What does Flavum thickening mean?

What does Flavum thickening mean?

Ligamentum flavum hypertrophy is a condition in which the ligamentum flavum (LF) thickens due to stresses placed on the spine. With hypertrophy, ligamentum flavum (LF) increases in thickness (size). The thicker it becomes, the higher the risks of compressing the spinal cord or spinal nerves.

What causes thickening of the ligamentum flavum?

Ligamentum flavum can lose strength and elasticity, causing it to thicken and buckle towards the spinal column this is due to loss of elastic fibers which at same time increase in the thickness of collagen fibers ,These events cause deposition of Ca+2 in the ligament.

Is ligamentum flavum painful?

The reason for this is that often central stenosis is caused by thickening of a ligament running behind the nerves known as the ligamentum flavum. When the patient stands, causing straightening of the spine, the ligamentum flavum buckles and pushes in on the spinal nerves, resulting in pain to the lower extremities.

What does thickening of a ligament mean?

When you’re young, the ligaments of your spine are typically flexible and strong. As you get older, you can develop hypertrophy, a condition that describes ligament thickening. Hypertrophy can also progress into a hardening of the ligaments, a condition known as ossification.

Why is the ligamentum flavum important?

The function of the ligamentum flavum is to maintain upright posture. It helps to preserve the normal curvature of the spine and to straighten the column after it has been flexed. However, the elasticity of the ligamentum flavum decreases with age, and this may be associated with hypertrophy and buckling.

What does the ligamentum flavum do?

Should I see a neurologist for spinal stenosis?

If your primary care doctor thinks you have spinal stenosis, he or she may refer you to a doctor who specializes in disorders of the nervous system (neurologist). Depending on the severity of your symptoms, you may also need to see a spinal surgeon (neurosurgeon, orthopedic surgeon).

Is gabapentin good for spinal stenosis?

Gabapentin is an antiepileptic drug originally intended for seizures. It’s most effective for treating neuropathic back pain caused by disk herniation and consequent sciatica, as well as spinal stenosis, diabetic neuropathy, and postherpetic neuralgia.

Do cortisone shots help spinal stenosis?

When epidural steroid injections are used. Epidural steroid injections may help relieve pain stemming from conditions such as spinal stenosis, foraminal stenosis, disc herniation, or degenerative disc disease.