Neck and back conditions caused by muscles, tendons and ligaments are typically short-lived sprains and strains that seldom require treatment by a spine surgeon.

There are exceptions, including repetitive stress and motion injuries that may eventually lead to degenerative neck and spine conditions. Also common is a whiplash injury, typically resulting from the force of a car accident or fall causing the neck to hyperextend forward and backward. Whiplash is often treated with medication to relax the muscles or by wearing a padded cervical collar that holds the neck stationary to enable healing to take place more quickly and prevent further injury. You can find additional information under neck injuries and disorders in MedlinePlus®, a joint effort of the National Institutes of Health and the National Library of Medicine.

Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament

The other notable exception Sutter spine surgeons see is a genetically linked condition that is most prevalent among Japanese patients and others of Asian decent. Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) literally means the ligament that runs along the back of the spine begins converting into a boney substance (ossifying). The posterior and anterior ligaments hold together the spinal structure and allow the back to bend. As the posterior ligament becomes less flexible, patients begin losing mobility and the ligament tightens, compressing the spine and putting pressure on the spinal cord. Because the pressure continues to increase, symptoms may develop so slowly that many patients are not aware they have the condition until it has advanced enough to cause spinal cord compression, causing weakness or numbness and tingling in the arms and legs, muscle stiffness, changes in walking gait, and other symptoms of myelopathy.

Sutter spine surgeons have treated many patients with OPLL and are experienced in diagnosing and treating the condition. In addition to a health information interview, diagnostic testing typically includes spinal X-ray, including upright and bending and motion studies where the patient is placed in different positions for X-rays; computed tomography (CT) scan of the spine; magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the spine, myelogram, electromyogram (EMG) and nerve conduction studies.

Treatment varies depending on the extent of the condition, as well as the patient's age and health. Following diagnosis, your doctor will discuss the available options, which may include surgical and minimally invasive procedures and nonsurgical treatments.