What is the yellow ligament of the spine and how does this tissue manifest hypertrophy?

These structures are stable and elastic, so their traumas in modern medical practice are extremely rare. Nevertheless, many people face such a problem as hypertrophy of the yellow ligaments. It is worth saying that most often the thickening of structures is not dangerous. On the other hand, in some cases( especially when it comes to rapidly progressive hypotrophy), pathology can lead to damage to the nerve roots and compress the spinal cord.

That's why many people are interested in more information. Why there is a thickening of the yellow ligaments? What symptoms should I pay attention to? What therapy may be needed? It is useful to get acquainted with the answers to these questions.

What is the yellow ligament of the spine?

To begin with it is necessary to understand the general information. Yellow ligaments( in Latin - ligamentum flava) are connective tissue structures that connect the arches of adjacent vertebrae. They are located along the entire length of the spine, starting from the base of the skull( except for the atlas and the axial vertebra) and ending with the pelvic department. By the way, it is in the lumbar ligament that the thickest.

These structures are considered to be the most durable, elastic, strong and elastic. Ligaments consist of a fibrous-elastic tissue of yellowish color. It should also be noted that there is a huge amount of elastic fibers: stretching, they can become four times longer. Ligaments provide support and stability of the spine, intervertebral discs and muscles, while simultaneously protecting the spinal cord and nerve roots from compression.

The main causes of hypertrophy

Unfortunately, it is by no means always possible to find out why the yellow ligament thickens. It is proved that hypertrophy( in moderate, non-dangerous degree) develops with age, because all tissues are involved in the aging process of the body.

It is also believed that changing ligaments is sometimes a consequence of degenerative or inflammatory diseases of the musculoskeletal system. The risk factors include hypothermia and severe overheating of the body. Hypertrophy of ligaments is sometimes associated with injuries, including cracks and fractures.

. Mechanism of development of the disease

. As already mentioned, the hypertrophy of structures such as the yellow ligaments is often caused by long-lasting inflammatory and degenerative processes. For example, the risk factors include osteochondrosis and spondyloarthrosis. To lead to a change in ligaments, trauma can also occur. Why is this happening?

In fact, the answer is very simple. Degeneration or trauma leads to a disruption in 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. The ligaments thicken and increase in size, thus trying to compensate for the instability of the spine.

Thanks to hypertrophy, the fixation of the vertebrae is certainly enhanced. Nevertheless, the elasticity of the ligaments is reduced, which often leads to compression of the nerve roots or spinal cord. Narrowing the spinal canal is fraught with dangerous consequences.

Symptoms with a moderate thickening of the yellow ligaments

It should be noted 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.

Nevertheless, the rapidly increasing size of the yellow ligament can lead to stenosis of the spinal canal. In such cases, the main symptom is pain in the affected area. According to the statistics of hypertrophy, lumbar ligaments are more likely.

What is dangerous pronounced hypertrophy?

In most cases, the hypertrophied yellow ligament 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 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. There may be a disruption in the mobility of the legs, problems with the torso turns. In more severe cases, there are problems with urination and defecation.

Diagnostic events

Hypertrophy of such a structure as the yellow ligament, often proceeds asymptomatically. The clinical picture is smeared, so laboratory and instrumental examinations are needed to establish the correct diagnosis.

As a rule, on the radiographic picture, one can see a narrowing of the spinal canal, a violation of the integrity or location of the vertebrae. A more accurate method of diagnosis is magnetic resonance imaging. This procedure allows you to assess the condition of not only yellow ligaments, but also nearby tissues, structures.

In the process of diagnosis it is extremely important to find out what exactly caused the hypertrophy and whether there are any accompanying diseases, in particular, osteochondrosis, hernia, displacement of intervertebral disks, etc.

Hypertrophic yellow ligament: treatment with medications

What if the patientfound a similar pathology? Moderate hypertrophy without concomitant complications is not considered dangerous - in such cases, doctors recommend only adhere to the basic principles of a healthy lifestyle, follow the diet, limit the burden on the spine, while not refusing physical activity( you can engage in special kinds of gymnastics or swimming).

If patients refer to a doctor with complaints of pain, then after diagnosis the specialist makes an effective treatment regimen. Medications, alas, are not able to eliminate deformation or its cause. Nevertheless, properly selected medications help to cope with discomfort.

Patients are generally prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, in particular "Ibuprofen" or "Diclofenac."Such drugs relieve pain and block the further development of the inflammatory process. They, by the way, are produced not only in the form of tablets, but also in the form of external ointments, gels, solutions for injections.

Strongly expressed pain syndrome is stopped with the help of analgesics, in particular "Baralgina" and "Analgin."In more severe cases, corticosteroids are used. Quickly remove the attack of pain can be with novocaine blockade in the zone of the strangulated nerve.

Often, the change in the structure of the spinal column is accompanied by muscle spasm, which in turn causes severe pain and limited mobility. To remove the spasm, muscle relaxant drugs are used.

Other therapies

The yellow ligament is an important component that ensures the integrity and mobility of the spinal column. It is therefore extremely important to restore the normal functioning of the ligaments and prevent developing stenosis. To this end, a variety of treatments are used:

• physiotherapy, in particular electrophoresis and ultrasound, provides elimination of swelling and pain syndrome, acceleration of metabolism;
• massage helps to remove spasm, improve blood flow and tissue trophism, strengthen muscle corset, thereby relieving the load from the spine;
• manual therapy is performed in order to eliminate the displacement of intervertebral discs, to relieve pressure from nerve endings( procedures should be performed by an experienced specialist, at home, such treatment can be dangerous);
• therapeutic gymnastics, as regular, correctly selected exercises help to strengthen muscles and ligaments.

Of course, the treatment scheme is the attending physician. In most cases, predictions for patients are favorable.