Cervical strain/sprain (is this a metaphor or a medical diagnosis?).

8470. This is an ICD-9 code? Shorthand for pain in the neck is more realistic. Facet synovitis; occipital nerve neuritis; or myofascial pain uncovered by trauma. In the old days we heard 'whiplash' an unfortunate term implying mode of injury, not result! To accept terminology such as 'whiplash', one would also accept 'fall from a ladder', 'slipped on stairs', 'moving a sofa', 'fell off a house', etc., etc. But cervical sprain/strain is still meaningless and fast becoming a metaphor for continued complaints ... and TREATMENT. I recently reviewed a patient's chart with this diagnosis who was still receiving twice weekly ultrasound, 'myofascial release', and acupuncture. Is this really necessary? To this question, I respond with an emphatic NO! Not even nearly appropriate. But, should I indict the provider or the patient or both?