We see this every week.
Someone walks into our office after a car crash — still in pain after an MRI — and still frustrated. They were told it was “just soft tissue,” that nothing serious was found, and that they’d probably get better with time.
But here’s what we want you to know: if you’re still hurting, it’s not your fault — and it’s not your doctor’s fault either. It may simply be that the right test was never done.
MRI Can’t See Motion — And That’s the Injury Most People Miss
MRIs are excellent at spotting things like disc herniations, soft tissue tears, or other structural injuries. They give us a still image of the spine at rest. But most of the injuries that cause long-term pain after a crash aren’t structural — they’re mechanical. They involve movement.
The kind of injury we’re talking about here is called spinal instability. It happens when the ligaments that hold your spine together are damaged. When those ligaments become loose or torn, the bones of your spine can move too much during motion. That excessive movement is what irritates nerves, triggers inflammation, and leads to chronic pain.
And here’s the catch: MRIs don’t measure motion. That’s why this injury doesn’t show up.
How We Find What MRI Can’t
At our clinic, we combine structural and motion-based imaging to get the full picture. We use stress X-rays — taken while the spine is bending — to see how it actually moves. Then we use a precise test called CRMA™ (Computerized Radiographic Mensuration Analysis) to measure instability at each spinal level.
These are not guesses. They are measured findings from board-certified radiologists who specialize in spinal motion studies. This test is what helps us pinpoint why you’re still in pain — and where that instability is coming from.
If You’ve Had Imaging but Still Don’t Have Answers
You’re not crazy. You’re not exaggerating. And you’re not alone.
Spinal ligament injuries are one of the most underdiagnosed causes of chronic neck and back pain. But with the right tools, they’re not hard to find — and they’re not impossible to treat. Even if it’s been months since your accident, we can still evaluate your motion and help you get a clearer answer.
Bottom Line
An MRI can’t tell you everything — and that’s okay. Every test has its purpose. But if you’re still hurting and haven’t had your spine tested for instability, you might be missing the most important part of your diagnosis.
We’re here to help you find what others may have missed — and to finally help you get real answers.
If your pain doesn’t match your test results — let’s take a closer look.
Request a motion-based evaluation today.
www.chiropracticidahofalls.com
(208) 552-9886
