae- lower back

osteoarthritis- chronic breakdown of cartilage in the joints

sacral vertebrae- hip region

scoliosis- when the spine curves sideways

thoracic vertebrae- chest region

vertebral subluxation- dysfunctional areas in the spine where movement is restricted or

bones (vertebrae) are out of alignment

load- weight supported by a structure or part