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columna means spine — a common term in Medical Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: March 14, 2026

🩺 Medical Spanish

columna

noun • /[ko-LOOM-na]/

spine

Example:

Tiene dolor en la columna.

He has pain in the spine.

🧠 What does columna mean?

In a medical context, 'columna' refers to the vertebral column, commonly known as the spine. It is the central axis of the skeleton, protecting the spinal cord and providing support for the body. This term is crucial when discussing conditions, injuries, or treatments related to the back and spinal health.

📚 Extra examples

  • El paciente sufre de dolor crónico en la columna vertebral.
    The patient suffers from chronic pain in the spine.
  • Se realizó una radiografía para evaluar el estado de la columna.
    An X-ray was taken to assess the condition of the spine.
  • La hernia discal puede afectar gravemente la columna.
    A herniated disc can severely affect the spine.
  • La fisioterapia es fundamental para la rehabilitación de la columna.
    Physical therapy is fundamental for spine rehabilitation.

💡 Did You Know?

The term 'columna vertebral' is the full Spanish phrase for 'vertebral column' or 'spine'. While 'columna' is often used as shorthand in medical discussions, 'columna vertebral' provides complete clarity.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "columna"

Synonyms: espina dorsal, vértebra

🔍 See more medical spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'spine' in Spanish?
The Spanish word for 'spine' is 'columna'.
How do you pronounce 'columna' in Spanish?
The pronunciation of 'columna' is koh-LOOM-nah. The stress is on the second syllable, 'LOOM'.
How do you use 'columna' in a sentence?
In medical Spanish, 'columna' is used to refer to the spine. For example, 'El médico examinó mi columna' (The doctor examined my spine).
What is the English translation of 'columna'?
While 'columna' can mean 'column' in general English, in a medical context, its direct translation is 'spine'.
Does 'columna' change for gender or number?
Yes, 'columna' is a feminine noun. In the plural form, it becomes 'columnas'.
Is 'columna' common in everyday Spanish?
The word 'columna' is commonly used in everyday Spanish to refer to a column of text or objects. However, its medical meaning, 'spine', is specific to health-related conversations.
Does 'columna' have slang or double meanings?
Outside of its general meaning ('column') and its specific medical meaning ('spine'), 'columna' does not have widespread slang or double meanings.
Is 'columna' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The use of 'columna' to mean 'spine' is consistent across both Spain and Latin America in medical contexts. The general meaning of 'column' is also universally understood.

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