Why Excessive Motion Testing Is Critical in Spinal Injury Care

Introduction

Excessive motion testing is a vital component of spinal injury evaluation and care. It offers a clear, objective method for identifying spinal ligament injuries—one of the most underdiagnosed and misunderstood conditions in injury care today. When performed independently and professionally, it provides data that enhances patient outcomes, strengthens documentation, and supports both clinical and legal clarity.

What Excessive Motion Testing Reveals

Excessive motion testing, such as CRMA™ (Computerized Radiographic Mensuration Analysis), identifies abnormal movement between vertebrae, indicating ligament instability or damage. These insights are not visible on standard MRI or static X-rays. A high-quality report will immediately reveal:

• The severity and exact location of ligament injuries

• Whether the injury reaches a surgical level according to major insurer guidelines (Aetna, Cigna, Blue Cross, etc.)

• Activity restrictions based on return-to-play and care protocols

• The level of impairment, allowing for accurate documentation and care planning

• Compliance with treatment guidelines, reducing premature care cut-offs

• Presence and severity of facet joint injuries

• The likelihood of disc herniation, and whether it's trauma-related or pre-existing

• Upper cervical ligament damage that may mimic traumatic brain injury symptoms

• Segments at risk for accelerated spinal degeneration

The Value of Independent, Unbiased Testing

Professionalism is paramount. Independent, third-party testing ensures results are free from conflicts of interest. It adds credibility with insurance companies, attorneys, and other providers. Reports conducted by board-certified radiologists through established services like Spinal Kinetics provide trusted, court-admissible documentation.

In contrast, in-house or unqualified testing—like having untrained front desk staff or consultants with no clinical experience—can jeopardize both credibility and care quality.

Clinical and Legal Benefits

When used properly, excessive motion testing elevates a practice in several key ways:

• Enhances diagnostic accuracy

• Supports documentation that can withstand utilization reviews and independent medical exams (IMEs)

• Offers the ability to determine causality, particularly in disc herniation and traumatic brain injury mimic cases

• Builds stronger personal injury cases with more robust, unbiased evidence

Standardizing Spinal Injury Workups

A consistent framework for spinal injury evaluation includes:

• MRI to evaluate disc injuries

• X-ray or CT to identify fractures

• Excessive motion testing to detect ligament injury and instability

This three-pronged approach ensures nothing is overlooked and care is tailored to the actual injury type.

Choosing the Right Testing Partner

Experience matters. Providers should work with testing services that have proven long-term credibility, deep clinical expertise, and a strong legal foundation. Shortcuts or budget testing solutions often result in long-term complications—legally, financially, and clinically.

Empowering Better Outcomes

Doctors who incorporate excessive motion testing into their spinal injury protocols can:

• Achieve better recovery outcomes

• Improve documentation and treatment planning

• Identify and treat the root cause of chronic pain conditions

• Help patients regain function and quality of life

In an injury market where chronic neck and back pain are rising, this testing is a cornerstone in addressing the nation’s growing spinal health crisis. If you are interested in learning more about how CRMA™ reports can help you with excessive motion testing click here.

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