Patient Information Resources


Orthogate
1089 Spadina Road
Toronto, AL M5N 2M7
Ph: 416-483-2654
Fax: 416-483-2654
christian@orthogate.com






Ankle
Child Orthopedics
Elbow
Foot
General
Hand
Hip
Knee
Shoulder
Spine - Cervical
Spine - Lumbar
Spine - Thoracic
Wrist

View Web RX

« Back

Atypical Neck Motion After Whiplash

Posted on: 11/30/1999
It's easy to see that patients with chronic whiplash have less motion than normal, healthy adults. But when does normal neck motion become abnormal? What are the cut off limits? And what is a typical profile for whiplash injured patient? In this study physical therapists try to define typical and unusual or "atypical" neck (cervical) motion in patients with chronic whiplash (CW).

Six cervical motions were measured in 101 patients with CW. The results were compared to 75 healthy adults. The CW patients had much less overall motion. The researchers were unable to find a cut off point between CW patients and healthy subjects.

Atypical patients had very little (less than 10 degrees) of motion in any direction. The results also showed a greater decrease in motion in men and older adults in both groups compared to women and younger adults. Patients with atypical motion had extreme personality and functional changes.

Fear of pain or reinjury may keep CW patients from moving the head to the end range of motion. The authors suggest a complete behavioral test for anyone with atypical motion. This is needed before the best treatment can be decided.

References:
Tamara Prushansky et al. Performance of Cervical Motion in Chronic Whiplash Patients and Healthy Subjects. In Spine. January 1, 2006. Vol. 31. No. 1. Pp. 37-43.

« Back





*Disclaimer:*The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic.


All content provided by eORTHOPOD® is a registered trademark of Mosaic Medical Group, L.L.C.. Content is the sole property of Mosaic Medical Group, LLC and used herein by permission.