Car accidents can lead to a variety of injuries, and shoulder pain is a common complaint after a car crash. Whether the pain is immediately apparent or delayed, it can significantly affect your daily life and overall well-being.
Understanding the causes and treatment options for shoulder pain after a car accident is crucial for proper recovery. At Apex Orthopaedics Spine & Neurology in Charlotte, North Carolina, we specialize in helping car accident victims recover and return to pain-free lives.
If you are experiencing shoulder pain after a wreck, we are here to help. Contact our Charlotte car accident doctors today.
Common Causes of Shoulder Pain After a Car Accident
Shoulder pain after a car accident can stem from various injuries, depending on the force of impact and the position of the victim at the time of the crash.
The shoulder is a complex joint made up of the upper arm bone (humerus), shoulder blade (scapula), and collarbone (clavicle). Several muscles, tendons, and ligaments surround these bones, making the shoulder joint highly susceptible to injury during motor vehicle collisions.
Here are some of the most common shoulder injuries in car accidents.
Rotator Cuff Tears
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint and enable a wide range of arm movements. A torn rotator cuff is a frequent injury in car accidents, often caused by the forceful impact that overstretches or tears these tissues.
Symptoms of a rotator cuff tear include severe pain, weakness in the shoulder, and difficulty lifting the arm.
Shoulder Strain or Sprain
A shoulder strain refers to the stretching or tearing of muscles or tendons, while a sprain involves ligaments. These injuries occur when the soft tissues in the shoulder are overstretched or torn due to the sudden force of a car accident. Common symptoms include pain, swelling, and limited mobility.
Separated Shoulder
This injury happens when the ligaments connecting the collarbone to the shoulder blade are torn or stretched, causing the bones to separate. A separated shoulder can lead to severe pain, swelling, and a noticeable deformity in the shoulder area.
Fractures
The upper arm bone, shoulder blade, or collarbone can be fractured in a car accident. Bone fractures typically cause immediate pain, swelling, bruising, and a visible deformity in the shoulder area.
Brachial Plexus Injury
The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that runs from the spinal cord through the shoulder to the arm and hand. A brachial plexus injury can occur when the nerves are stretched or torn during a car wreck, leading to pain, numbness, or weakness in the shoulder, arm, or hand.
Frozen Shoulder
Also known as adhesive capsulitis, a frozen shoulder can develop when the shoulder joint becomes stiff and painful, often due to immobility following a shoulder injury. This condition can severely limit the range of motion in the shoulder.
Symptoms of a Shoulder Injury After a Car Accident
Don’t ignore shoulder pain, even if it initially seems mild, as it could indicate a more severe injury. If left untreated, shoulder injuries can cause long-term pain and limit the shoulder’s range of motion.
Common symptoms of a shoulder injury after a car accident include:
- Severe Pain: Persistent or worsening pain in the shoulder joint or surrounding area can indicate a serious injury.
- Swelling and Inflammation: Swelling, redness, or warmth around the shoulder area may suggest soft tissue damage or a fracture.
- Bruising: Bruising on the shoulder or upper arm can result from broken blood vessels under the skin, often associated with soft tissue injuries or fractures.
- Limited Range of Motion: Difficulty moving the shoulder or lifting the arm can indicate a severe shoulder injury, such as a torn rotator cuff or frozen shoulder.
- Weakness or Numbness: Weakness in the shoulder or arm or numbness can be symptoms of nerve damage.
- Popping or Cracking Sounds: Hearing or feeling a popping or cracking sound in the shoulder may indicate a dislocation or SLAP tear.
- Delayed Shoulder Pain: Shoulder pain may not be immediately apparent and can develop days or even weeks after the accident due to inflammation and bruising.
Treatment Options for Shoulder Injuries
Proper diagnosis and treatment of shoulder injuries are essential to prevent long-term complications and chronic pain. At Apex Orthopaedics Spine & Neurology, we offer a range of treatment options for shoulder pain after a car accident.
- Medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications can help reduce pain and inflammation in the shoulder joint. Prescription medications may be necessary for intense pain.
- Physical Therapy: A tailored physical therapy program can help strengthen the shoulder muscles, improve range of motion, and promote healing.
- Chiropractic Care: Chiropractic care focuses on realigning the spine and joints to relieve pain and improve function. Chiropractic adjustments can help reduce pain and inflammation.
- Orthopedic Surgery: Surgery may be necessary for severe shoulder injuries, like a rotator cuff tear or fracture that doesn’t heal properly. Surgical options include repairing torn ligaments, tendons, or fractures and stabilizing the shoulder joint.
What to Do If You Have Shoulder Pain After a Car Accident
If you are experiencing shoulder pain after a car accident, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Ignoring shoulder pain can lead to complications and prolonged recovery.
Visit a healthcare provider as soon as possible for a physical examination and proper diagnosis. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent a shoulder injury from worsening and reduce the risk of chronic pain.
Keeping a detailed record of your injuries, medical treatment, and any pain or symptoms you experience is essential for seeking compensation. Many injuries can cause delayed pain, so you should get checked out even if you don’t think you’re seriously hurt.
If you’re hurt in a car wreck caused by another driver, talk to an experienced attorney. A Charlotte car accident lawyer can help you understand your rights, negotiate with the insurance company, and file a shoulder injury claim to cover medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress.
Contact Our Charlotte Car Accident Doctors Today
Shoulder pain after a car accident can significantly impact your quality of life and daily activities. At Apex Orthopaedics Spine & Neurology, our team of experts is dedicated to providing comprehensive care for car accident injuries, including shoulder pain.
Our staff is fully bilingual and in some cases multilingual. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step towards healing
