Impact of Chiropractic Care in the Management of Whiplash Injuries

Whiplash injuries are by far the most common type of injuries arising from motor vehicle accidents. They make up 95% of ICBC claims. By whiplash, we commonly refer to a constellation of injuries that involve muscles, ligaments and tendons. Some clinicians use the term “whiplash injuries” to refer to all common injuries arising from motor vehicle accidents including jaw injuries, headaches and other injuries.

Chiropractic care has consistently proven to be the best treatment for the commonly seen injuries arising from a motor vehicle accidents. It combines the effects of muscle stretching, as accomplished in physiotherapy and massage therapy, with the added benefits of joint mobilization which none of the other commonly used therapists can provide.

In addition to all this, chiropractors are considered to be ‘doctors’ in the province of British Columbia. As such, they can provide a diagnosis unlike physiotherapists, massage therapists and kinesiologists. You do not require a medical referral to see a chiropractor.

Although a chiropractor should be your primary health care provider for the treatment of whiplash injuries, it is important that you check in with your physician at least every couple of weeks. This will ensure he or she is sufficiently familiar with your case to provide a comprehensive medical legal report in preparation for settlement of your file.