CLINICAL SPECTRUM OF WHIPLASH-ASSOCIATED DISORDERS

I NECK COMPLAINT OF PAIN, STIFFNESS OR TENDERNESS ONLY NO PHYSICAL SIGN(S)

Common synonyms:

• Whiplash injury
• Minor whiplash
• Minor cervical sprains or strains

Presumed Pathology:

• Microscopic or multi-microscopic lesion
• Lesion is not serious enough to cause muscle spasm

Clinical presentation:

• Usually presents to a doctor more than 24 hours after trauma

II NECK COMPLAINT AND MUSCULOSKELETAL SIGNS

Common synonyms:

• Whiplash
• Cervical sprain
• Cervicalgia with headaches
• Headache of cervical origin
• Traumatic cervicalgia
• Cervicoscapulalgia
• Minor intervertebral dysfunction
• Sprained cervical facet joints
• Sprained cervical ligaments

Presumed Pathology:

• Neck sprain and bleeding around soft-tissue (articular capsules, ligaments, tendons and muscles)
• Muscle spasm secondary to soft-tissue injury

Clinical presentation:

• Usually presents to a doctor in the first 24 hours after trauma
• Nonspecific radiation to the head, face, occipital region, shoulder and arm from soft-tissues injuries
• Neck pain with limited range of motion due to muscle spasm

III NECK COMPLAINT AND NEUROLOGICAL SIGNS

Common synonyms:

• Whiplash
• Cervicobrachialgia
• Cervical herniated disc
• Cervicalgia with headaches
• Headache of cervical origin
• Cervicoscapulalgia

Presumed Pathology:

• Injuries to neurological system by mechanical injury or by irritation secondary to bleeding or inflammation

Clinical presentation:

• Presents to a doctor usually within hours after the trauma
• Limited range of motion combined with neurological symptoms and signs.