Article

Chronic whiplash is a debilitating condition characterized by increased
sensitivity to painful stimuli, maladaptive illness beliefs, inappropriate
attitudes, and movement dysfunctions. Previous work in people with chronic low
back pain and chronic fatigue syndrome indicates that pain neurophysiology
education is able to improve illness beliefs and attitudes as well as movement
performance. This single-case study (A-B-C design) with six patients with chronic
whiplash associated disorders (WAD) was aimed at examining whether education
about the neurophysiology of pain is accompanied by changes in symptoms, daily
functioning, pain beliefs, and behavior. Periods A and C represented assessment
periods, while period B consisted of the intervention
(pain neurophysiology
education). Results showed a significant decrease in kinesiophobia (Tampa Scale
for Kinesiophobia), the passive coping strategy of resting
(Pain Coping
Inventory), self-rated disability (Neck Disability Index), and photophobia (WAD
Symptom List). At the same time, significantly increased pain pressure thresholds
and improved pain-free movement performance
(visual analog scale on Neck
Extension Test and Brachial Plexus Provocation Test) were established. Although
the current results need to be verified in a randomized, controlled trial, they
suggest that education about the physiology of pain is able to increase pain
thresholds and improve pain behavior and pain-free movement performance in
patients with chronic WAD.

Langue : ANGLAIS