Ligament instability & its relation to car accidents
Ligamentous instability or ligamentous laxity can cause chronic pain and affect any joint in the body. Referred to as “loose ligaments,” the condition allows a person to extend their joints beyond the normal range of motion (joint hypermobility). While the condition may affect any joint, the back, shoulders, wrists, knees, and elbows are common areas affected by ligamentous instability.
How Does Ligament Laxity Occur?
Ligament laxity occurs when the ligaments surrounding your joints become too flexible, allowing the joint to move beyond its normal flexible position. For many individuals, ligament laxity is genetic and may begin at a young age. It may involve one or more joints or affect the entire body (general joint hypermobility).
Ligamentous instability may also occur after a ligament is damaged and does not heal properly. The ligament becomes lax or loose and fails to provide enough support for the joint. In severe cases, ligament laxity can result in joint damage when the joint moves beyond its normal position. If the ligament laxity is in the spinal region, a person could suffer from osteoarthritis or disc degeneration. Sprained ankles and shoulder dislocations are other common injuries associated with ligament laxity.
Car Accidents Can Weaken Ligaments
Soft tissue damage in a car accident can result in ligamentous instability. A common example is whiplash. The force of the impact moves the head and torso in opposite directions damaging the ligaments in the neck and spine. The ligaments in the neck and spine work together with the muscles and tendons to keep our head, neck, and back in proper alignment. They also work together to provide the necessary support we need to control movement and body position.
If the ligaments are damaged because of the collision, they can become loose or lax. Instead of providing the correct amount of tension to allow for control and movement, the ligaments operate like an overstretched rubber band. The lack of support and increased instability can lead to other injuries and chronic pain. In severe cases, a ligament may be torn and result in the joint being nonfunctional.
Symptoms and Treatments for Ligamentous Laxity
The most common symptom of loose ligaments is the ability to overextend your joint. However, depending on the location of the damaged ligament, a person may not know he or she can overextend a joint. Other symptoms of ligament laxity include:
- Persistent or chronic pain
- Tingling or numbness
- Clumsy gait
- Pain with certain movements
- Grinding, snaps, or clicking sounds from joints
- Joints that swell frequently
- Pain or discomfort when rotating torso
- Muscle spasms near joints
- Frequent sprains and strains
- Back pain after prolonged sitting
- Sudden and sharp back pain and muscle spasms
