ABSTRACT
Whiplash-associated disorders usually appear as symptoms of neck pain, headache, and limited cervical spine activities, etc. Its mechanism is complicated, which is related with the sudden acceleration-deceleration mechanism conducted to the cervical vertebral joint, ligaments, muscles and nerves. Recently, it was found that low capacity of cerebrospinal fluid, fibromyalgia, and injury of central nervous system are also associated with those symptoms. The focus of exercise on equal length contraction and endurance of neck deep muscles can significantly improve the symptoms of patients without neurological injury. Ultrasound can be used to dynamically detect deformation and deformation rate patterns of both deep and shallow muscle in the exercise group and the conservative observation group. It is suggested that exercise can improve muscle movement patterns and repair damaged neck muscles at the same time.
ABSTRACT
@#Whiplash-associated disorders of the cervical vertebrae develop unevenly after the injury, and the recovery process is complicated and non-linear. It is important to identify factors related with poor recovery in the early stages, to select proper treatment and rehabilitation. However, there are too many prognostic factors related to the clinical outcome, while the Clinical Prediction Rules (CPR) are used to help decision-making. Now there are only Whiplash CPR, Assessment Tool for Whiplash Injuries Developed from A Prospective Observational Study and CPR-like Tool undergone the clinical trials.
ABSTRACT
STUDY DESIGN: Review of the literature. OBJECTIVES: To present an overview of current research on whiplash injury. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: There are controversies over the definition, symptoms, and treatment of whiplash injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Review of the relevant literature. RESULTS: Symptoms of whiplash injury caused by an acceleration-deceleration force may present as widespread pain involving the neck or trapezius muscles, the interscapular area, the shoulders and arms, or as suboccipital headaches. Accompanying symptoms may include neurologic symptoms such as sensory dysfunction, motor weakness, or deep tendon reflex loss; non-specific symptoms such as dysphagia, dizziness, visual disturbances, tinnitus, deafness, memory loss, or temporo-mandibular joint disorders; and psychological symptoms such as depression, acute stress syndrome, or fear avoidance. The most important factor that facilitates spontaneous resolution of whiplash injury, which is a self-limiting disorder, has been shown to be prevention of the acute-to-chronic pain transition. Yet in spite of this knowledge the efficacy of several treatment methods for whiplash injury remains controversial. CONCLUSIONS: The appropriateness of treatment for whiplash injury should be evaluated on the basis of up to date academic research on its diagnosis and natural history.