These structures are stable and elastic, so their injuries in modern medical practice are extremely rare. However, many people are faced with such a problem as hypertrophy of the yellow ligaments. It is worth saying that most often the thickening of the structures is not dangerous. On the other hand, in some cases (especially when it comes to rapidly progressive malnutrition), pathology can damage the nerve roots and compress the spinal cord.
That's why many people are interested in more information. Why does thickening of the yellow ligaments occur? What are the symptoms to look out for? What kind of therapy might be needed? It is useful to read the answers to these questions.
What is the yellow ligament of the spine?
First of all, it is worth sorting out the general information. Yellow ligaments (in Latin - ligamentum flava) are connective tissue structures that connect the arcs of adjacent vertebrae. They are located along the entire length of the spinal column, starting from the base of the skull (the only exception is the atlas and the axial vertebra) and ending with the pelvic region. By the way, it is in the lumbar hotel of the ligamentthe thickest.
These structures are considered the most durable, resilient, strong and elastic. Ligaments consist of yellowish fibrous elastic tissue. It is also worth noting that it contains a huge amount of elastic fibers: stretching, they can become four times longer. Ligaments provide support and stability to the spine, intervertebral discs and muscles while protecting the spinal cord and nerve roots from pressure.
Main causes of hypertrophy
Unfortunately, not in all cases it is possible to find out why the yellow ligament thickens. It has been proven that hypertrophy (in a moderate, non-dangerous degree) develops with age, because all tissues are involved in the aging process of the body.
It is also believed that changes in ligaments are sometimes the result of degenerative or inflammatory diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Risk factors include hypothermia and severe overheating of the body. Ligament hypertrophy is sometimes associated with trauma, including cracks and fractures
The mechanism of development of the disease
As already mentioned, hypertrophy of structures such as the yellow ligaments is often due to long-term inflammatory and degenerative processes. For example, risk factors include osteochondrosis and spondylarthrosis. Injuries can also lead to a change in ligaments. Why is this happening?
The answer is actually very simple. Degeneration or injury leads to a violation of the integrity of the vertebrae or joints between the vertebral arches. For this reason, callsbecome mobile, which leads to the activation of protective mechanisms. The ligaments thicken and increase in size, thus trying to compensate for the instability of the spine.
Due to hypertrophy, fixation of the vertebrae is definitely enhanced. Nevertheless, the elasticity of the ligaments themselves decreases, which often leads to compression of the nerve roots or spinal cord. The narrowing of the spinal canal is already fraught with dangerous consequences.
Symptoms of moderate yellow ligament thickening
It is worth noting that in most cases such changes in the body are asymptomatic. Moderate hypertrophy is not considered dangerous, since it practically does not affect the functioning of the elements of the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system.
However, the rapidly growing ligamentum flavum can lead to spinal stenosis. In such cases, the main symptom is pain in the affected area. According to the statistics of hypertrophy, the lumbar ligaments are more susceptible.
What is the danger of pronounced hypertrophy?
In most cases, a hypertrophied ligamentum flavum is not a threat. Nevertheless, this phenomenon is often aggravated by other pathologies, in particular osteochondrosis and other degenerative processes. Together, these changes can lead to spinal stenosis, compression of the spinal cord and nerve roots.
In such cases, patients often complain of sharp pains that extend to the lowerlimbs and gluteal muscles. There may be a violation of the mobility of the legs, problems with turning the body. In more severe cases, problems with urination and defecation appear.
Diagnostic measures
Hypertrophy of a structure such as the yellow ligament is often asymptomatic. The clinical picture is blurred, so laboratory and instrumental examinations are needed to make a correct diagnosis.
As a rule, on the x-ray you can see the narrowing of the spinal canal, violation of the integrity or location of the vertebrae. A more accurate diagnostic method is magnetic resonance imaging. This procedure allows you to assess the condition of not only the yellow ligaments, but also nearby tissues and structures.
In the process of diagnosis, it is extremely important to find out what exactly caused hypertrophy and whether there are any concomitant diseases, in particular osteochondrosis, hernia, displacement of intervertebral discs, etc.
Hypertrophied ligamentum flavum: drug treatment
What to do if a patient has a similar pathology? Moderate hypertrophy without associated complications is not considered dangerous - in such cases, doctors recommend only adhering to the basic principles of a he althy lifestyle, following a diet, limiting stress on the spine, while not giving up physical activity (you can do special types of gymnastics or swimming).
If patients go to the doctor withcomplaints of pain, then after the diagnosis, the specialist draws up an effective treatment regimen. Medicines, alas, are not able to eliminate the deformation or its cause. However, the right medication can help manage the discomfort.
Patients are usually prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofen or Diclofenac. Such drugs relieve pain and block the further development of the inflammatory process. By the way, they are produced not only in the form of tablets, but also in the form of external ointments, gels, injection solutions.
Severe pain syndrome is stopped with the help of analgesics, in particular "Baralgin" and "Analgin". In more severe cases, corticosteroid drugs are used. You can quickly relieve an attack of pain with the help of novocaine blockade in the area of the pinched nerve.
Often, a change in the structure of the spinal column is accompanied by muscle spasm, which, in turn, causes severe pain and limited mobility. Muscle relaxants are used to relieve spasm.
Other Therapies
The yellow ligament is an important component that ensures the integrity and mobility of the spinal column. Therefore, it is extremely important to restore the normal functioning of the ligaments and prevent developing stenosis. A variety of treatments are used for this purpose:
- physiotherapy, in particular electrophoresis and ultrasound, provides elimination of swelling and pain, acceleration of metabolism;
- massage helps relieve spasm, improve blood flow and trophismtissues, strengthen the muscular corset, thereby relieving the load from the spine;
- manual therapy is performed in order to eliminate the displacement of the intervertebral discs, relieve pressure from the nerve endings (the procedure should be performed by an experienced specialist, at home such treatment can be dangerous);
- therapeutic gymnastics, as regular, well-chosen exercises help strengthen muscles and ligaments.
Of course, the treatment plan is made by the attending physician. In most cases, the prognosis for patients is favorable.
