The Whiplash Disease Reconsidered.

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Pain Medicine
• Biomechanics

Background:

• The predominant view of whiplash disease attributes it to acute neck tissue injury from trauma.
• This often leads to chronic pain, including neck pain and headache.
• However, the exact pathological mechanisms remain debated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To reconsider the natural course and etiology of whiplash disease.
• To propose an alternative pathological model for whiplash-associated disorders.
• To identify potential therapeutic targets based on a new understanding of the disease.

Main Methods:

• Re-evaluation of the predominant view of whiplash etiology.
• Analysis of clinical presentation, focusing on neuromotor dysfunction.
• Electromyography (EMG) to assess muscle activity patterns.

Main Results:

• Whiplash disease often follows minor trauma without clear tissue injury signs.
• Central neuromotor dysfunction, including EMG hyperactivity and muscle dyscoordination, is observed.
• Findings suggest a central neurological pathology rather than peripheral trauma.

Conclusions:

• Whiplash disease is proposed to originate from central nervous system dysfunction.
• The term 'cervical spinal dyssynergia' is suggested for this central pathology.
• This new paradigm may guide future research and neuropharmacological therapies for whiplash.