Clinical characteristics differ between patients with non-traumatic neck pain, patients with whiplash-associated disorders, and pain-free individuals. (18th November 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Stenneberg, Martijn S.; Scholten-Peeters, Gwendolyne G.M.; den Uil, Carlien S.; Wildeman, Margreet E.; van Trijffel, Emiel; de Bie, Rob A.
• Is Part Of: Physiotherapy theory and practice. Volume 38:Number 13(2022)
• Page Start: 2592
• Page End: 2602
• Publication Date: 2022-11-18
• Subjects: Subgroups -- cervical spine -- clinical characteristics -- disability -- whiplash injury; Physical therapy -- Periodicals; 615.82
• DOI: 10.1080/09593985.2021.1962464
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-3985

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Background: Evidence is lacking to what extent patients with Whiplash-Associated Disorders (WAD), those with non-traumatic neck pain (NTNP), and pain-free individuals differ regarding type and severity of impairments, disability, and psychological factors. Objective: To compare clinical characteristics between patients with WAD, with NTNP, and pain-free individuals in primary care physiotherapy. Additionally, differences between patient groups for both acute and chronic symptoms were assessed. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted including 168 patients with WAD, 336 matched patients with NTNP, and 336 pain-free individuals. Differences and prevalence rates were calculated for pain intensity, pain distribution, cervical range of motion, neck flexor muscle endurance, self-reported disability, and psychological factors. Results: Patients with WAD had higher pain intensity (median 6/10 vs. 5/10 p<.01), had a wider distribution of their neck pain (p=.02), more restricted cervical flexion-extension (-11.9°) and rotation (-12.4°), less muscle endurance (-5.5 seconds), and more disability (+14.0%), compared to patients with NTNP. More patients with WAD reported low back pain (+9.5%) and headache (+12.2%) as musculoskeletal comorbidities. Regarding anxiety, depression, and stress, most patients (>83%) scored in the normal range. No significant differences between the patient groups were observed (p>.16). Both patient groups scored significantly worse than pain-free individuals on all characteristics. Patients with WAD and NTNP experienced different types of activity limitations and participation restrictions. Conclusion: WAD is a more severe condition than NTNP and should be considered a separate subgroup. A different approach in clinical practice and research is required for WAD and NTNP.