Ligaments are strong fibrous bands that bind the skeleton together. The ligaments of the spine hold the vertebral bones together, stabilize the spine, and protect the disks. The two major ligaments are the anterior longitudinal ligament and the posterior longitudinal ligament. These continuous bands run from the top to the bottom of the spine along the vertebral bodies, providing a structure to prevent excessive movement of the vertebral bones. This is essential, considering that the major nerves of the body run through the spine. The ligamental structure is powerful, but in a weakened or continually stressed state, it cannot support the spine.