Whiplash-associated chronic headache treated with home cervical traction

Health East-St John's Hospital, Maplewood, Minn, USA.

The subject of this case report was a 56-year-old woman who sustained a whiplash-associated disorder as a result of a motor vehicle accident. Within a few hours after the accident, she developed a headache, which became chronic, creating disability and hindering the quality of her life. In the following year, a variety of diagnostic tests, medications, and physical therapy were unsuccessful in determining the cause of her complaints or in relieving them. After this year, she expressed anger, frustration, and a reluctance to undergo additional physical therapy. By listening to her explain how she coped with her problem and observing that she lacked the ability to reduce her cervical lordosis, the therapist developed and implemented a home program of supine cervical traction and exercise. After 30 days of treatment, she was able to reduce and control her headache. This treatment and the approach used to develop the treatment may benefit other patients who have whiplash-associated chronic headache.