2023-08-03 11:19:08
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[사진=클립아트코리아]There is a spinal disease that is accompanied by numbness in the hands and feet and urination disorders beyond simple symptoms of stiff neck. Posterior longitudinal ligament ossification is when the ligaments at the back that support the cervical vertebra become hard like bones and press the spinal cord. It is especially common in middle-aged men in their 50s and 60s.
The posterior longitudinal ligament is what supports the back of the vertebrae and the front of the spinal nerves in our body. In posterior longitudinal ligament ossification, the posterior longitudinal ligament becomes thick and hard like bone, which compresses the spinal nerve and causes neurological disorders.
Posterior longitudinal ligament ossification is often asymptomatic until it becomes severe, but there are cases in which patients complain of neck pain and pressure in the early stages. In addition, leg muscle weakness and paresthesia, gait disorder, and urination disorder appear. In severe cases, limbs may become paralyzed.
It is most common in people in their 50s and 60s and occurs more often in men with a male to female incidence ratio of 4 to 1. Posterior longitudinal ligament ossification can sometimes be detected on simple radiographs. However, CT and MRI scans are required for precise diagnosis. CT and MRI reveal the shape and size of ossified ligaments and the degree of spinal stenosis.
In general, there are no typical symptoms during the initial onset of posterior longitudinal ligament ossification. Since neurological signs and symptoms appear only when the spinal canal is narrowed by more than 65%, it is most often diagnosed at an advanced stage. In addition, since it is a progressive lesion in which the lesion gradually enlarges, it must be treated if there are neurological symptoms depending on the patient’s condition.
These degenerative diseases are closely related to lifestyle. Because the cervical vertebrae, which are part of the neck, are weak in enduring external shocks or unstable postures, it is important to maintain a correct posture to prevent posterior longitudinal ligament ossification. Correct posture of the spine can also slow down degenerative changes by giving less strain to the spine.
Choi Soo-yong, head of neurosurgery at Seran Hospital, said, “Refrain from excessive neck exercise, and avoid reading books while lying down and cutting high pillows, as they intensify the curvature of the neck.” Care should be taken as it can exacerbate degenerative diseases such as posterior longitudinal ligament ossification,” he emphasized.
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