Background:Central sensitization has been associated with chronic pain in whiplash patients. Methods:Consecutive whiplash patients were assessed at 3 months post-whiplash injury with the brachial plexus provocation test(BPPT) as a sign of central sensitization.Self-reported recovery was assessed by the response to the question ’Do you feel you have recovered fully from your accident injuries?’ Results:Sixty-nine subjects(32 males,37 females,age 37.5±13.0 years(mean±SD),range 18—71) were included.Of these,34 reported a lack of recovery,and 35 reported recovery at 3 months post-injury.The mean BPPT elbow extension(from 180°) was 41.5±23.0°,and the mean VAS score for the BPPT was 2.2±1.2(out of 10).Those who reported recovery had a mean BPPT elbow extension angle of 25.1±15.8 while those who did not report recovery had a mean BPPT angle of 58.4±15.9(P 0.05).The visual analogue scale(VAS) score for recovered subjects was 1.8±1.1 and 2.7±1.1(P 0.05) for non-recovered.There was a moderate correlation between self-reported recovery and BPPT elbow extension angle(—0.44) and a lower correlation between self-reported recovery and VAS score(-0.30). Conclusion:Self-reported recovery correlates well with a lower likelihood of signs of central sensitization.
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