A car accident can be stressful even when the collision appears minor. You may feel shaken immediately afterward but notice neck stiffness, back pain, headaches, or reduced mobility hours or even days later. Knowing what steps to take after a collision can make the recovery process easier.

For people injured in British Columbia, ICBC’s Enhanced Care system provides access to pre-approved treatments designed to support recovery after a crash. Chiropractic care is one of the treatment options available to eligible individuals.

At Holdom Chiropractic & Wellness Centre in Burnaby, Dr. Ron Uppal provides chiropractic care for patients recovering from motor vehicle accidents and helps them work toward improved movement and function.

Common Injuries After a Motor Vehicle Accident

Not every injury is immediately obvious after a collision. The impact can place sudden stress on the muscles, joints, and other structures of the body.

Some common complaints following a motor vehicle accident include:

• Neck pain and stiffness
• Whiplash-related symptoms
• Lower back pain
• Upper back and shoulder discomfort
• Headaches
• Muscle tension
• Reduced range of motion
• Joint stiffness
• Difficulty returning to normal activities

The severity of symptoms can vary considerably from person to person. A collision that seems relatively minor can still result in discomfort or restricted movement.

This is one reason it is important to pay attention to how you feel in the hours and days following an accident.

Report Your ICBC Claim

If you’ve been injured in a crash, one of the first steps is to report your claim to ICBC. Once your claim has been reported, you’ll receive an ICBC claim number.

Your claim number is important when arranging treatment because health care providers may need it to bill ICBC directly.

ICBC recommends starting treatment promptly so you can make use of the pre-approved benefits available during the initial recovery period.

Can You See a Chiropractor Without a Doctor’s Referral?

During the first 12 weeks following a crash, eligible individuals can access several pre-approved treatments without a referral from a family physician or nurse practitioner.

Chiropractic treatment is included among these services. ICBC currently provides pre-approved coverage for up to 25 chiropractic treatments during the first 12 weeks after a crash. Patients need their ICBC claim number and Personal Health Number (PHN) to access these pre-approved treatments.

This can make it easier to begin appropriate care without waiting for a separate referral.

How Chiropractic Care Can Support Your Recovery

Chiropractic care after a motor vehicle accident focuses on evaluating how the collision has affected your movement and musculoskeletal function.

At Holdom Chiropractic & Wellness Centre, Dr. Uppal takes a whole-body approach rather than focusing only on the area where you feel pain. The assessment may consider posture, spinal movement, joint mobility, and how different areas of the body are functioning together.

Depending on the individual’s needs, chiropractic care may include techniques such as spinal adjustments, soft tissue work, mobility exercises, stretching, and other appropriate approaches.

The goal is to help you progressively return to your normal activities while addressing the movement limitations and discomfort associated with your injury.

Why Early Assessment Matters

After an accident, it can be tempting to wait and see whether the pain disappears on its own. However, symptoms can change over time.

An early assessment gives a health care provider an opportunity to understand what you’re experiencing and establish an appropriate treatment plan. It can also provide a starting point for monitoring your progress throughout recovery.

ICBC specifically encourages injured people to book their treatments as soon as possible because the initial 12-week pre-approved treatment period can pass quickly.

What Happens at Your Chiropractic Visit?

Your first appointment should begin with understanding what happened during the collision and how you have been feeling since the accident.

Your chiropractor may ask about:

• How the accident occurred
• Where you were sitting in the vehicle
• The direction and severity of the impact
• Pain or discomfort you’re experiencing
• Changes in your mobility
• Previous injuries or relevant health history
• Activities that have become difficult since the accident

A physical assessment can then help identify areas of restricted movement or musculoskeletal dysfunction.

At Holdom Chiropractic & Wellness Centre, the goal is to create an individualized approach rather than applying the same treatment plan to every patient.

What If You Still Need Treatment After 12 Weeks?

Not everyone recovers within the same timeframe. If additional treatment is medically necessary after the initial 12-week period, your health care provider can discuss your ongoing needs with your ICBC recovery specialist.

ICBC states that patients whose recovery takes longer than 12 weeks may be eligible for additional treatment benefits depending on their circumstances and recovery needs.

Your health care provider can help assess your progress and determine what additional care may be appropriate.

Don’t Ignore Persistent Pain After a Collision

You don’t have to wait until pain becomes severe before seeking an assessment.

If you’re experiencing ongoing neck pain, back pain, headaches, stiffness, or difficulty moving after a motor vehicle accident, an assessment can help determine what may be contributing to your symptoms and what type of care may be appropriate.

Recovery looks different for every person. The right approach depends on the nature of the injury, your symptoms, your daily activities, and how your body responds to treatment.

ICBC Chiropractic Care in Burnaby

If you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident, Holdom Chiropractic & Wellness Centre provides personalized chiropractic care for ICBC patients in Burnaby.

Dr. Ron Uppal takes a whole-body approach to chiropractic care with the goal of helping patients restore movement, manage discomfort, and work toward returning to their normal activities.

If you’ve recently been involved in a car accident and are experiencing pain, stiffness, or reduced mobility, contact Holdom Chiropractic & Wellness Centre to discuss your next steps.

Holdom Chiropractic & Wellness Centre

111-2251 Holdom Avenue
Burnaby, BC V5B 0A2
Phone:604-298-1777