Massage Therapy Journal Spring 2024

Spring 2024 • 33

These joints allow for gliding and rotational movements between adjacent vertebrae and provide stability to the spine. Facet joints are considered diarthrotic joints. See Figure 5. Lumbosacral joint refers to the junction between the fifth lumbar vertebra (L5) and the sacrum, and is a specialized joint that allows for minimal movement, primarily in flexion and extension. The lumbosacral joint helps transfer forces between the lumbar spine and the pelvis. In Figure 6, the lumbosacral joint is where the tip of the pen is located . The three main ligaments in the spine are the ligamentum flavum, anterior longitudinal ligament (ALL) and posterior longitudinal ligament (PLL). The ALL and PLL are continuous bands that run from the top to the bottom of the spinal column along the vertebral bodies. See Figure 7 . The lumbar spine ligaments, their locations and functions are listed in the chart.

Figure 7

Vertebral Ligaments

Supraspinious ligament

Interspinous ligament

Anterior longitudinal ligament

Ligamenta ava

Posterior longitudinal ligament

Vertebral body

Intervertetebal disc

Designua / Shutterstock.com

Lumbar Spine Ligaments

Location

Function

Helps maintain the normal curvature of the spine and plays a role in preventing excessive flexion Helps prevent excessive extension of the spine

Within the vertebral canal, connecting the laminae of adjacent vertebrae

Ligamentum Flavum

Connects the anterior surface of the vertebral bodies Connects the posterior surface of the vertebral bodies within the vertebral canal

Anterior Longitudinal Ligament (ALL)

Helps prevent excessive flexion of the spine

Posterior Longitudinal Ligament (PLL)

Connects the tips of the spinous processes

Supraspinous Ligament

Helps to limit excessive flexion

Connect adjacent spinous processes along the length of the vertebral column Connect the transverse processes of adjacent vertebrae

Help limit excessive flexion and rotation of the spine

Interspinous Ligaments

Contribute to stability by limiting lateral flexion of the spine Provide stability to the lumbar spine and contribute to load transmission from the spine to the pelvis

Intertransverse Ligaments

Connect the fifth lumbar vertebra (L5) to the ilium bones of the pelvis

Iliolumbar Ligaments

Connect the sacrum to the lumbar vertebrae

Sacrolumbar Ligaments

Provide stability to the sacroiliac joint

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