Quebec Task Force on Whiplash-Associated Disorders noted that these disorders are usually self-limited regardless of specificity of the treatment. The medical literature has provided evidence that among claimants of Whiplash-Associated Disorders Grade I to III, 20% take more than four months to recover. Quebec Task Force noted that 10% are unable to resume normal activities 200 days after the motor vehicle accident.

 

The current medical practices mainly address isolated specific symptoms of these disorders rather than long term management of mosaic of health problems posed by these claimants. Administration of numerous treatment protocols is considered to be curative by the physicians and insurers and often attorney services are invoked to justify further evaluation and treatment interventions. The medical literature has shown that rest, analgesics, and passive modalities including TENS, ultrasound, pulsed electromagnetic therapies, traction, and acupuncture are not effective options in these claimants. It has been reported that that delayed recovery in these claimants must be understood in the context of comorbid conditions.

 

The current evidence suggests that chronic pain, delayed recovery, and disability can be best understood and managed using the Biopsychosocial Model that reflects a complex interaction between physical (body and mind), psychological (personal and relationships), and social (occupational and economic) perspectives of health. It has been concluded that use of conventional Medical Model and physicians not formally training in disability prevention and management are the leading causes of delayed recovery and permanent disability.

 

Please contact IOMC for more information and to arrange disability prevention services in your insurance claims.