THE LOWER CERVICAL AREA

During a collision the head is thrown rapidly:

  1. Hyperextension (backward)

  2. Hyperflexion (forward)

This rapid motion can occur in less than 300 milliseconds, faster than muscles can protect the neck.

The result may include injury to:

• Cervical ligaments (sprain), which takes 2-3 months to heal
• Muscles and tendons (strain), which takes 4-6 months to heal
• Facet joints
• Intervertebral discs
• Nerves exiting the cervical spine
• Fascia and connective tissue

This is why symptoms often extend beyond just neck pain.

A trauma-induced cervical sprain/strain can involve multiple structures:

1. Ligaments & Tendons

Ligaments stabilize the spine.

Commonly affected ligaments include:

• Anterior longitudinal ligament
• Posterior longitudinal ligament
• Interspinous ligaments
• Capsular ligaments of the facet joints

Ligament injuries may create micro-instability, causing muscles to guard and tighten.

2. Fascia & Connective Tissue

The body’s fascial system can tighten around injured areas.

Fascial restriction can contribute to:

• Persistent stiffness
• Pain patterns that travel into the shoulders or upper back
• Reduced circulation and healing

3. Muscles

Muscles attempt to protect injured joints by tightening.

Common muscles involved:

• Upper trapezius
• Levator scapulae
• Sternocleidomastoid
• Scalenes

4. Nerves

Nerves exiting the cervical spine may become irritated, creating:

• Neck pain
• Shoulder pain
• Arm tingling or numbness
• Dizziness
• Visual disturbances

Upper cervical injuries may also affect the vestibular system and balance centers.

5. Nervous System Response

Car accidents trigger a fight-or-flight response.

The nervous system may remain in a protective state, causing:

• Muscle guarding
• Sensitivity to pain
• Sleep disruption
• Stress hormones slowing healing

This is why addressing the nervous system is essential in recovery.

✨ What Would Dr. Mary Do?

• Calm the nervous system first
→ Craniosacral therapy + breathwork to shift out of protection mode

• Restore gentle motion
→ Specific chiropractic adjustments (especially upper cervical)

• Release muscle guarding
→ Massage + myofascial work (SCM, scalenes, suboccipitals)

• Accelerate healing
→ Shockwave (break adhesions)
→ Warm laser (reduce inflammation + repair tissue)

• Rebuild stability
→ Deep neck strengthening + posture retraining

• Support the whole system
→ Acupuncture + hypnotherapy to regulate pain + stress

💛 The Goal:

• Restore movement
• Rebuild stability
• Reset the nervous system

Did you know?!!

A cervical sprain/strain is not just a mechanical injury.

It involves a network of systems:

• Musculoskeletal
• Neurological
• Fascial
• Emotional stress response

The most effective recovery plans combine structural care with nervous system regulation.

✅ The goal isn’t just reducing pain.
The goal is restoring movement, stability, and nervous system balance.