Word: spinal
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Dates: during 1980-1989
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...knows what causes multiple sclerosis, and there is no known cure for it. A degenerative disease of the central nervous system, MS destroys patches of myelin, the fatty tissue that forms a protective sheath around the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. This interferes with the flow of nerve impulses, much in the way that faulty insulation can cause electrical shortcircuits...
...other-a not infrequent occurrence -it puts unequal pressures on the spine. If certain of the vertebrae have failed to form properly, the result may be a pronounced sideways curve called scoliosis, a condition that causes disability and pain. Tumors can grow in the confined regions of the spinal column, pressing or pinching nerves. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the cushioning discs that act as shock absorbers between the vertebrae prematurely degenerate, losing their sponginess and eventually disappearing...
...sometimes even breaking through its surrounding wall of ligaments. The discs most likely to rupture are the one separating the two lowest lumbar vertebrae and the one separating the last lumbar from the sacrum, the next lowest region of the spine. The dislocated material often pushes against the spinal nerves, which are extremely sensitive to any pressure. The slightest movement, even a laugh, can trigger an excruciating wave of pain...
...facets of one vertebra line up precisely with those of adjoining vertebrae, creating smoothly functioning facet joints. But sometimes a facet dislocates; all it may take is a sudden twist or bend. The bone may begin to press on the tiny nerves that run to it from the spinal cord. Like a herniated disc, facet-joint syndrome can be accompanied by severe pain...
...York City's St. Luke's Hospital says that he can usually pinpoint the patient's problem from this ritual alone. He also points out that the pattern of pain is itself a diagnostic tool. Reason: the nerve pathways branching off different areas of the spinal cord have been so well mapped that any pain along them can be used to point back to the spinal injury...