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Neck Pain Whiplash Associated Disorder (WAD) TMD (aka TMJ) Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo

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Whiplash Associated Disorder (WAD)

Whiplash Associated Disorder

Whiplash, also known as Whiplash Associated Disorder (WAD), refers to the sudden and forceful back-and-forth movement of the head and neck, commonly occurring in motor vehicle accidents. It can also happen during various other activities like recreational or competitive sports, and occasionally from rapid side-to-side movements.

WADs have significant financial implications, costing consumers and the insurance industry billions of dollars annually. These incidents can result in various injuries, including soft tissue damage, bone fractures, and nerve impairment. Given the complex involvement of multiple structures such as bones, spinal cord, brain, ligaments, intervertebral discs, muscles, joint capsules, and tendons, recovery from WAD can take several months to even years.

However, it is worth noting that most cases of whiplash tend to resolve within a couple of months or less.

The Quebec Task Force, a research group that extensively studied Whiplash, proposed a classification system for WAD:

0 - No complaints about the neck, and no physical signs observed.
1 - Neck complaints of pain, stiffness, or tenderness without any physical signs.
2 - Neck complaints along with musculoskeletal signs such as reduced range of motion and localized tenderness.
3 - Neck complaints accompanied by neurological signs like decreased or absent deep tendon reflexes, muscle weakness, and sensory deficits.
4 - Neck complaints involving fractures or dislocations. In some cases, X-rays and other diagnostic tests may be conducted by a physician to rule out fractures.

Physical therapy plays a crucial role in the recovery process, focusing on restoring range of motion, strengthening muscles, building endurance, and effectively managing pain. While soft collars provide limited benefits, rigid collars may be helpful during the initial stages of recovery.

Possible Treatments

Aerobic/Endurance Exercise

Video