If you’re suffering from unexplained neck pain, dizziness, headaches, or brain fog, you may have been told to get an upright MRI or a Digital Motion X-Ray (DMX).
Both tests sound advanced. But which one is better for detecting cervical instability, especially at the C0–C1–C2 level?
At DMX Miami, we specialize in helping patients who’ve had normal scans and failed diagnoses, yet still suffer from symptoms. In this blog, we’ll compare DMX vs. Upright MRI so you can make the most informed choice for your health.
What Is Cervical Instability?
Cervical instability refers to excessive or abnormal movement between the vertebrae of the neck, often caused by:
- Ligament laxity (stretched or torn ligaments)
- Trauma (whiplash, concussion, fall, sports injury)
- Chronic postural stress
- Connective tissue disorders (like EDS)
Symptoms of cervical instability include:
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Dizziness or imbalance
- Head pressure or brain fog
- Clicking, popping, or cracking with movement
- Visual or sensory disturbances
- Vagal symptoms like nausea, heart rate issues, or fatigue
These symptoms often don’t appear on traditional MRI or CT scans, especially if the instability only shows up during motion.
What Is Digital Motion X-Ray (DMX)?
DMX is a fluoroscopic X-ray video that captures your spine in real-time motion recording 30 frames per second as you gently move your neck.
DMX shows:
- Vertebral movement in flexion, extension, rotation, and lateral bending
- Abnormal motion between vertebrae
- Alar and transverse ligament laxity
- Upper cervical instability that causes neurological symptoms
Key advantage: DMX is a functional, movement-based test designed to replicate the exact motions that cause your symptoms.
What Is Upright MRI?
Upright MRI is a version of MRI that allows imaging in seated or semi-weightbearing positions.
It may show:
- Minor postural changes
- Disc bulging under gravity
- Slight misalignment compared to lying MRI
However, upright MRI is still static it does not capture real-time motion, and cannot evaluate joint behavior during movement. It also does not test ligament tension or instability under dynamic stress.
Comparison Chart: DMX vs. Upright MRI
| Feature | DMX | Upright MRI |
| Spine imaged in motion? | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Detects ligament instability? | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Shows vertebral movement patterns? | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Real-time video of joint function? | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Soft tissue visualization? | ❌ Limited | ✅ Yes |
| Ideal for diagnosing instability? | ✅ Best option | ⚠️ Limited |
When to Choose DMX Over Upright MRI
DMX is the better option if you:
- Have neurological symptoms with normal brain scans
- Feel worse with head movement or posture changes
- Have suspected C0–C1–C2 instability
- Are planning regenerative therapy like PRP or stem cells
- Have symptoms like dizziness, light sensitivity, or brain fog that worsen during activity
- Have failed upright MRI or standard MRI with no diagnosis
Upright MRI may be helpful for observing disc position under gravity, but it simply cannot detect instability during motion.
Who We Serve at DMX Miami
We help patients from:
- Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Tampa, and South Florida
- Across the U.S. (California, Texas, New York, Illinois)
- Europe (UK, Spain, Germany, France)
- Latin America & the Caribbean (Colombia, Puerto Rico, Panama, Dominican Republic)
We offer:
- English & Spanish-speaking staff
- Concierge scheduling
- Reports + motion video for your care team
- Coordination with neurologists, chiropractors, and regenerative specialists
Using DMX for Treatment Planning
DMX helps guide:
- Regenerative injections (PRP, stem cells, prolotherapy)
- Upper cervical chiropractic care
- Rehabilitation and bracing strategies
- Legal documentation in injury or auto cases
Still Undiagnosed? Choose the Test That Moves With You.
If upright MRI didn’t give you answers or if you’re ready to get to the root cause of your symptoms DMX may be the missing link.
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
305-275-7475
Schedule Your DMX Today
You’ve been searching for answers. Now you can see the cause of your symptoms in motion.
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Call 305-275-7475
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