Whiplash injury and hippocrates: practical points for contemporary practitioners

The purpose of this article is to consider how the basic principles used by Hippocrates in assessing and managing disease in general and musculoskeletal problems in particular relate to the better management of "whiplash injury" today. Hippocrates' principles of observing, listening, touching, examining, and recording, and finally of considering the patient in his/her past and present environment are most relevant for contemporary practitioners, particularly those who are asked to assess and/or treat cervical sprain or whiplash injury.