According to the Ministry of Transportation, 2023 saw a total of 49 106 drivers involved in collisions. Of these thousands, it is estimated that up to 83% of individuals will develop whiplash after a car accident. Unfortunately, this makes whiplash the most common injury developed after a car accident and something Physiotherapists see all the time in practice. If you have had a recent car accident and are experiencing neck pain, read on to find out more about whiplash.
What is Whiplash?
Whiplash injuries, also known as Whiplash Associated Disorder or WAD, is an injury of the neck’s soft tissues. The cause is due to a rapid acceleration and/or deceleration movement, exactly like a car accident. For example, some of the tissues that may be affected include the vertebral joints, discs, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and more. The whiplash movement puts a lot of force through these tissues resulting in a strain, sprain, or tear type of injury.
What does a Whiplash injury feel like?
Sometimes, the symptoms after a car accident may not manifest until a couple hours or even days later. Symptoms may last days, weeks, or even months depending on the severity. The most common signs and symptoms include
- Difficulty with movements involving the neck
- Difficulty checking your blind spot
- Pain and stiffness in the neck
- Headaches, may be worse on one side
- Dizziness or disequilibrium
- Difficulty finding a comfortable position to sleep or difficulty falling asleep due to neck pain
Physiotherapy Treatment for Whiplash injuries
Luckily, treatment exists after a Whiplash Injury. If your injury was sustained from a car accident, Motor Vehicle Accident Rehabilitation with Physiotherapy is the most common form of treatment afterwards. However, no matter the mechanism of injury whether it be a car accident, falls, other traumas, sports injuries or more, Physiotherapy treatment is available. This includes a comprehensive assessment with a Registered Physiotherapist and the development of a personalized treatment plan for your Whiplash injury, and other impairments you may have. Treatments that may be included are:
- Manual therapy on the neck
- Therapeutic exercises including stretching and strengthening
- Retraining neck proprioception
- Electrotherapy for pain relief
- Cryo and heat therapy
- Individualized back to work/sport/activity plan
Your Physiotherapist will work closely with you to treat your pain and bring you relief from your symptoms.
How do I get Physiotherapy Treatment for my Whiplash injury?
Depending on whether your source of injury was a car accident or not, there are several paths available. Anybody is welcome to come into our PhysioNow clinic and a doctor’s note is only necessary if your insurance requires it for reimbursement. It is not necessary to have insurance to have Physiotherapy treatment either, and you may choose to pay out of pocket. Please check our Fees and Financing page for more detailed information.
If you have sustained this injury due to a car accident, then after reporting your accident you should have received a claim number. In this case, your adjustor will usually provide your contact information to the clinic and we will give you a call to set up your first appointment. Additionally, you will be covered under Motor Vehicle Accident Insurance as well as any extended health benefits you may have.
If you’re ready to get started with Neck Pain Treatment and Whiplash Injury Treatment today, look for PhysioNow. We have 10 clinics across the GTA to choose from with free parking, extended hours, and private treatment rooms. Book with PhysioNow today for your first assessment and treatment!
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