Why Upper Cervical Syndrome Can Occur After a Car Accident?

by Son’s Rehabilitation Medicine & Chiropractic Clinic in Seoul

After a car accident, some individuals may experience persistent symptoms such as neck pain, headaches, dizziness, brain fog, or even visual discomfort. These symptoms may not always be explained by simple muscle strain — they could be related to what’s known as Upper Cervical Syndrome.

What Is the Upper Cervical Spine?

The upper cervical spine refers to the top two bones of the neck — the atlas (C1) and the axis (C2). These bones support the head and are responsible for much of the neck’s mobility. This area also surrounds the lower brainstem and spinal cord, making it highly sensitive neurologically and biomechanically.

How Can a Car Accident Affect the Upper Cervical Spine?

In many car accidents, especially rear-end collisions, the head and neck are suddenly thrown back and forth in what is known as a whiplash injury. Even without fractures, this sudden motion can impact the upper cervical spine in several ways:

  1. Minor Misalignment of C1 or C2
    The force of the impact can cause small positional shifts in the alignment of the upper cervical vertebrae, which may irritate surrounding nerves or compromise stability.

  2. Strain or Tension in Ligaments and Muscles
    Ligaments and muscles around C1 and C2 may become inflamed, overstretched, or imbalanced, further disrupting spinal mechanics.

  3. Dysregulation of the Autonomic Nervous System
    The upper cervical region contains sensory receptors closely connected to the autonomic nervous system. Misalignment or irritation in this area may lead to symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, poor concentration, and sleep disturbances.

When to Suspect Upper Cervical Involvement

If any of the following symptoms persist after a car accident — especially if they don’t improve with time — it may indicate a problem in the upper cervical spine:

  • Persistent neck or occipital pain

  • Headaches or dizziness

  • Visual fatigue or eye strain

  • Difficulty turning the head fully

  • Brain fog, sleep difficulties, or fatigue

Symptoms may appear immediately after the accident or even days or weeks later. Therefore, it’s important not to ignore subtle or delayed signs.

At Son's Rehabilitation Medicine & Chiropractic Clinic, we carefully assess each patient’s condition to identify whether upper cervical alignment may be contributing to persistent post-accident symptoms. Individualized care based on detailed evaluation can help improve long-term outcomes.

※ This article is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Please consult a qualified physician for personalized assessment and care.

 👍Consultation and Appointment Information

Son PMR & Chiropractic Clinic( 2nd floor, 229-1 Gucheonmyun-Ro, Gangdongu, Seoul, South Korea) 

by  Dr Son MD & DC 
Contact: 02-482-8875 in Seoul( +82-2-482-8875)

chson@daum.net

 

 

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