Whiplash

The hallmark of this condition is an acceleration-deceleration injury. This often happens in motor vehicle accidents when the patient is hit from behind. The snapping of the neck in this manner puts a stress on a joint in the neck called the facet joint. Treatment for this problem often includes physical therapy and minor injections but when the pain is refractory to these conservative methods burning the nerve that supplies the joint can be the recommended treatment. This treatment is called Radiofrequency Lesioning and has been studied for at least 15 years. An article documenting its efficacy was published in the NEJM in 1997.