Muscle Enzyme Changes following a Whiplash Injury

This study was a prospective evaluation of serial muscle enzyme changes in 25 consecutive patients who were suffering from neck pain following a rear end motor vehicle accident. The objectives were to assess if muscle damage occurs and to quantify it following a whiplash injury. It is often stated that a whiplash injury is a soft tissue injury consisting of damage to the muscles and ligaments of the neck. However no study has looked at this. MRI scans occasionally show haematoma within the paravertebral muscles but are not sensitive enough to assess muscle damage. Creatinine kinase has been shown to be the most sensitive indicator of muscle damage Twenty-five consecutive patients suffering from neck pain following a rear end collision were recruited. Serial creatinine kinase measurements were taken on three consecutive days including the day of the accident and a control value at three months following the injury. Only patients with isolated whiplash injuries were included. There were no significant rises in creatinine kinase in any of the patients in the study, even in two patients who had to be hospitalised because of the severity of their symptoms. We have found no evidence that the symptoms arising after a whiplash injury are due to muscle damage and other avenues need to be explored.