Whiplash Injuries

Whiplash Symptoms & Treatment

What is whiplash? Whiplash is an acceleration-deceleration mechanism of energy transfer to the neck. It may result from rear-end or side-impact motor vehicle collision, but can also occur during diving or other mishaps (Quebec Task Force, 1995). The impact may result in bony or soft tissue injuries also known as whiplash injury, which in turn may lead to a variety of clinical manifestations or whiplash-associated disorders.

Common symptoms of whiplash include:

• Neck Pain
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Visual disturbances
• Tinnitus
• Arm pain, weakness, and/or numbness
• Jaw Pain
• Upper back and shoulder pain
• Low back pain

Whiplash Treatment

The successful treatment for whiplash incorporates a multitude of disciplines such as chiropractic, massage therapy, and acupuncture, as well as stretching techniques and exercise therapy. In Alberta, insurance coverage for the treatment of injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident (MVA) is provided under the Diagnostic and Treatment Protocols (DTPR). These protocols allow a patient to receive treatment that is directly billed to insurance for chiropractic, physical therapy, massage therapy, acupuncture, dentistry, and/or psychology. A referral from a physician is NOT required and approval for treatment occurs once the chiropractor renders a diagnosis.

A chiropractor will do a history, perform an examination, and determine a diagnosis. If required, additional tests such as diagnostic imaging (X-rays, bone scans, musculoskeletal ultrasounds, and/or MRI) may be requested. Once a diagnosis is rendered, a plan of management is formulated and treatment begins. The chiropractor will provide treatment by utilizing various manual therapy techniques such as joint mobilizations, adjustments, stretching, soft tissue therapy and modalities such as ultrasound, interferential current (IFC), transcutaneous nerve stimulation, laser, and spinal decompression. Adjunctive treatments such as massage therapy and acupuncture will be used to reduce muscle tension and pain.

Alberta Chiropractic Care and Insurance Coverage Entitlements or the Diagnostic and Treatment Protocols (DTPR)

If you live in Alberta and you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident, you are entitled to immediate chiropractic treatment that is directly billed to your automobile insurance company, regardless of fault. A referral to a physician is not required to seek chiropractic care. In fact, the DTPR states that if you have sustained injuries as the result of MVA, your primary health care practitioner (chiropractor, physician, or physical therapist) does not have to seek approval of the insurer for payment for treatment of your injuries.

Chiropractors receive a minimum of seven years of postsecondary education and experts in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal injuries. As such, this makes chiropractors an obvious choice for the treatment of whiplash and back pain. The chiropractor will take a case history, perform a thorough examination, order diagnostic imaging such as X-rays, and render a diagnosis. Under the DTPR, the diagnosis that the chiropractor renders determines the number of treatments you are entitled to, which may be 10 or 21.Natural, effective and pain-free treatments, fully covered, direct billed. No referral needed.

Call Chirocare Centre Today – 780-487-5151.