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Acute cervical strain. Evaluation and short term prognostic factors
Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research
|January 1, 1977
Summary
This study on whiplash patients found that neck and shoulder exercises were effective, with upper back pain indicating a poorer prognosis. Age and X-ray findings did not significantly impact recovery outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Physical Therapy
- Traumatology
Background:
- Soft tissue neck injuries, commonly known as whiplash, result from automobile accidents.
- Effective treatment protocols for whiplash are crucial for patient recovery and return to daily activities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a conservative treatment approach for whiplash injuries.
- To identify prognostic factors influencing recovery in patients with soft tissue neck injuries.
Main Methods:
- An independent examiner assessed 179 ambulatory patients with whiplash injuries.
- Treatment focused on neck and shoulder exercises, excluding collars, traction, and hospitalization for most patients.
- A subset of patients received intermittent cervical traction alongside exercises.
Main Results:
- The average treatment duration was 7.4 weeks.
- Presence of interscapular or upper back pain was associated with less favorable outcomes.
- Thirty-seven percent of patients remained asymptomatic, while 16% showed no significant recovery.
Conclusions:
- Conservative treatment including exercises is a viable approach for whiplash.
- Upper back pain is a key indicator of a potentially prolonged recovery.
- Patient age and specific cervical spine X-ray findings did not correlate with recovery success.