Whiplash
Whiplash & Neck Pain After a Crash — North Vancouver
Got rear-ended on the Upper Levels? Most whiplash recovers fully — but only with the right care in the first 12 weeks. We handle the ICBC paperwork so you can focus on getting better.
What it is
Understanding your whiplash / post-crash neck pain.
Whiplash is what happens when your head suddenly accelerates and decelerates faster than the muscles holding it can keep up with — most commonly in rear-end collisions. The pain often shows up the next morning, not the moment of impact, which is why people frequently delay getting it looked at.
Symptoms range widely: stiff neck, headache at the base of the skull, jaw tension, dizziness, the sensation that your eyes can't track properly when you turn your head. None of these are imaginary. They're predictable patterns of soft-tissue irritation, joint stiffness, and a nervous system that's been temporarily turned up too high.
Recovery is much more about early, graded movement than about rest. Clinical practice guidelines for whiplash-associated disorders consistently support early, active care: people who start gentle, guided movement within the first two weeks tend to recover faster and have lower rates of chronic pain than people who stay in a collar or avoid movement entirely.
What to expect
Most whiplash resolves fully inside 8–12 weeks with active care. A smaller percentage takes longer and benefits from a coordinated plan with ICBC, your GP, and us. Either way, you'll know inside the first 2–3 visits which trajectory you're on.
Get a plan
Not sure if we're the right fit?
Send us a quick note about what's going on. A physiotherapist — not a receptionist — will read it and reply with what they'd recommend. No commitment to book.
Common questions
About whiplash / post-crash neck pain.
Does ICBC really cover this with no upfront cost?+
Yes. Under BC's Enhanced Care model, you're pre-approved for physiotherapy in the first 12 weeks after a crash. You bring us your claim number, we direct-bill ICBC, you pay nothing for the covered visits.
I don't have a claim number yet. Can I still start?+
Yes. Book a session, start treatment, and report the crash to ICBC in parallel. Once you have the claim number, we can backdate the billing in many cases.
How quickly should I start after the crash?+
Within the first 1–2 weeks if at all possible. Early movement is the single biggest predictor of full recovery. Even if you feel "not that bad" — a quick assessment now is far easier than a long fix later.
Will I need an MRI or X-ray?+
Usually no. Imaging is reserved for cases where we suspect a structural problem after the physical exam — that's a small minority. We'll route you back to your GP if we think it's warranted.
What if 12 weeks isn't enough?+
ICBC has an extension process for cases that need longer. We help you and your GP fill out the paperwork to extend coverage. Roughly 1 in 5 of our crash patients needs an extension, and we get them approved routinely.
I'm getting dizzy and my eyes feel weird. Is that whiplash?+
Often yes — it's called cervicogenic dizziness, and it's a known consequence of upper-cervical irritation. It usually resolves within a few weeks of targeted treatment.
This page is for general information only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individual presentations vary — assessment findings and treatment plans differ from person to person. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, neurological changes (numbness, weakness, bowel or bladder changes), or a significant trauma, contact your physician or emergency services. Physiotherapy at Medstar Sport Physio & Health is provided by physiotherapists registered with the College of Physical Therapists of British Columbia (CPTBC).