Research focuses on whiplash

Research focuses on ?whiplash'

Research being conducted in the University of Queensland's Physiotherapy Department may offer new hope to people suffering persistent neck problems following a vehicle accident.

Associate Professor, Gwendolen Jull, said the research centred on developing detailed and subtle tests to measure the reactions in the muscles, joints and nerves of the neck following a whiplash injury.

Diagnosis and treatment of neck injuries suffered as a result of whiplash are often difficult because the structures injured are deep and cannot be seen, and x-rays often do not detect the subtle injuries.

Professor Jull said the management of whiplash associated injuries was a major challenge for the medical and physiotherapy professions, with current treatments ranging from advice to "continue as normal" to heavy strengthening exercises.

"This diversity in treatment approach reflects the difficulty in recognising the reactions in the deep joints and muscles of the neck, unlike other parts of the body where muscle wasting or swelling can be readily seen.

"By developing a new series of more subtle physical tests, we hope to more accurately detect how the deep structures have reacted and their links to the neck pain and other symptoms - and when we know this, we will be closer to providing sufferers with the most appropriate and effective treatment."

The tests include measuring how the whiplash injury affects the muscle control of neck movements and subtle measures of the muscle reactions to joint or nerve pain and damage, helping researchers to more accurately pinpoint the seat of the problem.

The University of Queensland was named Australian University of the Year in 1998 and is a recognised leader in medical and health-related research and teaching.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Gwendolen Jull telephone 3365 2008