Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between symptoms across body systems and health outcomes in individuals with chronic whiplash-associated disorders (WADs).
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a multidisciplinary chronic pain center in Calgary, Canada, between October 2019 and December 2021. Participants with a history of WAD completed questionnaires assessing pre-existing symptoms across bodily systems and related health outcomes. Mediation analyses evaluated the associations between symptom profiles and health outcomes, as well the role of pain cognitions.
Results: Of 305 participants in the registry database, 238 were eligible. The majority reported symptoms from 2 or more body systems, especially neurological, gastrointestinal, and psychological symptoms. Participants demonstrated moderate-to-severe pain and disability, with low physical health-related quality of life. While multiple symptoms correlated with worse health outcomes, mediation analyses revealed pain cognitions primarily influenced these associations, except for eye-related symptoms, which directly correlated with pain and disability.
Conclusion: The study highlights that chronic WAD is characterized by a complex symptom profile across various bodily systems. Although a broader symptom profile is linked to poorer health outcomes, the effects are often mediated by pain cognitions. Notably, prior health conditions did not adversely impact outcomes, suggesting a need for targeted interventions focusing on cognitive aspects in patients with chronic WAD.
Author keywords: Chronic Pain; Patient Reported Outcome Measures; Quality of Life; Treatment Outcome; Whiplash Injury.
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