The Lower Back - Ligaments

What are ligaments?

The ligaments are strong fibrous bands that hold the vertebrae together, stabilise the spine, and protect the discs.

The system of ligaments in the vertebral column, combined with the tendons and muscles, provides a natural brace to help protect the spine from injury. 

Ligaments aid in joint stability during rest and movement and help prevent injury from hyperextension and hyperflexion (excessive movements).

The three major ligaments of the spine are the ligamentum flavum, anterior longitudinal ligament (ALL), and posterior longitudinal ligament (PLL) (Fig. 7). 

• The ALL and PLL are continuous bands that run from the top to the bottom of the spinal column along the vertebral bodies. 

• They prevent excessive movement of the vertebral bones. 

• The ligamentum flavum attaches between the lamina of each vertebra.

• Interspinous ligament: Connects the spinous processes of adjacent vertebrae.

• Supraspinous ligament: Connects the tips of adjacent spinous processes.

• Intertransverse ligaments: connects the tips of the adjacent transverse processes

The lumbosacral joint (between L5 and S1 vertebrae) is strengthened by the iliolumbar ligaments. These are fan-like ligaments radiating from the transverse processes of the L5 vertebra to the ilia of the pelvis.