WHIPLASH NECK INJURY

Whiplash, or post-traumatic, neck injury is an increasingly frequent c linical problem. Large numbers of patients present with both acute and chronic physical symptoms. It has frequently been alleged that psycho logical factors and social variables (especially the influence of poss ible compensation) are major causes of persistent physical complaints and disability. There have been few methodologically satisfactory stud ies, and very little attention has been paid to mental state and quali ty of life issues. Epidemiology, clinical features, prognosis, and aet iology are all reviewed with a special emphasis on psychological outco me and variables. It is argued that such factors are as important in r elation to whiplash injuries as are other physical conditions, especia lly musculoskeletal disorders. In addition, specific posttraumatic sym ptoms are common but usually unrecognized.