Whiplash Associated Disorders: A Review of Non-Pharmacological Treatment Protocols

The number of road accidents in Singapore has grown steadily in the last few years. A total of 14,995 road accidents and 10,000 related injuries were recorded in 2008. With figures like these, we can expect an increase in whiplash-associated disorders and injuries whereby the family doctor will be the first to be called on. This article will discuss common treatment options for a whiplash injury and the research into the efficacy of these treatments.

Whiplash injuries are graded from 0 to 4 as defined by the Québec Task Force (see table). Patients suffering symptoms within grades 1-3 would be most likely to seek advice from a GP. 

Common complaints include a stiff and painful neck, headache, dysphagia, and sometimes pain in the shoulders or arms. Extensive research has been conducted in recent years to determine the treatments that provide positive results for patients in this group. Although only a few treatments have had consistent results, it still provides a guideline for achieving the best outcomes for whiplash patients.

Recommended Treatments

Act as Usual

“Act as usual” is a strategy to encourage patients to continue their normal activities within pain limits. This is especially important in the early stages of whiplash to avoid the development of fear-avoidance behaviours.

There is strong evidence to suggest that acting as usual leads to positive outcomes. Two randomised controlled trials have compared acting as usual to other forms of treatments such as collars and active interventions. Six months after whiplash, people who acted, as usual, were much better. This is better in comparison to people who wore collars and had time off work.  This was particularly noticeable for pain, headaches, stiffness, concentration and memory.

Exercise

There is evidence to indicate the performing ROM and muscle re-education exercises to restore appropriate muscle control and support to the neck is beneficial following a whiplash injury. This was effective when a personalized program was prescribed on top of advice. It is still unclear, however, which specific exercises are most beneficial to whiplash injuries. 

Mobilisation

Mobilisation is defined as low-grade/velocity, small or large amplitude passive movement techniques or ‘neuro-muscular’ technique within the patient’s range of neck motion and control. There are very few research studies where only mobilization techniques were used to treat whiplash disorders. Studies where mobilization was used with other treatments have indicated no difference in long-term benefits when compared to no treatment. However, there is strong evidence to support the use of mobilization during the acute stage (0-2 weeks after injury).

Manipulation

Manipulation refers to applying a localised force of high velocity and low amplitude thrust directed at a spinal joint. Research indicates that using manipulation alone does not benefit patients following whiplash injuries. However, when combined with other treatments, patients with manipulation seemed to have better outcomes than those without manipulation. Hence, manipulation treatment should be applied in conjunction with other treatments when treating whiplash injuries.

Not Recommended Treatments

Cervical Collar

Cervical collars have been found to be ineffective in reducing pain, stiffness and disability associated with whiplash injuries. It compares inferiorly to other treatments for whiplash injuries such as acting as usual or performing exercise programs. A collar should not be prescribed for patients suffering from a whiplash injury.

Rest

There are no studies that specifically use rest as a treatment option. However, when used as a control (ie. no treatment), rest has shown poor outcomes. Therefore, bed rest is not recommended for whiplash injuries. Rest should be be limited to patients with grades 2 and 3 injuries only for very few days.

Traction

There is inconclusive evidence to indicate whether traction is an effective treatment for whiplash patients. Studies that found no evidence to support the use of traction were not limited to whiplash patients only. However, a recent systematic review did find traction to be effective in reducing pain and improving function in whiplash patients with a nerve root compression. Traction should be used as an additional treatment option should radiculopathy be present and treatment options are minimal.

Acupuncture

Currently is there is little evidence available in relation to acupuncture. There have only been 3 small studies that have looked at the benefits of acupuncture following a whiplash injury. Further research into acupuncture for whiplash injuries needs to be conducted. This is so even though they have shown some positive results from the studies.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the current evidence supports treatments which help to maintain movements in the neck following a whiplash injury especially “act as usual” and exercise. Joint manipulation and mobilization are not recommended on their own. However, they can be beneficial when used in conjunction with other treatments. Passive treatment is currently not encouraged. Traction is appropriate only for patients who have cervical radicular pain.

Based on the findings, it is important that whiplash patients remain active by performing usual tasks of daily living, even in the acute stage of injury. They should be advised to perform neck exercises which are within their pain limits. Patients can be referred to a physiotherapist in the acute phase too.

Physiotherapy treatment can include joint mobilization techniques and soft tissue management, as well as provide a custom exercise program for patients. The combination of these treatments will promote a speedy recovery to return to full function and avoid chronic disability.

References:

1. Government of Singapore. (2009). Yearbook of Statistics Singapore 2009. Retrieved from http://www.singstat.gov.sg/pubn/reference/yos09/statsT-transport.pdf
2. Proof of Ligament Injury after Whiplash Trauma. (n.d). Retrieved November 8, 2009, from (http://www.injurytv.com/doctors/articles/krakenes3.pdf?drname=Dr.%20Leslie%20HolcombeJefferson%20Spine%20Centerwww.jeffersonspine.com703%20933-9000)
3. Kenardy, J., Sterling, M., Bet-Or, Y., Andrew Popple. (2009). Whiplash Evidence Based Information Resource: Whiplash Treatments. Retrieved November 13, 2009, from (http://www2.som.uq.edu.au/som/Research/Whiplash/Treatments/Pages/treatments.aspx)
4. Scientific Monograph of the Quebec Task Force on Whiplash-Associated Disorders, Redefining Whiplash and its Management. Spine 1995; Supplement vol 20: No. 85
5. Guidelines for the Management of Whiplash Associated Disorders for Healthcare Professional, Motor Accidents Authority (NSW), 2nd edition 2007