Whiplash/MVA Injuries
Whiplash is commonly known as a neck injury sustained from a rear-end collision, but can also be caused from side collision or head-on collisions. Injury is caused by the sudden movement of the head beyond its regular range of motion. Whiplash, sprains or strains are all common injuries that can occur in a car accident.
Typical symptoms are head, neck, upper back pain and sometimes arm and low back pain. Symptoms may not appear for several hours after an accident, or can be delayed for days or even weeks.
The neck and back are more likely to develop osteoarthritis and chronic pain due to even minor whiplash.
74% of acute whiplash cases that are not helped by conventional treatments are improved with chiropractic care. You do not need a referral from your family medical doctor in order to start treatment with your chiropractor.
See your chiropractor soon after the accident to decrease recovery time, and help prevent joint locking and chronic problems from developing. If you have been in an automobile accident in Alberta, you are entitled to accident benefits coverage regardless of whether you were at fault for the accident. The benefits you receive depend on the type of injury you have. In order to use these benefits, you must seek treatment and start an injury claim within 10 business days from the date of your accident.
To claim these benefits, you will require the assistance of your insurance adjustor and a primary health care practitioner, such as a chiropractor. Your chiropractor will assess you to determine the level of your injury and provide a diagnosis and treatment plan. Depending on your diagnosis, you may be eligible for 10 to 21 treatments under the MVA protocols, which can include a combination of chiropractic care, massage and acupuncture treatments.
Our office may be able to bill the automobile insurer directly for these treatment costs if you have provided notice of your injury claim to your insurance adjustor and choose to follow the protocols.
Protocols (what to do when you’ve been in an accident):
- File an injury accident report with the police.
- Report the accident to your auto insurance adjustor. Notify them that you will be seeking treatment for your injuries. They will assign you a claim number and a personal injury adjustor to handle your claim.
- Book an appointment with your chiropractor for an assessment of your injury. Be sure to mention that you have been in an accident when you book the appointment. A longer appointment time is needed for the MVA assessment and treatment plan.
- When you come in for your first appointment, make sure to bring the following information with you:
- the name of your insurance company
- the name of your personal injury claim adjustor (NOT the name of the person handling the damage to your vehicle)
- the phone and fax number and email of your adjustor
- your claim number
- your Alberta Health Care card (AHC number)
- Fill in the appropriate forms (AB1 and AB2) which are available from your insurance company or from our clinic. Once completed and signed by both the patient and treating chiropractor, our staff will send the forms to your insurance company on your behalf.