Aberration - deviation from the usual course or condition

Anomaly - marked deviation from the normal standard, especially as a result of congenital or hereditary defects

Anterior - front

Atlas - first cervical vertebra

Axis - second cervical vertebra

Cervical - first seven vertebrae (neck)

Coccyx - last bone of the vertebral column, formed by the union of four vertebrae, commonly called the tailbone

Congenital - existing at, and usually before, birth

Degeneration - deterioration which causes some degree of loss of original function 

Disc - the mass of fibrocartilage between adjacent surfaces of most vertebrae

Dorsal/Thoracic - twelve vertebrae of the mid-back which attach to ribs

Extension - a straightening out or moving of parts away from each other

Flexion - the act of bending

Inflammation - morbid tissue reaction producing symptoms of swelling, heat, redness or disordered function; a localized protective response elicited by injury or destruction of tissues, which serves to destroy, dilute, or wall off both the injurious agent and the injured tissue.

Lateral - side

Lumbar - five vertebrae of the low back

Nerve - a cordlike structure, visible to the naked eye, comprising a collection of nerve fibers which convey impulses between a part of the central nervous system and some other region of the body

Oblique - slanted; x-rays taken at 45 degree angle

Posterior - back or behind

Sacrum - a curved triangular bone composed of five united (or fused) vertebrae situated below the fifth lumbar

Sprain - joint injury in which the ligaments are stretched or lacerated

Strain - overstretching or overexertion of muscles

Subluxation - misalignment of a vertebra or vertebrae putting pressure on nerve supply

Vertigo - an illusion of movement; a sensation as if the external world were revolving around the patient

Vertebra - one of the 33 bones forming the spinal or vertebral column

Vertebrae - the plural for vertebra