Chiropractic Treatment for Whiplash & Car Accident Injuries in Bradford

Whiplash is the most common injury after a car accident. It happens when the head is thrown quickly backward and forward, straining the joints, muscles and ligaments of the neck. At WellCare Medical in Bradford, chiropractic treatment for whiplash and other car accident injuries begins with a careful assessment and moves at a pace your neck can tolerate. We also help with the paperwork for your auto insurance claim.

Symptoms can appear straight away or build over the first day or two:

• neck pain and stiffness, often worse the morning after the collision
• headaches starting at the base of the skull
• pain across the shoulders, upper back or between the shoulder blades
• dizziness, tiredness or difficulty concentrating
• tingling in the arms or hands
• lower back pain from the force of the seat belt and the seat

Research supports staying gently active after whiplash rather than resting in a collar. Treatment follows your recovery:

• Early days. Gentle mobilization, soft-tissue therapy and advice on comfortable positions and simple movements.
• As pain settles. Adjustments where appropriate, more active stretching, and exercises to restore full neck movement.
• Later. Strength and endurance work for the neck and shoulder muscles so you can return to driving, work and exercise with confidence.

We check your symptoms at each visit and adjust the plan to match.

Your chiropractor asks about the collision and your symptoms, then examines your neck, back, shoulders and nerves. If there are signs that you need imaging or a medical review, we will refer you. Bring your claim number and the name of your insurance adjuster if you have them, and any hospital or doctor's notes.

Seek emergency care after a collision for severe neck pain, numbness or weakness in the arms or legs, a severe or worsening headache, repeated vomiting, confusion, fainting or trouble with balance or vision.

In Ontario, treatment after a motor vehicle accident (MVA) is normally paid through your auto insurance accident benefits, after any extended health coverage you have. Our team prepares and submits the treatment plan forms and deals with the insurer for you. When an injury needs more support, we can arrange assessments such as a Functional Abilities Evaluation, a psychological assessment or a concussion assessment. Our car accident rehabilitation page explains the whole process.

Whiplash care often combines chiropractic with physiotherapy, massage therapy and acupuncture. For ongoing neck symptoms, see neck pain treatment and chiropractic treatment for tension headaches.