Whiplash injury: misconceptions and remedies

Misconceptions about whiplash injury and its common course are discussed. Different patient populations appear to suffer to varying degrees and social copying is evident in certain groups--features shared with the Australian 1983 to 1985 'epidemic' of 'repetitive strain syndrome'. Psychosocial factors and overtreatment delay recovery. Family physicians have the opportunity to properly assess and manage most patients. Wasteful therapy must be discouraged, and self care and patient responsibility encouraged.