Whiplash Injury Pain: Basic Science and Current/Future Therapeutics

Author: Sterling, Michele

Source: Reviews in Analgesia, Volume 9, Number 2, 2007 , pp. 105-116(12)

Publisher: Cognizant Communication Corporation

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Abstract:

Whiplash is a common and often disabling condition that incurs both significant personal and economic costs. While many people recover, up to 40% develop persistent symptoms. There is now considerable evidence that demonstrates whiplash to be a complex condition, particularly in those with poor recovery. This group is characterized by widespread sensory and motor hypersensitivity indicative of central hyperexcitability, motor dysfunction, psychological distress, and report higher initial levels of pain. There is some relationship between the sensory hypersensitivity and certain psychological substrates but these relationships are not consistent. Furthermore, both physical and psychological factors are predictors of poor functional recovery, indicating a complex interplay between these factors exists. Most intervention studies have considered whiplash as a homogenous condition and this may account for only modest effects offered by most interventions. Future research should account for the heterogeneity of the whiplash condition. The challenge will be to improve treatment strategies for the management of both physical and psychological aspects of whiplash, particularly in the important early acute stage postinjury.

Keywords: Whiplash; Sensory hypersensitivity; Psychological distress; Chronic pain development

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: 1: Division of Physiotherapy, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia

Publication date: 2007-02-01

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