Acupuncture for Whiplash Associated Disorder

The purpose of this study is to determine whether acupuncture is effective and safe therapeutic method in the treatment of cervical pain, shoulder and upper extremity pain and discomfort due to Whiplash associated disorder. (Traumatic car accidents) We recruit 40 participants who had cervical, shoulder and upper extremity pain and had discomfort due to Whiplash associated disorder. And then we check initial data of 40 participants (Pain;VAS, Cervical ROM, SF-36, SDS, CMI) 40 participants were randomly allocated to two groups ; acupuncture group or waiting-list group. Acupuncture group: participants were given acupuncture treatment three times a week during 2 weeks, for 15 minutes at each session. After 6 times acupuncture treatments, we check information of participants again after 2 weeks(VAS, ROM, SF-36, SDS, CMI) Waiting-list group : The waiting-list group did not receive acupuncture treatment. After 2 weeks we check information of participants again (VAS, ROM, SF-36, SDS, CMI) The waiting-Patients in both groups were permitted to receive usual care including physical therapy and exercise and were not permitted to take analgesics and antiphlogistics during the trial periods.