Whiplash-associated disorders: A case report

Abstract

Approximately 50% of people who suffer from whiplash enter the chronic phase of this condition and develop persistent symptoms known as chronic whiplash-associated disorders (WAD). This case study aims to contribute to the understanding of rehabilitation programmes combining cervical exercises and proprioceptive training for managing such conditions, as the literature supporting their significance is inconclusive. A 29-year-old female with chronic WAD was evaluated using goniometry, the visual analog scale (VAS), and the neck disability index (NDI). She displayed reduced neck mobility, local neck pain associated with cervicogenic headache, and neck-related disability. The intervention lasted 6 weeks, involving two 40 min weekly sessions. The exercise programme incorporated cervical spine-specific exercises, including range of motion, postural endurance, and muscle strengthening, as well as sensorimotor exercises targeting kinaesthetic sense, eye movement control, and eye-head coordination. The outcome measures reflected the resolution of symptoms and physical impairments. The patient experienced significant improvements in cervical mobility, as she regained a full range of movement in all planes. The patient also demonstrated amelioration in both pain and cervical function states. The VAS score dropped from 6/10 to 2/10; likewise, the NDI score decreased from 58% to 22% at the end of the treatment. Our observations suggest that a rehabilitation programme retraining both the cervical musculature and sensorimotor control may be effective in reducing pain and disability in people with chronic WAD. Further research is required to determine the optimal exercise programme for managing symptoms chronicity in people with WAD.