Article

Widespread deep tissue pain hyperalgesia was evaluated in women with
chronic whiplash associated disorder (n = 25) and controls (n = 10) using
computerized cuff pressure algometry and hypertonic saline infusion. Methods: A
pneumatic double-chamber cuff was placed around: (i) the arm and (ii) the leg.
Cuff inflation rate was constant and the pain intensity was registered
continuously on a visual analogue scale (VAS); thresholds of detection and
tolerance were extracted. For assessment of spatial summation the protocol was
repeated with a single-chamber cuff inflated around the leg. Temporal summation
of pain was assessed from the leg with constant cuff pressure stimulation at 2
different pressure intensities for 10 min. Hypertonic saline was infused in the
tibialis anterior muscle. Results: Cuff pressure pain thresholds were lower in
subjects with whiplash associated disorder compared with controls (p < 0.05).
Tonic pressure stimulation evoked higher maximal VAS and larger areas under the
VAS curve in subjects with whiplash associated disorder compared with controls (p
< 0.05). The pain threshold and tolerance were higher during single cuff than
double cuff stimulation. The area under the VAS curve after intramuscular saline
infusion was larger in whiplash associated disorder (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The
results indicated widespread hyperalgesia in chronic whiplash associated disorder
and facilitated temporal summation outside the primary pain area, suggesting
involvement of central sensitization.

Langue : ANGLAIS