Railroad Spine

It’s true – I’m a sufferer of railroad spine, and odds are you may be too, and a large chunk of your patients. Railroad spine being the ‘old’ term for what is presently referred to as “whiplash”.  From the photo above you can see that when it came between me and the guardrail, my car did not win. In fact that’s just the front, if ya saw the back and sides you would certainly know the competition was not close. The morning after my accident, I woke up in the damned most pain. I have had serious surgeries and have children – so I can safely say I know what pain is – but not even those could compare to the ‘whiplash’ (thankfully whiplash didn’t last long).

In researching whiplash, via good ol’ Wikipedia, I was surprised to find such drasticly different approaches on what medical assosciations recommend for treatment.

The United States recommends: “A different approach is taken by the National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke, who suggest that treatment for individuals with whiplash may include pain medications, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antidepressants, muscle relaxants, and a cervical collar (usually worn for 2 to 3 weeks). Range of motion exercises, physical therapy, and cervical traction may also be prescribed. Supplemental heat application may relieve muscle tension.”

vs Canada:  According to the recommendations made by the Quebec Task Force, treatment for individuals with whiplash associated disorders grade 1–3 should include manipulation, mobilizations and range of motion exercises. Non-narcotic analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may also be prescribed in the case of WAD 2 and WAD 3, but their use should be limited to a maximum of 3 weeks. A cervical collar should not be used for longer than 72 hours as it may lead to prolonged inactivity. Return to normal activities of daily living should be encouraged as soon as possible to maximize and expediate full recover.
I was honestly shocked by the drastic notice that Quebac states not to use a collar after 72 hours, and the US states that basic precaution should be to wear the collar for at least 2 to 3 weeks…

It’s just another one of those reminders of how important it is to actively get your message – your philopsphy – out into your communities, because look at what they are hearing!