[The multidisciplinary guideline 'Diagnosis and treatment of people with whiplash-associated disorder I or II'].

A multidisciplinary guideline for the intake and treatment of whiplash patients has been developed with regard to the impact of whiplash on public health and social security. This guideline is restricted to uncomplicated whiplash, which is defined as the sudden acceleration and deceleration of the skull with energy transfer to the neck without neurological sequelae or fractures. In whiplash victims who are not alert, have pain of the neck, diminished cervical mobility or pain on palpation of the cervical vertebrae, an X ray of the cervical spine should be carried out to exclude fractures. Following whiplash if complications have been excluded, active neck exercise treatment is the correct approach. The patient should start this as soon as possible. After uncomplicated whiplash, rest and immobilisation are undesirable.