Besides WAD level, there are multiple findings that predict bad whiplash outcome.
IASP Poster Presentation Number: PH 056, Montreal 2010
CAN WE IDENTIFY PEOPLE UNLIKELY TO RECOVER FROM WHIPLASH INJURY? A REPORT ON THE DEVELOPMENT AND INITIAL VALIDATION OF A NEW SCREENING TOOL
D. M. Walton1, J. C. MacDermid2, 1Sch. of Physical Therapy, The Univ. of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada, 2Physical Therapy, McMaster Univ., Hamilton, ON, Canada
Factors on examinations were significantly related to disability:
1) Pain level – “numeric rating scale – NRS” – average from 0-10
2) Neuropathic Indices – they used the S – LANSS neuropathic pain scale
3) Number of restricted neck movements – they got up to 18 – I presume one would be passive motion (6) where another moves it for you, and 6 were active where you move it – not sure about last 6 – they recorded the number
4) Number of neck movements painful – up to 6
5) Upper arm weaknesses – number from 0-4
6) Their anxiety/depression scale
Each of above had statistical significance. When documenting disability, these factors should be mentioned.