During the period of 25 years (1970-1994) n=680 patients were diagnosed with sprain of the neck due to non car accidents (NCA) at the Emergency Room of the University Hospital Groningen. A steady increase in the number of patients was observed from 55 patients in the period 1970-1974 to 241 patients in the period 1990-1994. The highest prevalence were found for, respectively, the age groups 14-19 year Olds (3.92 per 10,000) and 20-24 year Olds (2.24 per 10,000). Accidental fail (25%), sport (24%), and bicycle accidents (14%) were the most important causes of sprain of the neck NCA. Male predominance (62%) was observed across the life span. 90% of the victims was admitted as outpatient. Three interacting factors (reduction of working hours, extension compulsory education and the media effect) that may have effected the increase in sprain of the neck NCA during the 25 year period have been discussed.
Abstract