Whiplash can manifest in multiple ways and has been categorized depending on the signs and symptoms present.

Here are the different grades of whiplash

A Grade I Whiplash-Associated Disorder (WAD I) refers to a disorder in which a person complains of neck pain, stiffness or tenderness only.

A Grade II Whiplash-Associated Disorder (WAD II) once again refers to a disorder in which a person complains of neck pain, stiffness or tenderness, but these complaints are accompanied with reduced neck range of motion.

A Grade III Whiplash-Associated Disorder (WAD III) involves a neck complaint in combination with neurological signs such as muscular weakness, abnormal sensation and lack of or reduced reflexes.

A Grade IV Whiplash-Associated Disorder (WAD IV) involves a neck complaint accompanied with a fracture or dislocation involving the bones or joints in the neck.

With the variety of ways in which a whiplash-associated disorder can present, it is important that treatment be personalized to each and every patient in order to maximize results and minimize chronic long-standing negative outcomes.

The inter-disciplinary approach utilized at Core Health Care Don Mills allows us to address any joint restriction, muscular tightness and imbalance as well as any other problems affecting a patient’s function and ability to participate in daily activities.

Combining therapies such as Massage Therapy, Chiropractic and Physiotherapy allows for more complete management, maximizes therapeutic response and increases rate of recovery so that you can take back control of your life and health.

Have you ever had whiplash before? If so, what grade would you compare it to?

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Office ergonomics:

1. Computer screen:

Screens should be directly in front of you and your keyboard. The top of the screen should be approximately eye level. Using a laptop, this becomes a challenge. Try hooking up your laptop to a permanent screen so that you don’t have to look down the entire day. If you transcribe word from print, have the written document either directly in front or just off to the side.

2. Keyboards:

The height of the keyboard should be below the desk level, just above the thighs when sitting. Reaching to use a keyboard or having your keyboard too high will cause your shoulder and neck muscles to overwork and become tired and tense by the end of the day. Specially curved keyboards can be used, but have not been conclusively shown to add benefit.

1. Monday: Regular mouse right hand
2. Tuesday: Regular mouse left hand
3. Wednesday: Trackball mouse right hand
4. Thursday: Trackball mouse left hand
5. Friday: Joystick mouse right hand
6. Saturday: Whey are you mousing 6 days a week? This frequency needs to be addressed.

3. Chair:

First off, there is no perfect chair and no perfect position. Previous belief was to have knees and elbows at 90 degrees, feet on the floor while keeping a straight back. This is both impractical and would cause you to load the same tissues in your body all day, week, and month.

Instead find a chair that can adjust in multiple directions (tilting seat pan, adjustable lumbar support, tilting back support, adjustable arm rests, adjustable seat height, rolling wheels). Take advantage of this type of chair and change your position multiple times during the day. Here’s an example:

1. 9:00 a.m. – feet on floor, seat pan slightly tilted forward, elbows on arm rests
2. 11:00 a.m.– cross legs (alternate), seat pan level, back slightly tilted back, roll up close to the desk, elbows on arms rests
3. 1:00 p.m. – 1 or both feet on stool, seat pan level, back support straight, keyboard on lap
4. 3:00 p.m.– feet on desk (crossed), seat pan and back support tilted back, elbows on arm rests, keyboard on lap.

4. Phone:

Phones that are used often should be very close and a headset should also be used to free the hands without pinching the receiver between head and shoulder (we’ve all done that).

5. Printers:

Ideally a printing station should be used to centralize and optimize the printing for the office. This will also provide a reason to get out of your chair often throughout the day. Visits to the water cooler can also substitute for this purpose.

6. Minibreaks:

Taking short 30-90 second breaks from your position is ideal for those who suffer from neck and back pain. Simply stand up, lean SLIGHLY back and do some shoulder rolls. You don’t even have to leave your work station.

This will provide a minibreak for the muscles and joints that you’re using all day. Complete minibreaks 4-6x an hour.

7. Mouse:

Mousing has been shown to increase wrist, elbow, shoulder and neck pain, especially when required to complete repetitive tasks. Having the mouse at elbow level, resting the elbow on arm rests, and taking frequent breaks are excellent strategies for decreasing the load on the muscles and joints.

If mouse use is a major part of your day, switching hands and switching mouse types are a great to decrease overuse of the same muscles joints everyday.

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Thanks for reading!

Dr. Simon Wang, MSc., D.C.
Core Health Care Don Mills

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Your physiotherapist can assist you in a speedy and safe recovery. Reduction of swelling and pain management are top priorities for any new injury.

These are achieved through passive care methods such as modalities (ultrasound, interferential current), joint traction, and mobilization.

Once the majority of swelling has been reduced, any scar tissue that built up as a result of the sprain or strain must be broken down.

A variety of soft-tissue techniques such as shockwave therapy, Graston Technique, and soft-tissue mobilization can be applied to the affected area. Exercises must then be employed to strengthen and rebuild the surrounding muscles correctly.

At Core Health Care Don Mills, we are very well equipped to help you overcome any injury you may suffer from. This not only includes new and acute injuries but also chronic injuries acquired over your lifetime.

Head in for an initial assessment to find out how we can help you live your life better.

Thanks!

The Core Health Care Physiotherapy Department

Core Health Care represents a group of health facilities striving to better the health of our patients through the combined fields and expertise of our professionals.

On our Core blog, we will be talking about different health conditions, how we can help you improve your quality of life, improve your physical fitness, as well as educating you on health conditions you might not have heard of before.

Mission:

We strive to improve the health of our patients through combined fields of experts at our clinic. By delivering modern, effective, natural therapies in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, our staff and team of health care professionals provide the best possible services that fit your personal health care needs and achieve effective results!

Here’s what we can help you with:

• Pain & Injury Treatment
• Metabolic & Chronic condition Management
• Preventive Health & Weight Control
• Athletic Performance Improvement
• Foot Health Solutions

Core Health Care Don Mills
(416) 445-2075
6 Maginn Mews, Suite 204,
Toronto, ON, M3C 0G9

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If you have any questions, feedback, or comments, be sure to see the locations above or visit our Contact page to get in touch with one of our Core Health Care staff.

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