Common Whiplash Injury: A Modern Epidemic

Whiplash injury has become a major epidemic in Western society. First described by Doctors James Gay and Kenneth Abbott in 1953, the problem continues to escalate nearly half a century later despite the profusion of physicians, paramedicals, pain clinics, back clinics and whiplash conferences dealing with it. The whiplash industry seems to be doing more but helping less. In this book, our understanding of whiplash injury is reexamined, why it has become so prevalent is explored, and ways to halt the epidemic are suggested. The author defines whiplash injury as a simple musculoligamentous sprain of the neck and occasionally the upper back following a motor vehicle collision. He utilizes individual case histories and pertinent literature to explore the factors causing this epidemic. The contrasting incidences of whiplash in different countries are discussed, with social copying, legal and insurance factors indicative of contributing to the influx of cases. The following topics are also featured: how the body moves depending on the force of impact, the type of neck and back support, and the exact position of the head and body; the need to balance physical and psychosocial factors in assessing and treating patients; personal research and research problems; the Quebec Task Force on whiplash injury; lawyers and the legal process; the cost of whiplash injury; recent observations on exercising and early work return; and review and remedies. It will be useful for students and teachers in the health and social sciences, for professionals who care for patients, insurance companies, lawyers, judges, and for individuals concerned with the increasing cost of health care.