title: [Definition, classification and epidemiology of whiplash].
abstract: A whiplash trauma is caused by an acceleration-deceleration force transferring its energy to the cervical spine. Whiplash-associated disorder (WAD) refers to the symptoms that develop after a whiplash injury. The prognosis is favorable with recovery in over 90% of the injured subjects. In a fraction of patients, long-term symptoms with pain and cognitive and emotional symptoms may occur, causing long-term disability. The pathophysiology is unclear. Most research groups favor a multifactorial pathophysiology similar to that observed for other chronic pain conditions without a clear nociceptive or neuropathic component.
authors.affiliation: Dansk Smerteforskningscenter, Arhus Universitetshospital, Arhus Sygehus, 8000 Arhus C, Denmark. trojen@rm.dk
authors.forename: Troels Staehelin
authors.initials: TS
authors.lastname: Jensen
authors.forename: Helge
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kasch
authors.forename: Flemming Winther
authors.initials: FW
authors.lastname: Bach
authors.forename: Tom
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Bendix
authors.forename: Alice
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kongsted
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D011379:Prognosis; D014911:Whiplash Injuries / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology