When the MRI Is “Normal” but the Pain Is Real
Thousands of patients across South Miami, Miami-Dade County, Broward County, and Fort Lauderdale live with chronic neck pain. Many undergo MRIs and are told everything looks “normal” but their symptoms don’t go away.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. One of the most common reasons for this frustrating situation is cervical ligament instability a hidden mechanical problem that standard MRI scans often fail to detect.
At DMX Miami, we regularly see patients from Florida, the U.S., and across Central and South America and the Caribbean who have been searching for answers for months or even years. For many of them, Digital Motion X-Ray (DMX) is the turning point that finally reveals the real cause of their neck pain.
The Missing Piece: Ligament Instability
Your cervical spine is stabilized by a network of strong ligaments, including the alar, transverse, and capsular ligaments. These structures keep the vertebrae properly aligned during movement.
When these ligaments become stretched, torn, or weakened often after trauma like whiplash, sports injuries, or repeated micro-strain they can no longer hold the vertebrae stable. This results in micro-instability that:
- Irritates nearby nerves and tissues
- Causes persistent tightness or aching
- Leads to headaches, dizziness, or jaw pain
- Gets worse with movement or at the end of the day
Because this instability occurs when the neck moves, static MRI images don’t capture it.
Why Standard MRI Doesn’t Show Instability
MRI is an excellent tool for detecting disc herniations, fractures, tumors, and other structural problems but it’s always performed while you’re lying completely still.
This means it cannot reveal:
- Abnormal shifting of vertebrae during motion
- Stretching or laxity in ligaments
- Early stages of mechanical instability
- Subtle movement-related irritation causing symptoms
So even if your MRI is “normal,” your pain can still be very real it’s just coming from something the MRI isn’t designed to see.
How Digital Motion X-Ray Changes the Picture
Digital Motion X-Ray (DMX) is a powerful imaging technology that uses dynamic fluoroscopy to record your cervical spine in real time, during movement.
This allows us to detect ligament instability that static imaging misses. With DMX, we can:
- Identify abnormal gapping or shifting between vertebrae
- Assess upper cervical instability (especially C0–C2)
- Reveal ligament injuries that occurred months or years earlier
- Provide clear, actionable findings for treatment
For many patients, it’s the first time they’ve actually seen the source of their pain.
Common Symptoms of Ligament Instability Missed by MRI
Many patients who come to DMX Miami experience symptoms such as:
- Persistent neck pain or stiffness
- Pressure at the base of the skull
- Dizziness, brain fog, or ear fullness
- Pain radiating into the shoulders or arms
- Headaches or jaw discomfort
- Pain that worsens after sitting or working at a desk
These symptoms are often labeled as “nonspecific” or “unexplained” because the MRI doesn’t show a clear problem.
Why Patients from Florida and Abroad Choose DMX Miami
Our clinic in South Miami is a trusted referral center for patients throughout:
- 📍 Broward County, Fort Lauderdale, and the rest of Florida
- 🇺🇸 The United States
- 🌎 Central and South America (Colombia, Mexico, Argentina, Chile)
- 🌴 The Caribbean
They choose DMX Miami because:
- We uncover ligament damage other tests miss
- Our reports guide proper treatment planning
- We offer bilingual care (English and Spanish) for international patients
- We focus on precision diagnostics, not guesswork
The Importance of Early Detection
Cervical ligament instability doesn’t just go away on its own. Over time, it can lead to worsening pain, loss of mobility, headaches, and neurological symptoms. Identifying the problem early with DMX allows for targeted rehabilitation and improved outcomes.
Many patients finally feel validated when they see their instability on DMX imaging understanding that their pain isn’t “in their head.”
Get the Answers You Deserve
If your MRI has come back “normal” but your neck pain hasn’t improved, it may be time to look deeper. Digital Motion X-Ray at DMX Miami can reveal the hidden ligament damage that’s been missed.
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