Motor Vehicle Injury

Contrary to what many people believe, you do not have to see your medical doctor first after being involved in a motor vehicle accident (MVA).  Chiropractors are primary health care providers and are amply qualified to assess, diagnose and treat MVA injuries.  It is very important to be assessed as soon as possible for two reasons. One, is that the sooner you are assessed and diagnosed, the sooner you can begin properly treating the injury which minimizes symptoms and reduces your chances of the problem becoming chronic. The second reason is that as per the new insurance guidelines set by the Alberta government in October of 2004, you have 10 business days to report an injury to your insurance company to qualify for no fault insurance coverage. 

Whiplash (Whiplash Associated Disorder - WAD)

The most common injury from a MVA is whiplash.  Whiplash is caused by sudden acceleration or deceleration of the head and neck relative to other parts of the body.  Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD) describes the cluster of signs and symptoms resulting from this type of injury which may include neck pain, stiffness, tenderness, decreased range of motion, point tenderness, headache and neurological complaints. There are different severities of WAD listed from I to IV. On initial assessment it is determined what category of WAD you fall into which then determines how many treatments you are covered for under insurance.  At our clinic chiropractic, massage and acupuncture may all be utilized and count towards the number of visits for which you are approved.   

See Government of Alberta Motor Vehicle Accident Claims Program for detailed information.