B J Wallis1, S M Lord, L Barnsley, N Bogduk. 1. Cervical Spine Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, Australia.
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN: A survey of pain intensity and psychological symptoms in patients with chronic neck pain after whiplash injury. OBJECTIVES: To describe the pain and psychological profiles of patients with chronic whiplash. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Reports in the literature mention a constellation of symptoms associated with chronic whiplash injury but no systematic survey using objective patient report measures has been reported. METHODS: One hundred forty consecutive referred patients with chronic neck pain after a motor vehicle accident were studied using the SCL-90-R psychological profile and the McGill Pain Questionnaire. RESULTS: Psychological profiles and pain intensity ratings, similar to profiles obtained from patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and low back pain of organic origin, were obtained. CONCLUSIONS: The SCL-90-R is a convenient instrument to administer to patients with whiplash. It yielded a characteristic profile of pain and appears to be more expedient than other psychometric tests for these patients.
STUDY DESIGN: A survey of pain intensity and psychological symptoms in patients with chronic neck pain after whiplash injury. OBJECTIVES: To describe the pain and psychological profiles of patients with chronic whiplash. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Reports in the literature mention a constellation of symptoms associated with chronic whiplash injury but no systematic survey using objective patient report measures has been reported. METHODS: One hundred forty consecutive referred patients with chronic neck pain after a motor vehicle accident were studied using the SCL-90-R psychological profile and the McGill Pain Questionnaire. RESULTS: Psychological profiles and pain intensity ratings, similar to profiles obtained from patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and low back pain of organic origin, were obtained. CONCLUSIONS: The SCL-90-R is a convenient instrument to administer to patients with whiplash. It yielded a characteristic profile of pain and appears to be more expedient than other psychometric tests for these patients.