• Beth A Winkelstein.
• Department of Bioengineering and Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6321, USA. winkelst@seas.upenn.edu
• Spine. 2011 Dec 1; 36 (25 Suppl): S218S225S218-25.

Study DesignA nonsystematic review of the literature.ObjectiveThe objective was to present general schema for mechanisms of whiplash pain and review the role of animal models in understanding the development of chronic pain from whiplash injury.Summary Of Background DataExtensive biomechanical and clinical studies of whiplash have been performed to understand the injury mechanisms and symptoms of whiplash injury. However, only recently have animal models of this painful disorder been developed based on other pain models in the literature.MethodsA nonsystematic review was performed and findings were integrated to formulate a generalized picture of mechanisms by which chronic whiplash pain develops from mechanical tissue injuries.ResultsThe development of chronic pain from tissue injuries in the neck due to whiplash involves complex interactions between the injured tissue and spinal neuroimmune circuits. A variety of animal models are beginning to define these mechanisms.ConclusionContinued work is needed in developing appropriate animal models to investigate chronic pain from whiplash injuries and care must be taken to determine whether such models aim to model the injury event or the pain symptoms.

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