The Difference Between Whiplash and Non-Whiplash Neck Pain?

Whiplash can come from car accidents, sports collisions, falls, and more. This can cause a variety of symptoms but the most common is called, “Central Sensitization. This is when there is neck pain with lower pain thresholds. Another one that can occur is called, “MNP.” This is the absence of trauma or a known Pathology.

 

Research shows that the combination of manual therapies such as mobilization and manipulation can benefit patients with neck pain. In 2017, a study evaluated if there is a different treatment response between whiplash patients and MNP patients. The authors recruited 28 patients with either grade 1 or 2 whiplash and 22 MNP patients. The research team measured neck pain intensity, neck related disability, cervical range of motion, and pressure pain thresholds.

 

The results show that whiplash sufferers initially had a significantly higher pain related disability, larger pain area and central sensitization. However, they observed that after six treatments, the patients in both groups achieved similar improvements with increased cervical range of motion, neck pain intensity, neck related disability, pain area, and pressure point thresholds. The whiplash patients did continue to have a lower pain threshold than the MNP patients.

 

Chiropractors thankfully use the manual therapy and specific neck exercises to improve patients who struggle with whiplash and other forms of neck pain!

 

Content Courtesy of Chiro-Trust.org. All Rights Reserved.

 

Dr. Augustine of Augustine Chiropractic in Wesley Chapel, FL, has over 31 years of experience treating patients for their neck pain and their ailments through personalized chiropractic care treatments. The locally owned and operated chiropractic clinic offers both in-office treatments and at-home therapy regiments to help people recover and heal from auto injuries and other conditions. The staff is dedicated to providing alternative and therapeutic solutions for better overall health. Give them a call today at (813) 994-6008 to schedule and appointment and visit their website to learn more about their services!