Physical and psychological aspects of whiplash: Important considerations for primary care assessment, Part 2 – Case studies

Whiplash is a heterogenous and in many, a complex condition involving both physical and psychological factors. Primary care practitioners are often the first health care contact for individuals with a whiplash injury and as such play an important role in gauging prognosis as well as providing appropriate management for whiplash injured patients. It is imperative that factors associated with poor outcome are recognized and managed in the primary care environment at the crucial early acute stage post-injury. This paper presents 2 case studies of individuals with acute whiplash pain. The case studies illustrate the heterogeneity of the whiplash condition and the importance of clinical assessment that includes consideration of both physical and psychological manifestations. They also demonstrate the important role physiotherapists' play in the management of people with whiplash, particularly in the early post-injury stage.