Whiplash Injury

The recovery period for a whiplash injury varies depending on the injury grade (WAD classification). Grade 1, characterized by muscle pain, improves within a few weeks; Grade 2, accompanied by limited movement, takes an average of 2 to 3 months; and Grade 3, involving neurological symptoms, may take longer. Importantly, approximately 20–40% of patients progress to a chronic course; high initial pain intensity, the presence of headaches or dizziness, and excessive avoidance of activity are known risk factors. Consistent research results indicate that early activity leads to a better prognosis than bed rest. In Korean medicine, the recovery stages are viewed as the Blood Stasis Stage, the Hardening Stage, and the Recovery Stage. In the initial stage, traumatic blood stasis predominates, causing severe throbbing pain; if this blood stasis is not sufficiently resolved during this period, it hardens into rigid muscles and veins, leading to chronicity. This is why Dongjedang emphasizes the first month. For office workers, treatment schedules are arranged to align with their commute routes. During the acute phase, blood stasis and inflammation are intensively resolved using acupuncture and pharmacopuncture 2–3 times a week, while during the improvement phase, the frequency is reduced to 1–2 times a week to strengthen weakened ligaments using needle acupuncture and thread embedding. At the same time, if you clear out blood stasis and support your recovery power with herbal medicine tailored to your constitution, the effects are maintained even if you space out treatment intervals, making it easier to balance work life and treatment.