When Whiplash Becomes Chronic Pain

Over 30% of people in rear-end auto collisions will experience some kind of chronic pain. But who is most at risk? A new study from leading whiplash researchers succeeded in identifying patients at higher risk of developing chronic or long term pain.

The authors of the study followed 688 patients who had experienced a frontal or read-end collision and had exhibited whiplash symptoms within three days of the accident. Each patient underwent a thorough neurological exam and was evaluated for cervical range of motion (CROM) and intensity of pain levels. Based on this data, the patients were categorized as high risk or low risk; the patient was unaware of being placed in either risk group. The patients were evaluated again at two weeks, three months, and twelve months after their initial injury.

The study found that patients with a reduced CROM, with high neck pain and headache intensity, and with the presence of non-painful symptoms such as fatigue, irritability, sleep disturbances, and concentration problems had a ten times higher risk of developing chronic pain from their injury.

Patients with these criteria should be evaluated and treated to prevent chronic long term pain.

For more information on the chiropractic treatment of whiplash or chronic pain, contact Health Star Chiropractic. The Health Star chiropractors are currently providing chiropractic care to Montgomery,Prattville, and Millbrook communities.

Kasch H, Qerama E, Kongstad A, et al. Clinical assessment of prognostic factors for long-term pain and handicap after whiplash injury: a 1-year prospective study. European Journal of Neurology 2008;15:1222-1230.