Why Whiplash Is More Than a “Neck Sprain”
If you’ve ever been in a car accident even a low-speed collision you’ve likely heard the term whiplash. It’s one of the most common causes of lingering neck pain, headaches, and dizziness.
But what most people (and even many doctors) don’t realize is that whiplash isn’t just a “muscle strain.” It’s often a ligament injury one that can’t be seen on standard imaging.
At DMX Miami, where we serve patients from South Miami, Miami-Dade County, Broward County, Fort Lauderdale, and across Florida, as well as those traveling from Central and South America and the Caribbean, we specialize in detecting hidden ligament damage that standard scans routinely miss.
Understanding What Happens During Whiplash
Whiplash occurs when the head and neck are suddenly forced backward and forward a motion that happens in milliseconds during a collision. This rapid acceleration and deceleration:
- Overstretches and tears cervical ligaments
- Disrupts normal vertebral alignment
- Strains muscles and joints that try to stabilize the head
While muscles often heal, ligaments don’t always repair completely, leaving the neck weak and unstable. This can result in ongoing symptoms like:
- Neck stiffness or pain that comes and goes
- Headaches or pressure at the base of the skull
- Dizziness or ringing in the ears
- Numbness or tingling in the arms
- Difficulty focusing or “brain fog”
Many patients experience these issues long after the accident, despite “normal” test results because traditional imaging doesn’t show the injury in motion.
Why Standard X-Rays and MRIs Fall Short
Standard X-rays and MRIs are static. They capture a single snapshot of your spine while you’re perfectly still. But ligament injuries often reveal themselves only when the neck moves such as during flexion, extension, or rotation.
This is why so many patients are told:
“Your scans look fine. It’s probably just soft tissue.”
In reality, the problem lies in micro-instability caused by ligament laxity excessive motion between vertebrae that you can’t see without dynamic imaging.
That’s where Digital Motion X-Ray (DMX) changes everything.
How Digital Motion X-Ray (DMX) Reveals Hidden Ligament Damage
DMX uses advanced fluoroscopy technology to record the neck while it’s moving, frame by frame. Instead of static pictures, DMX provides a dynamic view of how your spine behaves in real time.
At DMX Miami, our motion studies allow doctors to:
- Identify abnormal joint movement between vertebrae.
- Detect ligament laxity or instability.
- Evaluate the severity and location of injury.
- Correlate motion findings with symptoms.
This helps create an accurate diagnosis and guides targeted treatment whether that’s physical rehabilitation, stabilization therapy, or regenerative medicine.
The Hidden Long-Term Risks of Undiagnosed Ligament Injuries
When whiplash-related ligament injuries go undiagnosed, they can lead to long-term consequences:
- Chronic neck pain and stiffness.
- Postural problems and muscle fatigue.
- Degenerative arthritis and disc wear.
- Frequent headaches or dizziness.
- Neurological irritation and autonomic symptoms.
Many patients who visit DMX Miami after months or years of pain finally discover that the root cause was ligament instability all along not muscle tension or stress.
Who Should Consider a DMX Scan After an Accident
You should consider Digital Motion X-Ray if you’ve experienced:
- A recent car accident (even low-impact).
- Persistent headaches, neck pain, or upper back stiffness.
- Normal MRI or CT scans with unresolved symptoms.
- Clicking, popping, or grinding sensations when turning your head.
- Dizziness, blurred vision, or difficulty concentrating.
Our bilingual team (English and Spanish) provides diagnostic clarity for patients across Florida, the U.S., and Latin America who need answers after whiplash or trauma.
Why Patients Choose DMX Miami
Patients travel to DMX Miami because they’re tired of hearing “everything looks normal.” Our clinic provides:
- State-of-the-art Digital Motion X-Ray imaging.
- Detailed reports that pinpoint ligament instability.
- Collaboration with chiropractors, orthopedists, and rehabilitation specialists.
- Compassionate, bilingual care.
We help patients finally understand what’s wrong and start their path to real recovery.
Find the True Source of Your Whiplash Pain
If you’ve been in a car accident and still struggle with neck pain, headaches, or dizziness, the damage may not be visible on standard imaging. Digital Motion X-Ray (DMX) can reveal what others have missed and guide your next step toward healing.
Learn more: Treatment
Schedule your appointment today: Appointments
Call 305-275-7475 or book your appointment online
Dr. Rodolfo Alfonso, D.C.
Dr. Mark N. Berry, D.C.
Sunset Chiropractic and Wellness
8585 Sunset Dr. STE 102
Miami, Florida 33143