Clinical image of anterior longitudinal ligament syndrome - an interdisciplinary problem.

INTRODUCTION: Approximately 1.5-2.5% of all patients treated due to discopathy have anterior longitudinal ligament lesions. An intervertebral disc moving under the anterior longitudinal ligament causes ligament displacement and irritation of the autonomic nervous system structures, resulting in a disturbed function of the organs controlled by this system. Clinical image: Increased sympathetic system activity in the thoracic section may cause symptoms that mimic coronary heart disease while irritation of the autonomic structures in the lumbosacral section of the spine results in a clinical presentation similar to that of gastrointestinal or gynecological disorders. The clinical image of the most common disorders is presented. The diagnosis may be formulated with the use of magnetic resonance imaging.

TREATMENT: pharmacotherapy is ineffective. Physiotherapy and rehabilitation constitute a method of choice in the treatment of this syndrome.