After a car accident, one of the most common things I hear is “My X-rays came back normal, but I still don’t feel right.” Standard X-rays are great at finding fractures. They’re not designed to show ligament injury. That takes a different kind of look. Here’s how we look for possible ligament damage on X-ray.
Ligaments hold each vertebra in place
Spinal ligaments keep each vertebra lined up with the ones above and below it. When those ligaments are stretched or torn, a vertebra can slide forward, backward or side to side more than it should.
Motion X-rays: flexion and extension
To see that extra movement, we take X-rays with your head bent forward (flexion) and tilted back (extension). PostureRay then measures how far each vertebra slides and angles between the two positions.
The AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment uses specific thresholds for this: translation (slipping) of more than 3.5 mm, or angular motion more than 11° greater than the neighboring levels. Findings past those thresholds are called alteration of motion segment integrity, and they can be consistent with ligament injury.
Why this matters for your personal injury case
If you’ve been in a car accident, documenting these findings early matters, both for your care and for your case. We provide a detailed report your attorney can use. Learn more about whiplash and concussions and how we work with car accident and personal injury patients.
Want to know exactly where your spine stands? Your first visit includes a full exam, and X-rays when your exam shows a reason for them. Schedule your first visit or call (941) 259-2229.
About Dr. Alex Lee
Dr. Alex is a Life Chiropractic College West graduate and former D1 baseball player who owns Circadian Chiropractic & Sport in Sarasota, Florida. He helps families and athletes in Sarasota, Bradenton, and Lakewood Ranch.
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