​Early and correct diagnosis of ligament instability including C1-2 tears and/or rupture is very important to initial treatment recommendations especially for chiropractors. This information can also greatly affect the final outcome of a personal injury case including permanent disability and future medical care awards. Most importantly, if not properly diagnosed it can seriously affect the accident victims long-term health and quality of life. Especially vulnerable to damage are the small ligaments in the upper neck called the Alar and Transverse ligaments. Ligaments are not seen directly on x-ray and are often not properly visualized on standard supine MRI. Unfortunately, this can result in improper diagnoses leaving the patient in life-affecting pain for what appears to be no known reason.