- Sacral
- The base of the lumbar spine which connects the spine to the pelvis.
- Sciatica
- Irritation of the sciatic nerve which is the largest nerve in the body and travels down the legs.
- Scoliosis
- A curvature of the spine which occurs most frequently in young adolescent females.
- Screw
- Usually made of titanium and is placed in either the front or back of the spine.
- Sequestered Disc Fragment
- Occurs when a portion of the disc breaks off completely and pushes on the nerves to the arms or legs.
- Spina Bifida
- A congenital problem which occurs due to incomplete formation of the back of the spine.
- Spinal Fluid
- The clear fluid which surrounds the spinal cord and nerves in the spine.
- Spinal Cord
- The connection between the brain stem and the nerves which allows motion and sensation.
- Spinous Process
- The back of the spine bones; this can be felt through the skin.
- Spondylolisthesis
- A forward slippage of one vertebra on the other.
- Spondylolysis
- A stress fracture of the back of the spine. Occurs in the portion of the lamina known as the "pars interarticularis."
- Spondylosis
- Degenerative changes of a section of the vertebra.
- Stenosis
- Decreased space available for the nerves, usually due to arthritis.
- Syringomyelia
- The presence of cavities in the spinal cord.
- Syrinx
- A tubular, fluid-filled cavity in the spinal cord.
