Motor vehicle collisions (MVCs) can expose the neck and spine to rapid acceleration, deceleration, bending, and rotational forces. While muscle strains are common, the ligaments that stabilize the spine can also be injured. When these tissues are overstretched or damaged, excessive movement may develop, sometimes referred to as ligamentous laxity or instability.

Key Insight:

Spinal ligaments help control movement between vertebrae. Trauma can damage these supporting structures and potentially affect spinal stability. A thorough evaluation, including appropriate diagnostic imaging when indicated, can help identify injuries and guide treatment.

Ligaments are strong bands of connective tissue that connect bones and help prevent joints from moving beyond their normal limits. During an MVC, rapid movement of the head and neck can place significant stress on these tissues. Injuries can range from mild sprains to more significant damage affecting spinal stability.

Symptoms may include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, muscle guarding, tenderness, clicking, or pain with movement. Because these symptoms can occur with many neck injuries, a comprehensive evaluation is important.

Evaluation may include the collision mechanism, neurological examination, range of motion, orthopedic testing, and assessment of spinal function. When clinically indicated, diagnostic imaging may provide additional information about fractures, alignment, soft tissues, or other injuries that could affect treatment decisions.

Identifying instability is particularly important before treatment. Chiropractic manipulation is not appropriate over a region with suspected acute instability until serious ligament injury, fracture, and other contraindications have been appropriately evaluated.

When significant instability has been excluded and conservative care is appropriate, chiropractic treatment may include appropriately selected mobilization or manipulation, therapeutic exercise, soft tissue therapy, and stabilization exercises to improve movement and muscular support.

Persistent neck pain or concerns about stability following an MVC deserve appropriate evaluation. Combining a detailed examination with diagnostic imaging when indicated can help determine the structures involved and guide safer, individualized treatment.

Experiencing persistent neck pain after a motor vehicle collision? Contact our office today to schedule a comprehensive evaluation and discuss whether diagnostic imaging and an individualized treatment plan may be appropriate.

Contact Us:
Dr. Peter Britton, DC & Dr. Alyssa Lenox, DC
1111 N. Northgate Way
Seattle, WA 98133
Phone: 206-523-2225
Appointments can be made on our website: https://intouchwithhealthseattle.com/home

Sources:

• White AA III, Panjabi MM. Clinical Biomechanics of the Spine. 2nd ed.

• Vaccaro AR, Hulbert RJ, Patel AA, et al. The Subaxial Cervical Spine Injury Classification System. Spine.

• American College of Radiology. ACR Appropriateness Criteria: Acute Spinal Trauma.

• National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Spinal Injury: Assessment and Initial Management.