ICBC Services: Chiropractor Services After A Car Accident

By Dr. Dana Bloomquist, DC

My patient suffered from whiplash-related injuries due to a high-speed car accident on the freeway. He had headaches, a limited range of motion and severe neck and upper back pain. It was his first motor vehicle accident (MVA), and afterward, he was further alarmed by watching videos of high-speed car accidents and their effect on the passengers and vehicles. Before his accident, he had never tried chiropractic care, but his family physician referred him. He was unsure of what to expect but wanted to restore his mobility and relieve his headaches and pain.

Focus on pain relief and movement

We initially focused on reducing his pain levels and restoring his range of motion through muscle release and joint mobilizations. This patient worked a desk job which required him to spend much of his time doing repetitive computer work. I talked to the patient about the importance of posture and movement in his recovery, and he was eager to make changes to help himself feel better. He made a full recovery and learned about his anatomy along the way.

Benefits of chiropractic services for ICBC patients

Chiropractic is hands-on, drug-free and non-invasive. We treat many common nervous and musculoskeletal system injuries suffered in a car accident, like:

• Back, lower back and neck (cervicalgia) pain
• Sciatica pain
• Whiplash
• Headaches
• Arthropathies, tendinopathies, sprains and strains
• Neuralgias (nerve pain)
• Immobility and stiffness
• Concussions

We’ll develop a treatment plan to help reduce your pain, restore your range of motion and get you comfortable working and doing your daily activities. We’ll also recommend practices and exercises you can do at home and lifestyle modifications that’ll help your recovery.

What are the common pairings for ICBC Clients?

Chiropractic care focuses on improving the mobility of the joints of the body. It can be done immediately following an accident and may be combined with other therapies. Chiropractic sessions usually work nicely directly following massage or physiotherapy. Discuss with your chiropractor if you’re unsure whether you should pair treatments.

Chiropractic Care FAQs

Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about chiropractic care for ICBC patients.

Q: Do I need a doctor’s referral for chiropractic?

A: No. You’re preapproved for 25 chiropractic care sessions during the first 90 days following your car accident. After that period, your chiropractor can submit a request to ICBC to approve more visits.

Q: I’m apprehensive about having my joints adjusted. Is there anything else we can do?

A: Your chiropractor will develop a suitable treatment plan that may involve using different techniques that you’re more comfortable with. There’s no cookie-cutter formula, and we can adapt the process to achieve the best results.

Q: Do I have to pay for chiropractic treatment?

A: No, we bill directly to ICBC, so there are no chiropractor fees that you need to pay.

Q: How long are chiropractic appointments?A: The initial visit is 30 minutes, and the subsequent sessions are 15 minutes.

Chiropractic Treatment for ICBC patients in Surrey Nordel, Surrey Southpoint, Burnaby Market Crossing and North Vancouver

At Legacies Health Centre, we offer free, 10-minute consultations so you can be sure chiropractic care is right for you. We also provide massage therapy, physiotherapy and other treatments under one roof to save you time and energy. Plus, to ensure proper spinal alignment for your child, consider our pediatric chiropractor services in Surrey, Burnaby and North Vancouver. Book your appointment today and get moving after your car accident.

Dr. Dana Bloomquist graduated with honours from Palmer College of Chiropractic West, in San Jose, California, after completing a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from the University of the Fraser Valley, in Abbotsford, BC. She is certified in Active Release Technique (ART), Functional and Kinetic Treatment with Rehabilitation (FAKTR), Functional Movement Screening (FMS) and Functional Movement Taping (FMT). Dana strives to help patients to not just live day-to-day, but for them to thrive and live optimally. Treatments include integrating soft-tissue techniques with joint mobilizations, and healthy living education.