Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD) affect 20-50 million individuals globally each year, with up to 50% developing persistent pain. WAD grade II (WADII) is the most common type. Emerging evidence suggests nerve pathology may be present in some people with WADII.
In this study, two-thirds of participants with acute WADII initially exhibited signs of neuropathic pain and nerve pathology. At the 6-month follow-up, neuropathic pain persisted in one-third of participants with WADII, while nerve pathology persisted in two-thirds. These findings challenge the traditional musculoskeletal classification of WADII and underscore the need for targeted neurological assessments and treatment.