Even a low-speed car accident can leave your neck and upper back dealing with whiplash — a sudden, forceful back-and-forth motion of the neck that can strain muscles and other soft tissues. Symptoms don’t always appear right away, which is one reason early assessment can be helpful.
Recognizing Whiplash
Neck stiffness and pain are the most common signs, but whiplash can also bring headaches, shoulder or upper back pain, dizziness, or reduced range of motion. Symptoms may develop over the hours or days following a collision, so feeling “fine” right afterward doesn’t necessarily rule out an injury.
What Recovery Typically Looks Like
Many people with whiplash improve within a few weeks, while some symptoms can take longer to resolve. Treatment may include chiropractic care, soft tissue work, guided movement, and advice on gradually returning to normal activity, depending on your symptoms and assessment.
ICBC-Covered Care, Made Simple
If your whiplash is from a car accident, ICBC provides pre-approved coverage for chiropractic and other eligible treatments during the first 12 weeks after the crash. Once you have your ICBC claim number, you can begin eligible treatment without waiting for prior approval.
If you’re dealing with neck pain or stiffness after a collision, our chiropractic team at Joayo Therapy in Brentwood, Burnaby can assess your symptoms and help you get started with ICBC-covered care.
