[Definition, classification and epidemiology of whiplash].
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.
Jensen
Troels Staehelin
TS
Dansk Smerteforskningscenter, Arhus Universitetshospital, Arhus Sygehus, 8000 Arhus C, Denmark. trojen@rm.dk
Kasch
Helge
H
Bach
Flemming Winther
FW
Bendix
Tom
T
Kongsted
Alice
A
D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D011379:Prognosis; D014911:Whiplash Injuries / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology