These structures are stable and elastic, therefore their injuries are extremely rare in modern medical practice. However, many people experience problems such as hypertrophy of the yellow ligaments. It is worth saying that most often thickening of structures is not dangerous. On the other hand, in some cases (especially when it comes to rapidly progressing hypotrophy), pathology can damage the nerve roots and compress the spinal cord.
That is why many people are interested in additional information. Why does thickening of the yellow ligaments occur? What symptoms should I look for? What therapy may be needed? The answers to these questions are useful to familiarize yourself with.
What is the yellow ligament of the spine?
To get started, it’s worth sorting out general information. Yellow ligaments (in Latin - ligamentum flava) are connective tissue structures that provide the connection of arches of neighboring 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 axial vertebra) and ending with the pelvic section. By the way, in the lumbar hotel the ligaments are the thickest.
These structures are considered the most durable, resilient, strong and resilient. Ligaments consist of yellowish fibro-elastic tissue. It is also worth noting that there is a huge amount of elastic fibers here: when stretched, 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 being squeezed.
The main causes of hypertrophy
Unfortunately, far from in all cases it is possible to find out why the yellow ligament thickens. It is proved that hypertrophy (to a moderate, non-hazardous degree) develops with age, because all tissues are involved in the aging process.
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 injuries, including cracks and fractures.
The mechanism of development of the disease
As already mentioned, hypertrophy of structures such as yellow ligaments is often caused by prolonged 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?
Actually the answer is very simple. Degeneration or trauma leads to a violation of the integrity of the vertebrae or joints between the vertebral arches. In this regard, the vertebrae become mobile, which leads to the activation of protective mechanisms. Ligaments thicken and increase in size, thus trying to compensate for spinal instability.
Thanks to hypertrophy, the fixation of the vertebrae is certainly enhanced. Nevertheless, the elasticity of the ligaments itself decreases, which often leads to compression of the nerve roots or spinal cord. Narrowing the spinal canal is already fraught with dangerous consequences.
Symptoms with moderate thickening of the yellow ligaments
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 nervous system.
Nevertheless, a rapidly growing yellow ligament can lead to stenosis of the spinal canal. In such cases, the main symptom is pain in the affected area. According to hypertrophy statistics, lumbar ligaments are more susceptible.
What is the danger of severe hypertrophy?
In most cases, a hypertrophic yellow ligament is not a threat. Nevertheless, this phenomenon is often exacerbated by other pathologies, in particular osteochondrosis and other degenerative processes. Together, these changes can lead to stenosis of the spinal canal, compression of the spinal cord and nerve roots.
In such cases, patients often complain of acute pain that spreads to the lower limbs and gluteal muscles. Perhaps a violation of the mobility of the legs, problems with the rotation of the body. In more severe cases, problems arise with urination and bowel movements.
Diagnostic measures
Hypertrophy of a structure such as a yellow ligament is often asymptomatic. The clinical picture is blurred, so laboratory and instrumental examinations are needed to make the correct diagnosis.
As a rule, on a radiological image, you can see a 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 the hypertrophy and whether there are any concomitant diseases, in particular osteochondrosis, hernia, displacement of the intervertebral discs , etc.
Hypertrophic Yellow Ligament: Medication
What to do if a patient has a similar pathology? Moderate hypertrophy without concomitant complications is not considered dangerous - in such cases, doctors recommend only adhering to the basic principles of a healthy lifestyle, follow a diet, limit the load on the spine, without giving up physical activity (you can do special types of gymnastics or swimming).
If patients turn to the doctor with complaints of pain, then after diagnosis, the specialist draws up an effective treatment regimen. Medicines, alas, are not able to eliminate the deformation or its cause. Nevertheless, the right medicines can help cope with discomfort.
Patients are usually prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, in particular Ibuprofen or Diclofenac. Such drugs relieve pain and block the further development of the inflammatory process. By the way, they are available not only in the form of tablets, but also in the form of external ointments, gels, and injectable solutions.
A 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 using novocaine blockade in the area of the strangulated nerve.
Often, a change in the structure of the spinal column is accompanied by muscle spasm, which, in turn, is the cause of severe pain and limitation of mobility. Muscle relaxants are used to relieve spasm.
Other treatments
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. For this purpose, a variety of treatments are used:
- physiotherapy, in particular electrophoresis and ultrasound, eliminates swelling and pain, accelerates metabolism;
- massage helps relieve spasm, improve blood flow and tissue trophism, strengthen the muscle corset, thereby relieving stress from the spine;
- manual therapy is carried out in order to eliminate displacement of the intervertebral discs, relieve pressure from the nerve endings (the procedure must be carried out by an experienced specialist, such treatment can be dangerous at home);
- therapeutic exercises, as regular, properly selected exercises help strengthen muscles and ligaments.
Of course, the treatment regimen is the attending physician. In most cases, the prognosis for patients is favorable.