The present invention concerns a flexible connecting element for implantation into the human or animal body and especially for stabilizing the spine with a first rod (1), which has at least one flexible section (4) and at least two connecting sections (2,3). At least one part of the flexible section includes a property adjustment element (5), such as a flexible element or a stabilization element, which is arranged outside the cross-section of the first rod and connected to the first rod at a first location (6,7,8).