Getting Facts aboutWhiplash - OCA

1 Getting the Facts about whiplash Getting the Facts about whiplash : Grades I and II 1. People injured in car crashes sometimes Many people experience no disruption to experience a strain of the neck muscles and their normal activities after a whiplash injury. surrounding soft tissue, known commonly as Those who do usually improve after a few days whiplash . This injury often occurs when a vehicle or weeks and return safely to their daily is hit from the rear or the side, causing a sharp activities. and sudden movement of the head and neck. Just as the soreness and stiffness of a sprained whiplash may result in tender muscles (Grade I) ankle may linger, a neck strain can also feel or limited neck movement (Grade II).

2 This type of achy, stiff or tender for days or weeks. While injury is usually temporary and most people who some patients get better quickly, symptoms experience it make a complete recovery. If you can persist over a longer period of time. For have suffered a whiplash injury, knowing more most cases of Grades I and II whiplash , these about the condition can help you participate in symptoms gradually decrease with a return to your own recovery. This brochure summarizes activity. current scientific research related to Grade I and II whiplash injuries. Daily Activity and whiplash Continuing normal activities is very important Understanding whiplash to recovery. Most whiplash injuries are not serious and Resting for more than a day or two usually heal fully.

3 Does not help the injury and may instead Signs of serious neck injury, such as fracture, prolong pain and disability. For whiplash are usually evident in early assessments. injuries, it appears that rest makes rusty.. Health care professionals trained to treat Injured muscles can get stiff and weak when whiplash are alert for these signs. they're not used. This can add to pain and Pain, stiffness and other symptoms of Grades can delay recovery. I or II whiplash typically start within the first A return to normal activity may be assisted by 2 days after the accident. A later onset of active treatment and exercises. symptoms does not indicate a more serious injury. 1. There are four grades of whiplash according to the severity of the injury, of which Grades I and II are by far the most common and least serious.

4 The information in this brochure applies specifically to these two grades. Cervical collars, or neck braces, prevent Avoiding Chronic Pain motion and may add to stiffness and pain. Some whiplash sufferers are reluctant to These devices are generally not recommended, return to activity, fearing it will make the as they have shown little or no benefit. injury worse. Pain or tenderness may cause Returning to activity maintains the health of them to overestimate the extent of physical soft-tissues and keeps them flexible speeding damage. recovery. Physical exercise also releases body If your health professional suggests a return to chemicals that help to reduce pain in a activity, accept the advice and act on it.

5 Natural way. Stay connected with family, friends and co- To prevent development of chronic pain, it is workers. Social withdrawal can contribute to important to start moving as soon as possible. depression and the development of chronic pain. If you are discouraged or depressed about Tips for Return to Activity your recovery, talk to your health professional. Avoid sitting in one position for long periods. Focus on Getting on with your life, rather than Periodically stand and stretch. on the injury! Sit at your workstation so that the upper part of your arm rests close to your body, and your back and feet are well supported. Adjust the seat when driving so that your Preventing Another whiplash elbows and knees are loosely bent.

6 Injury When shopping or carrying items, use a cart Properly adjusting the or hold things close to the body for support. height of your car seat Avoid contact sports or strenuous exercise for head restraint (head rest). the first few weeks to prevent further injury. will help prevent Ask your health professional about other whiplash injury in an sporting or recreational activities. accident. In an ideal Make your sleeping bed comfortable. The adjustment, the top of pillow should be adjusted to support the neck the head should be in at a comfortable height. line with the top of the head restraint and there should be no more than 2 to 5 cm between the back of the head and the head restraint.

7 Treating whiplash Research indicates that successful whiplash treatment requires patient cooperation and This brochure provides general information about whiplash active efforts to resume daily activity. injuries. It does not replace advice from a qualified health care professional who can properly assess a whiplash injury A treating health care professional will assess and recommend treatment. your whiplash injuries, and discuss options for treatment and control of pain. The information highlights the latest available scientific Although prescription medications are usually research on whiplash and has been endorsed by the unnecessary, temporary use of mild over-the- following organizations: counter medication may be suggested, in addition to ice or heat.

8 Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC). Ontario Chiropractic Association (OCA). Your treating health care professional may Ontario Massage Therapist Association (OMTA). recommend appropriate physical treatment. Ontario Physiotherapy Association (OPA). Ontario Society of Occupational Therapists (OSOT).