[Effectiveness of spinal manipulation in treating whiplash injuries].

Objective: To assess the efficacy of spinal manipulation treatments in patients with whiplash injuries.

Design: Systematic review.

Data Sources: A systematic search was conducted between January 2000 and May 2006 in CINAHL, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, MEDLINE, CRD (Center for Reviews and Dissemination), Spanish Index Medicus, and PEDro. Reports of Physiotherapy congresses between 2000 and 2005 were reviewed.

Inclusion Criteria: studies of patients with whiplash injuries who were treated with spinal manipulations, either exclusively or combined with other therapies. Outcomes were expressed in at least one of the following: pain, global perceived effect or range of movement (ROM). Only 9 of the first screening (290) were analyzed.

Data Extraction: The studies were independently selected by 2 reviewers. Methodological quality was assessed on the basis of the recommendations of the Agency for Health Technology Evaluation. The lack of data and their heterogeneity made any statistical analysis impossible.

Results: Of the 9 studies analyzed, 7 were systematic reviews and 2 were primary studies. No review showed evidence of the efficacy of spinal manipulations versus other therapies. The results were often explained vaguely and inadequately.

Conclusions: There is not enough evidence to suggest that spinal manipulation is an effective treatment for whiplash. Though in the short term it seems to improve pain, any long-term benefit or clinical or economic advantages versus conventional therapies could not be determined.