Posterior Longitudinal Ligament

The posterior longitudinal ligament, anterior longitudinal ligament, and ligamentum flavum are three extremely important components of the spinal anatomy. Ligaments are dense bands of fiber that are responsible for connecting the anatomical components together and preventing excessive mobility. The posterior longitudinal ligament begins near the axis and extends all the way to the sacrum near the pelvis. This long, thick ligament is behind the spinal cord and runs the length of the spinal canal.

Throughout the body, ligaments stabilize and connect bones, soft tissue, cartilage, and other anatomical materials that otherwise need to be adjoined. Within the spinal column, the ligaments have the very important job of connecting the vertebrae and making sure the spine is equipped to support the body’s weight, while also allowing the flexibility that we require from our back and neck. The posterior longitudinal ligament is one such ligament that extends the entire length of the spinal canal and limits the flexion in our spine for good reason.

Potential Conditions

As we grow older, the ligaments of the spine can also cause chronic back and neck pain, as well as other symptoms, because they can gradually calcify or become strained. Ligament calcification often results in a condition known as spinal stenosis, where the spinal canal is narrowed and the cord or nerve roots become constricted. Some of the symptoms associated with this condition include:

• Local pain
• Traveling pain
• Muscle weakness
• Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs
• Soreness or stiffness
• A pins-and-needles feeling

Learn More

If you are suffering from back or neck pain that doesn’t seem to subside after a few days, it’s a good idea to visit with your doctor for a checkup. While minor ligament sprains are extremely common, degenerative spine conditions can contribute to pain as we grow older and it pays to visit a specialist.