The information on this page is based on recommendations outlined in the Australian Guidelines for the management of acute whiplash-associated disorders for health professionals.
Standard examination
As a primary health professional, your role is to undertake a standard examination of patients with whiplash associated disorder (WAD).
Standard examination has several purposes:
- to help screen patients with fracture
- to assess levels of pain and disability
- to determine if there is a neurological deficit
- to determine neck impairments and symptom response to guide treatment
- to improve patient compliance and allow standardisation of nomenclature used between health professionals.
Recommended steps:
Take a patient history including:
- presentation of symptoms
- prior history of neck problems.
- circumstances of the injury to help you follow the Canadian C/spine rule
Do a physical examination:
- observe the patient's head position/posture
- palpate for tender points
- assess neck range of motion (ROM)
- conduct neurological testing
- assess any other injuries
- assess general health, including psychological state.
Use the Canadian C-Spine Rule:
- to determine if an X-ray is required for diagnosis of fracture or dislocation.
Classify the grade of whiplash:
- to indicate the severity of injury, using the classification of WAD below
Classification of WAD
Classification of WAD
Using the information assessed during the standard examination, a patient’s injury should be graded in order to:
- determine appropriate management and treatment strategies
- provide a good indication of injury severity.
The Quebec Task Force (QTF) developed a WAD classification system designed to improve the management of whiplash by providing a guide to the signs and symptoms of whiplash indicative of the seriousness of the injury.
Not recommended for standard examination
Not recommended for standard examination
The following are not recommended in the assessment of whiplash:
- MRI, CT, EEG, EMG, or specialised peripheral neurological test for WAD I and WAD II.
- X-ray or CT except to diagnose fracture or dislocation. This is to avoid unnecessary exposure to X-rays.
Source: NSW State Insurance Regulatory Authority. Quick reference guide for the management of acute whiplash associated disorders, 2015.