Lecture 5: Cervical Spine Whiplash Flashcards
What happens to neck in rear end collision?
hyperextension followed by hyperextension
What happens to neck in frontal impact?
hyper flexion followed by hyperextension
What happens to the muscles involved during a whiplash injury?
fatty infiltrates will develop in neck muscles in pts with chronic whiplash
between 4 weeks and 3 months with severe pain levels
What is the timeline for whiplash classification?
acute- up to 2 weeks after injury
subacute- 2-12 weeks
chronic- more than 12
What is updated clinical classification of whiplash associated disorders?
0- neck neck complaint
1- neck complaint of stiffness, pain and merely tenderness
What is updated clinical classification of whiplash associated disorders level 2A?
neck pain, motor impairment, decreased ROM, altered muscle recruiting patterns, sensory impairment,
What is updated clinical classification of whiplash associated disorders level 2B?
same as 2 A plus psychological impairments, elevated psychological distress on GHQ 28, TAMPA
What is updated clinical classification of whiplash associated disorders level 2C?
same as A and B, plus generalized hypersensitivity, ULTT may show signs of SNS disturbances
What is updated clinical classification of whiplash associated disorders level 3?
neuro signs of conduction loss, decreased or absent DTR, muscle weakness, sensory deficits
What is updated clinical classification of whiplash associated disorders level 4?
neck complaint with fx or dislocation
What are some poor predictors of outcome after whiplash?
high baseline pain (over 5), HA, no seatbelt use, LBP, high NDI, female, WAD grade 2-3, cold sensitivity
What is important to ask during the evaluation?
speed of travel, seatbelt use, airbag, direction hit from, position of victim
What are components of cervical kinesthesia assessment?
used for sensorimotor impairment
joint position sense, balance assessment, oculomotor assessment
What will patients have in they have central sensitization after whiplash injury?
combination of cold hyperalgesia, reduced pain threshold
What are acute interventions for whiplash?
pt education, decrease pain, minimize ms spasm, posture re ed, body mechanics for ADL’s
ICE, estim, TENS, AROM exercises