Torn Ligaments After a Car Accident: What You Need to Know

By Dr. Lisa Owen • Chiropractor Downtown Miami • Westside Chiropractic Center

A car accident—even at low speeds—damages more than just muscle. The force often stretches or tears the ligaments that stabilize your spine, and sometimes also damages the brainstem. Because these torn ligaments and other soft tissue injuries are not invisible on standard X-rays, many victims, doctors, and attorneys often overlook how serious the damage truly is.

Why Ligaments are Different

Unlike muscles, ligaments heal by forming disorganized scar tissue that rarely returns to full strength. According to a 2019 review in Clinical Medicine & Research, untreated ligament damage often leads to chronic joint degeneration, early-onset arthritis, and permanent functional impairment.

The Brain Stem Connection

Ligament damage in the upper neck is particularly concerning. If the stability of the upper cervical spine is compromised, it can affect the brain stem, leading to severe issues if left untreated, including:

-Vision and hearing disturbances

–Breathing and heart rate irregularities

-Chronic headaches and nerve irritation

-Disrupted nerve flow and systemic inflammation

-Brain Fog

-Loss of sense of smell

Currently, only 33% of auto injury patients receive chiropractic care, leaving the majority with treatments that aren’t very effective.

Diagnostic Testing

Our downtown chiropractic office ensures that every auto injury patient has a complete orthopedic and neurological examination, including cranial nerve function, flexion/extension X-rays, Video Fluoroscopy of the cervical spine, and or CT scan of the brain stem if necessary. This ensures proper documentation and an effective treatment plan.

Chiropractic care is the most effective approach for soft tissue injuries because it restores alignment and improves joint motion. Research confirms that chiropractic treatment leads to significantly better long-term outcomes than rest or medication alone. Leaving nearly 100% of chiropractic patients feeling satisfied with their treatment following auto accidents.

Let Us Handle the Stress

Let us handle the paperwork for you. At our Downtown Miami office, we happily work with your attorney, or we can connect you with trusted legal associates to handle your claim if necessary.  Transportation is provided for Personal Injury patients.