The prevalence of chronic cervical zygapophysial joint pain after whiplash

A survey of the prevalence of cervical zygapophysial joint pain was conducted. To determine the prevalence of cervical zygapophysial joint pain in patients with chronic neck pain after whiplash. In a significant proportion of patients with whiplash, chronic, refractory neck pain develops. Provisiona...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Spine (Philadelphia, Pa. 1976) Pa. 1976), 1995-01, Vol.20 (1), p.20-25
Main Authors: Barnsley, L, Lord, S M, Wallis, B J, Bogduk, N
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Aged
Cervical Vertebrae - diagnostic imaging
Cervical Vertebrae - physiopathology
Chronic Disease
Double-Blind Method
Female
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Pain - epidemiology
Pain - etiology
Prevalence
Radiography
Whiplash Injuries - complications
Whiplash Injuries - diagnostic imaging
Whiplash Injuries - physiopathology
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Summary:A survey of the prevalence of cervical zygapophysial joint pain was conducted. To determine the prevalence of cervical zygapophysial joint pain in patients with chronic neck pain after whiplash. In a significant proportion of patients with whiplash, chronic, refractory neck pain develops. Provisional data suggest many of these patients have zygapophysial joint pain, but the diagnosis has been established by single, uncontrolled diagnostic blocks. Fifty consecutive, referred patients with chronic neck pain after whiplash injury were studied using double-blind, controlled, diagnostic blocks of the cervical zygapophysial joints. On separate occasions, the joint was blocked with either lignocaine or bupivacaine in random order. A positive diagnosis was made only if both blocks relieved the patient's pain and bupivacaine provided longer relief. Painful joints were identified in 54% of the patients (95% confidence interval, 40% to 68%). In this population, cervical zygapophysial joint pain was the most common source of chronic neck pain after whiplash.
ISSN:0362-2436
1528-1159
DOI:10.1097/00007632-199501000-00004