Neck & Cervical Instability
Whiplash-Related Cervical Instability
Instability suspected after a collision — evaluation and caution come first.
Where a collision has produced ongoing symptoms suggesting instability — such as a feeling the neck cannot support the head, or dizziness that changes with neck position — imaging and medical evaluation guide what is appropriate before any hands-on care is considered.
Not every neck injury after a collision involves instability, but the possibility needs to be actively considered rather than assumed away, particularly with higher-speed or higher-force collisions.
Why this matters
This is a situation where the safest approach is a slower one. Rushing into manual therapy before this question is answered is not appropriate, even when a person is eager to feel better quickly.
Once instability has been reasonably ruled out or is being appropriately managed, a graded, conservative plan for neck pain and stiffness can be considered.
The brain & nervous-system connection
Where the nervous system fits in
Balance, visual, and cognitive symptoms are common after neck trauma and are worth measuring alongside the neck pain itself, since they often reflect how the injury has affected the systems that rely on neck position sense.
Evaluating these systems gives a fuller picture of recovery than focusing on neck pain alone.
What we look at
We look for patterns, not a single test
- Detailed health history and consultation
- NeuroInfiniti Stress Response Evaluation
- Posture and movement
- Balance and coordination testing
- Eye movement or neurological screening when appropriate
- Grip or motor-function testing when appropriate
- Palpation and spinal function
- Other examination procedures based on the individual
Not every person receives every test. What we perform depends on your history, your age and what the examination shows as we go.
Scope of care
What this does — and doesn't — mean
What we do
- • We evaluate chiropractic and musculoskeletal function.
- • We look at nervous-system-related functional findings that fall within our scope.
- • We assess movement, balance and coordination findings.
- • We measure stress-response patterns with the NeuroInfiniti evaluation.
- • We make individualized chiropractic care recommendations and re-measure over time.
What we don't claim
- • We do not diagnose, treat or cure diseases.
- • Chiropractic care is not a treatment for dementia, Alzheimer's disease or other neurological diseases.
- • Chiropractic care is not a replacement for medical care, testing or medication.
- • No outcome is promised. Results vary from person to person.
This is a concern where medical evaluation, imaging or co-management may be the right first step. Dr. Mike Geran will say so plainly if that is what the history and examination suggest.
Common questions
- Will I be adjusted on the first visit?
- Generally no. The first visit is an evaluation visit. Dr. Geran reviews the findings and makes recommendations at the follow-up visit.
- Do I need imaging before I come in?
- Not usually. If your history or examination suggests imaging is needed, we will say so and help arrange the right next step.
When medical evaluation may be needed
Medical evaluation and appropriate imaging come first.
- A sense the head needs support after a collision
- Dizziness, visual changes, or nausea with neck movement
- New weakness, numbness, or difficulty walking
Related at Foothills Chiropractic
- Balance & Coordination — Balance is a whole-nervous-system task. It is also one of the easier things to measure and re-measure.
- Ankle Instability — A repeatedly rolling or unreliable ankle, usually following earlier sprains.
- Atlantoaxial Instability — Excessive movement between the first two neck bones — a medical finding requiring caution.
- Auto Accident Injury — Musculoskeletal injuries following a motor vehicle collision.
Think Foothills Chiropractic might be right for you?
Start Here walks you through what the process looks like, so you can decide whether taking the next step makes sense for you.