A 'yellow ligament' in your spine acts like a powerful elastic band to help you stand up straight.

The ligamentum flavum is a unique series of ligaments that connect the laminae of adjacent vertebrae from the second cervical vertebra to the first sacral segment. Its name is derived from the Latin word 'flavus' meaning yellow, which reflects its distinct color due to a high concentration of elastic fibers. In fact, this tissue is composed of approximately 80% elastin and only 20% collagen, making it the most elastic tissue in the human body.Research published in the Journal of Anatomy highlights that this high elastin content allows the ligament to stretch up to 35% to 60% of its resting length without sustaining damage. This elasticity is crucial for maintaining the upright posture of the human spine and assisting the back muscles in returning the trunk to a neutral position after flexion. Because it is under constant pretension, it prevents the ligament from folding or buckling into the spinal canal during extension, which could otherwise cause nerve compression.Clinical studies, such as those conducted at the Cleveland Clinic, emphasize that as humans age, the elastin-to-collagen ratio can shift. This process, known as hypertrophy or thickening of the ligamentum flavum, is a leading cause of spinal stenosis in older adults. When the ligament loses its 'snap' and thickens, it can narrow the spinal canal and press on nerves, illustrating how vital its elastic properties are for daily mobility and spinal health.