Whiplash Injuries

This volume presents current concepts on the epidemiology, mechanisms, clinical course, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of the cervical whiplash syndrome. The book provides clinicians with much-needed guidance in evaluating patients who develop chronic pain and/or neurologic symptoms and in planning an appropriate course of treatment.Close attention is given to the biomechanics of whiplash, the injuries that can occur, the natural evolution and resolution of the cervical whiplash syndrome, and the reasons why some patients develop chronic symptoms. The contributors describe special diagnostic techniques that can pinpoint the source of pain and identify the cause of oculomotor, neurolinguistic, and attention disorders. A major portion of the book examines current treatment modalities, including spinal manipulation, cognitive-behavioral therapy, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, percutaneous radiofrequency neurotomy, and a variety of surgical options. Also included are discussions on prevention of whiplash injury by appropriate automobile and headrest design.