Back pain is a widespread issue, often brushed off as muscle strain or poor posture. Yet persistent discomfort may signal a far graver condition: ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) in the thoracic spine, which can escalate from mild symptoms to paralysis if ignored.
The posterior longitudinal ligament, a structure safeguarding the spinal cord along the spine’s posterior aspect, can thicken and calcify in OPLL, compressing neural tissue. Initially, this process may unfold without symptoms, progressing silently. As the ossified ligament impinges on the spinal cord, patients may develop back pain, leg numbness, sensory disturbances, or muscle weakness.
Predominantly affecting those in middle age or older, OPLL often goes unnoticed until symptoms emerge, by which point the condition may be advanced. The subtle, vague onset of symptoms can delay medical consultation, underscoring the need for prompt evaluation when back pain persists or leg numbness appears.
Accurate diagnosis hinges on advanced imaging, such as CT or MRI, to evaluate the degree of ossification and spinal cord compression. Treatment varies by disease stage. Early cases may respond to medications, physical therapy, or rehabilitation exercises to alleviate symptoms and slow progression.
In severe cases—marked by significant nerve compression, gait impairment, or advancing paralysis—surgery is often required. These procedures aim to decompress the spinal cord and prevent further damage, with sustained rehabilitation critical for recovery.
Early detection of OPLL can markedly improve outcomes, slowing progression and averting severe complications. Individuals with persistent back pain or sensory changes in the legs should seek specialist evaluation without delay for precise diagnosis and tailored treatment.
Kim Kuk Ju, HEALTH IN NEWS TEAM
press@hinews.co.kr