Cervical spondylosis and ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament: Case report of a Caucasian patient

The incidence of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) may be under-reported in non-oriental individuals. Osteoarthritic degeneration, cervical radiculopathy and cervical myelopathy, complications commonly associated with OPLL, may be perpetuated by varying individual degrees of compression of the spinal cord and local nerve roots, local vertebral venous hypertension and segmental spinal dysfunction. Possible maintenance and/or restoration of normal physiological, neurological and vascular process within the spinal canal and functional integrity of the spine using spinal manipulative therapy and mobilising techniques in the chiropractic setting may interrupt these self-perpetuating degenerative processes and reduce the progression or occurrence of these conditions associated with OPLL. The case of a 65-year-old Caucasian who presented to a chiropractor with OPLL, cervical spondylosis and subjective sensory disturbances into the right hand is presented.