Motor Vehicle Injury Care — Burnaby BC

Whiplash After a Car Accident? Don't Wait for Pain to Become Chronic.

Whiplash injuries from motor vehicle accidents are more complex than they appear. The cervical spine absorbs enormous forces during a collision — and the damage often goes undetected until weeks later. At Adapt Spine Centre in Burnaby, we assess and treat whiplash injuries before they become long-term problems.

ICBC

We provide detailed receipts for ICBC reimbursement


Early

treatment improves outcomes — don't delay your assessment


No Referral

Book directly — no GP visit required first

What Happens to Your Spine

Why Whiplash Is More Serious Than It Looks

During a rear-end or side-impact collision, your head and neck undergo a rapid, forceful acceleration-deceleration movement that the body is not designed to handle. In a fraction of a second, the cervical vertebrae can be thrown out of their normal alignment, the supporting ligaments and muscles overstretched, and the intervertebral discs stressed or damaged.

One of the most frustrating aspects of whiplash is that symptoms often appear 24–72 hours after the accident — and sometimes weeks later — as inflammation develops and the injured structures make themselves known. This delay leads many people to underestimate the severity of their injury, delaying treatment and allowing damage to become chronic.

Early chiropractic assessment and care after a motor vehicle accident significantly improves outcomes, reduces recovery time, and helps document the extent of injury for ICBC purposes.

  • Neck pain and stiffness — often worsening in the days after the accident

  • Headaches originating at the base of the skull

  • Shoulder pain and reduced range of motion in the neck

  • Dizziness or vertigo — often an indicator of upper cervical involvement

  • Cognitive fog, fatigue, or difficulty concentrating after the injury

Our MVA Approach

Precise Post-Accident Assessment and Gonstead Care

After a motor vehicle accident, your spine needs a thorough, objective assessment — not just treatment of whatever hurts most. Our Gonstead evaluation protocol identifies all areas of spinal injury, including vertebrae that may be misaligned but not yet painful, protecting you from developing chronic issues down the road.


A cartoon person wearing glasses and a lab coat examining an X-ray of a ribcage.

Structural X-Ray Analysis

We conduct a full post-accident spinal evaluation including X-rays, neurological scanning, and orthopedic testing to document all areas of injury — creating a clear clinical record for your ICBC claim.

Cervical Realignment

Gonstead adjustments precisely correct the cervical misalignments caused by the accident, restoring proper motion, reducing nerve irritation, and allowing the damaged soft tissues to heal in correct alignment.

Line drawing of a person giving CPR to a person lying on the ground.

ICBC Documentation

We provide detailed, itemized invoices after each visit that document the care received — making your ICBC reimbursement process straightforward. While we don't direct-bill ICBC, our records support your claim.

Common Questions

Whiplash & ICBC FAQs

How soon after a car accident should I see a chiropractor?

As soon as possible — ideally within the first few days. Early assessment allows us to identify and document the full extent of your injuries before inflammatory changes make evaluation more difficult. It also creates a stronger clinical record for your ICBC claim.

Does ICBC cover chiropractic care after a car accident?

ICBC provides coverage for chiropractic treatment following motor vehicle accidents in BC. We do not direct-bill ICBC at this time, but we provide detailed receipts and clinical records to support your claim and reimbursement process. We recommend contacting ICBC directly to understand your specific coverage.

I feel fine after the accident — do I still need to be assessed?

Yes — this is one of the most important things to understand about whiplash. The adrenaline response following an accident can mask pain and discomfort for 24–72 hours or longer. Many patients feel "fine" immediately after a collision but develop significant pain in the days that follow. An early assessment protects your health and your legal rights.


Don't Wait Until Whiplash Becomes Chronic Pain.

Get assessed at Adapt Spine Centre in Burnaby as soon as possible after your accident. We'll document your injuries thoroughly and begin the care that prevents short-term whiplash from becoming a long-term problem.

Located at 3961 Hastings Street #101, Burnaby BC · Open Mon–Sat · No referral required