Etiology Ligaments are long, cordlike structures in the human body. In relation to the spine and back, ligaments are attached to all the bones and the disks. Ligaments are some where in consistency between bone and muscle, being not quite as soft as muscle, and not quite as hard as bone. Ligaments are connective tissue and come in various size cordlike bands.
Ligaments can be very short, or extremely long, depending on where they connect in the body.
Examples of short ligaments are those which run between the bones of the spine, and examples of longer ligaments are those that can run the entire length of the spine. Ligaments have many important functions in the human body in relation to the back and spine. Although the primary function of the ligaments is to hold the bones, disks and muscles in place to allow for a safe range of motion without danger of injury this is tied intricately with the fact of posture. Without proper posture, the bones, muscles, disks and ligaments are stressed and strained by improper positioning and movement and therefore open up the back and body to pain, injury and disease. Repeat actions using improper body mechanics can damage an entire side of the body, stretching the ligaments beyond their normal level of flexibility and support.