(WAD) is the term given for the collection of symptoms affecting the neck that are triggered by an accident with an acceleration–deceleration mechanism such as a motor vehicle accident.
Classification
Grade 0: No complaints about the neck. No physical sign(s).
Grade I: Neck complaint of pain, stiffness or tenderness only. No physical sign(s).
Grade II: Neck complaint AND musculoskeletal sign(s). Musculoskeletal signs
Grade II: Neck complaint AND musculoskeletal sign(s). Musculoskeletal signs include decreased range of motion and point tenderness.
Grade III: Neck complaint AND neurological sign(s). Neurological signs include decreased range of motion and point tenderness.
Grade IV: Neck complaint AND fracture or dislocation.
Symptoms
1) Pain in Neck, Shoulder and arms
2) headache in occipital area sometimes radiating to forehead..
3) neck stiffness with restricted mobility.
4) concomitant symptoms like dizziness, visual impairment, tinnitus, deafness, Unilateral brachialgia, shoulder complains, back pain, depression and cognitive disorders
Causes of pain can be any of these tissues, with the strain injury resulting in secondary oedema, haemorrhage, and inflammation:
joints: zygapophyseal joints, Atlanto-axial joint, Atlanto-occipital joint
Intervertebral discs and cartilaginous endplates
muscles
ligaments: Alar ligament, Anterior atlanto-axial ligament, Anterior atlanto-occipital ligament, Apical ligament,Anterior longitudinal ligament, Transverse ligament of the atlas
bones: Atlas, Axis, vertebrae (C3-C7)
nervous systems structures: nerve roots, spinal cord, brain, sympathetic nervous system
the vascular system structures: internal carotid and vertebral artery
adjacent joints: Temporomandibular joint, thoracic spine, ribs, shoulder complex
the peripheral vestibular system
Our Protocol
Identify Red flags
Patient may need surgical referral
If grade 1 and 2, consevative management for 6months
Cervical epidural injection
Trigger point injection
Diagnostic median branch followed by RF to control pain of Facet joints
