Assessment of the Alignment of the Atlas and Surrounding Tissues in Chronic Whiplash Associated Disorder

Whiplash is an injury caused by the rapid forward and backward movement of the neck, leading to injuries in bones or soft tissues, along with various symptoms. Recent studies indicate that muscles affected by whiplash may show increased fat buildup and reduced muscle volume. However, these changes in muscle do not completely account for the pain and other symptoms reported. Besides soft tissues, whiplash can also injure bone structures, including the cervical spine. Until now, studies focused mainly on fractures of the cervical spine, often overlooking the position and alignment of the atlas and dens (C1 and C2). The aim of this study is to evaluate the position and alignment of the Atlas in chronic whiplash-associated disorder (grades 1 or 2) and compare it to patients with tension headache and healthy controls. Additionally, it will explore how these factors relate to pain intensity, neck movement limitations, daily activities, overall improvement, and quality of life.