If you have been in an auto accident in the Cambridge, Waterloo and Kitchner area the Doctors of Physiotherapy at PT Movement Masters are experts in the treatment of whiplash and other automobile-related injuries.
Whiplash is a neck injury due to forceful, rapid back-and-forth movement of the neck, like the cracking of a whip.
Whiplash is commonly caused by rear-end car accidents. But whiplash can also result from sports accidents, physical abuse and other types of traumas, such as a fall. Whiplash may be called a neck sprain or strain, but these terms also include other types of neck injuries.
You may also hear the injury referred to as a “WAD injury” by physiotherapists or other health-care workers. Whiplash-associated disorder (WAD) is the term given for the collection of symptoms affecting the neck that are triggered by a car crash.
These symptoms may include- neck or back pain and stiffness,
- numbness or tingling in the arms
- shoulder pain, dizziness, and headaches
No, regardless of who is at fault for the accident, or if you were the driver or passenger, you are entitled to care for the injuries you sustained.
Were you injured in a car accident in Cambridge, Waterloo, Kitchner area?
What is WAD?Whiplash Associated Disorder (WAD) is a categorization of the signs and symptoms that may be present following a motor vehicle collision. These symptoms can present themselves immediately following the collision or several days after.
The symptoms below explain how your Physiotherapy or Doctor arrive at the categorization that applies to your injuries. It is important to know that this is a categorization to assist with the claim process and is not necessarily a complete diagnosis as you may have other injuries to the spine not captured by this system.
WAD 1: Neck pain complaints, only stiffness or tenderness (Normal range of motion)
WAD 2: Neck complaints of pain and stiffness and musculoskeletal signs (decreased range of motion and point tenderness)
WAD 3: Neck complaints and neurological signs (weakness, sensory and reflex changes)
WAD 4: Neck complaints and fracture and/or dislocation
Other symptoms that you may be feeling include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, shoulder girdle pain, impaired vision, sleep disturbances and/or jaw pain. The symptoms that are present at the time of the collision may change considerably over the first 4-6 weeks and should be monitored by your Doctor and/or Physiotherapy to ensure an accurate diagnosis.
