Abstract: Whiplash-associated disorders usually appear as symptoms of neck pain, headache, and limited cervical spine activities, etc. Its mechanism is complicated, which is related with the sudden acceleration-deceleration mechanism conducted to the cervical vertebral joint, ligaments, muscles and nerves. Recently, it was found that low capacity of cerebrospinal fluid, fibromyalgia, and injury of central nervous system are also associated with those symptoms. The focus of exercise on equal length contraction and endurance of neck deep muscles can significantly improve the symptoms of patients without neurological injury. Ultrasound can be used to dynamically detect deformation and deformation rate patterns of both deep and shallow muscle in the exercise group and the conservative observation group. It is suggested that exercise can improve muscle movement patterns and repair damaged neck muscles at the same time.

Key words: whiplash-associated disorders, mechanism, neck muscles, exercise, ultrasound, review