Whiplash and neck sprain after an accident
Whiplash refers to an injury caused by a rapid back-and-forth movement of the head, most often in a car accident, but also in a fall or while playing sport. In clinical terms, it is called whiplash-associated disorders.
Symptoms do not always appear right away. Neck pain and stiffness, headaches, pain in the shoulders or between the shoulder blades, and sometimes dizziness or fatigue can develop over the hours or days that follow.
Many people improve over the following weeks. For others, symptoms persist. In both cases, an assessment helps clarify what is involved and what to do next.
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After an accident: a medical assessment first
After a significant accident, the first step is a medical assessment. Go to the emergency department or see a doctor without waiting, especially in the presence of any of the following:
- Loss of consciousness, confusion or memory problems
- Severe headache, repeated vomiting or drowsiness
- Intense pain in the middle of the back of the neck
- Numbness, tingling or weakness in the arms or legs
- Dizziness, double vision, difficulty speaking or swallowing
What an assessment involves
Screening for warning signs
The examination begins by checking for signs that require medical investigation. If one is present, you will be referred to a doctor.
The circumstances of the accident
How the accident happened, when symptoms appeared, how they have evolved, and the assessments or treatments already received.
The clinical examination
Movement of the neck, joints and muscles of the neck, shoulders and upper back, and a neurological examination of the arms.
A plan discussed with you
If chiropractic care is indicated, your chiropractor explains the options and the reasoning behind them, and gives you an estimate of how long care should last and how many visits to expect. If it is not, he will tell you and direct you to the appropriate professional.
Care, when indicated
Depending on what the assessment shows and on your preferences, care may include manual techniques, myofascial therapy, spinal mobilisation, and an exercise programme adapted to your situation. Advice on gradually resuming daily and work activities is also part of it.
Progress is reassessed at planned intervals. If your condition does not evolve as expected, your chiropractor will refer you to your doctor.
When symptoms have lasted several months, the page on chronic pain and complex conditions describes the approach to persistent pain.
SAAQ and CNESST
The clinic accepts files from the SAAQ (road accidents) and the CNESST (workplace accidents). Call us before your first visit: we will tell you which documents to bring and the steps involved.
Talk to us about your situation
Reach our team directly. No online form needed.