Originally Posted by Neurochic

No offence to Leesa but I am also white and female and have OPLL so whilst it may be relatively rare, its not unheard of.

It was picked up when I had a brain and cervical spine MRI 4.5 years ago in connection with severe movement disorder conditions that I have.

I was actually slightly symptomatic for a couple of years before the MRI but the symptoms were so minor that they barely bothered me. They are worse now but still not bad enough for me to bother going back to have further testing or treatment. I also haven't bothered seeking further MRI scans to see how far down my spine the OPLL may be present.

I have discomfort and sometimes a bit of pain in my neck but the biggest practical problem is that I have a very limited ability to turn my head to the sides, to move my head up and down or to drop my head down to the sides towards my shoulders. It's worse when I try to turn to the right - my movement is extremely restricted. It's restricted to the left but its not as bad.

I have so many other problems that I just live with the OPLL. It can progress extremely slowly and never become a problem so don't assume it's going to need surgical intervention. It can also progress a very long way before it becomes symptomatic. Unless you have absolutely no other option, I think it is best not to bother with surgery.

By all means seek a second opinion but don't assume the diagnosis is wrong just because the research indicates its not common in women and white people.