The Impact of Car Accidents on the Neck: What Really Happens Beneath the Surface
Understanding How Whiplash and Ligament Damage Can Lead to Spinal Instability
We’ve all heard the term “whiplash injury” — but few people really understand what’s happening inside the neck when it occurs. A new study published in the Journal of Contemporary Chiropractic titled “The Relationship Between Translational Movement of Cervical Vertebrae, Vertebral Subluxation, and Motor Vehicle Trauma” takes a closer look at what happens to the spine after a car accident — and why those effects often linger long after the crash.
What Happens During an Accident
When the head is suddenly forced forward and back, or side to side, the neck experiences rapid acceleration and deceleration. Even a “minor” fender bender can create forces strong enough to stretch or tear the ligaments that hold your vertebrae in place.
The study reviewed over 7,500 patient cases and found a clear pattern:
The C3–C5 region of the neck was the most vulnerable to abnormal sliding or “translational” movement.
These shifts were linked to ligament damage, nerve irritation, and foraminal narrowing — which can cause pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness.
Side-impact collisions tended to affect the upper neck (C1–C2), while rear-end impacts commonly injured C5–C7.
This kind of ligamentous injury can’t always be seen on a regular X-ray or MRI — but it can cause instability, where the vertebrae move beyond their normal range, disrupting nerve communication and leading to chronic issues over time.
Why This Matters for Chiropractic Care
Ligament damage is one of the most overlooked consequences of car accidents. When these supporting structures are injured, the spine can’t stabilize itself properly, and over time that can lead to vertebral subluxation — subtle misalignments that interfere with the nervous system’s ability to function optimally.
As chiropractors, we don’t just look for pain — we look for loss of stability and communication within the spine. By using detailed exams, imaging, and gentle adjustments, the goal is to restore normal movement, reduce neurological stress, and help your body rebuild balance after trauma.
Healing Is More Than Pain Relief
Pain after a crash is often just the surface symptom. True healing involves addressing the underlying structural and neurological changes that the body goes through after trauma.
When the spine moves properly again, the nervous system can recalibrate, allowing the body to begin the process of repair from the inside out.
Even low-speed collisions can create lasting effects on your neck’s ligaments and alignment. If you’ve been in an accident — even if you felt “fine” at first — it’s worth getting evaluated by a chiropractor trained in spinal biomechanics and post-trauma assessment.
At The Catalyst Spine Co., I focus on uncovering and correcting the root cause of instability so your body can heal fully — not just temporarily feel better.
Cielo, T. J., & Bourguignon, J. (2022). The Relationship Between Translational Movement of Cervical Vertebrae, Vertebral Subluxation, and Motor Vehicle Trauma. Journal of Contemporary Chiropractic.
