Historic Whiplash Article Review

By Dan Murphy D.C. 

Key Points

1. In patients who sustained soft-tissue injuries of the neck after a mean 10.8 years
 A. Only 12% had recovered completely.
 B. Residual symptoms were intrusive in 28%
 C. Residual symptoms were severe in 12%

2. Neck and lower back pain were the most common complaints 10.8 years after whiplash injury.

3. Older pateints have a worse prognosis.

4. After 2 years, symptoms DID NOT ALTER with the further passage of time.

5. Residual symptoms at 10.8 years following whiplash injury include neck pain (74%), par aesthesia
 (45%), lower back pain (42%), headache (33%), dizziness (19%), auditory symptoms (14%),
 dysphasia (2%), visual symptoms (2%).

6. “Auditory symptoms comprised tinnitus and deafness.”

7. In this study, 40% of the whiplash injured patients suffered from significant disabling symptoms that
 Required continued treatment 10.8 years after being injured.

8. 35% of those injured in motor vehicle collisions will experience DELAYED SYMPTOMS
  [ IMPORTANT ]

9. “Seat-belts alone afford NO PROTECTION [against  hyperextension whiplash injuries].”

10. In the review of a number of whiplash studies, “ it would seem that most patients have reached their
 final state within 2 years of injury.”

11. “Patients with obective neurological signs and restriction of neck movement were more than likely
 To experience continuing symptoms.”

12. The fact that  symptoms do not resolve even after a mean 10 years supports the conclusion that  
 litigation does not prolong symptoms.