Table 1 Inclusion and exclusion criteria

Diagnosed with Grade I or Grade II WAD

Report an average neck pain since the accident of at least 3 on a 0–10 "Numerical Rating Scale" (NRS)

Able to give written informed consent and complete interviews in English (translators will be available to assist the participant if she/he experiences difficulty understanding specific items on the questionnaire)

Make an insurance claim for physical injury and enroll in trial within 21 days of the traffic collision

Exclusion criteria

Fracture/dislocation of the spine or any major bone

Head trauma associated with loss of consciousness

Past whiplash or work-related neck injury within the year prior to their current injury

Active systemic diseases (cancer, inflammatory arthritis, disorders of central nervous system)

Previous neck surgery

Received treatment from a physiotherapist or chiropractor for neck pain in the three months preceding the motor vehicle collision

Individuals who do not reside or work in the Greater Toronto, Mississauga, Burlington, Cambridge or Kitchener areas