Whiplash Injury Sustained in Motor Vehicle Accidents: Factors Influencing Time Off Work

Abstract

1030 cases of whiplash injury of the cervical spine were studied over an 8 year period to determine which factors affected the length of time off work. Early onset of neck pain, radiation of the neck pain into the upper limbs and older age group were associated with a greater mean time off work.

An association between occupation and mean time off work is identified. Work of a heavy manual nature did not militate against a relatively early return to work. Those who drove for a living took the longest mean time off work.

Key Words:

• whiplash injury
• motor vehicle accident
• work incapacity
• occupation