Shoulders are the most important part of your body after the spine. Helping to keep the human structure intact, the shoulders might get seriously damaged after an automobile collision. With accidents becoming a common norm, it is important that you understand the source of shoulder pain after a car accident and how to prevent yourself from further damage.
The medical practitioners and chiropractors assist patients with appropriate treatment to recover from automobile accident damage and related shoulder pain. The basic method is to reduce muscle and joint pressure, improve the strength and flexibility of injured muscles for patients.
Causes of Shoulder Pain Because of Car Accident
A number of sprains, strains and other musculoskeletal injuries resulting from car accidents may cause shoulder pain.
- A torn rotator cuff
A torn rotator cuff is a loss of your group of muscles in the shoulder surroundings, very common car wreck accidents that can inflict shoulder pain. It can happen in a high impact incident such as a car crash.
- Whiplash
Typically, whiplash triggers neck and back discomfort, but it can radiate throughout the arm and shoulders. Whiplash may also contribute to muscle rigidity and limited mobility.
- Injury of the soft tissue
Soft tissue is not bones in your body. Damaged soft tissues mean that the muscles, ligaments and the tissues are torn or bruised. This injury might occur if the person is thrown around in the car.
While each of these injuries might turn out extremely bad for you, it is very important to realize that the severity of this type of injury is completely dependent on your body type and how intense the accident was.
For example, people who are extremely sensitive get hurt even if there has been a very minor accident.
Symptoms of Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain is quite easy to identify but there are a few things that you need to check in your body right after the accidents. Most of the symptoms start appearing after 24 hours but if you are aware of what might happen, it becomes easier and quicker to detect them.
- Intense pain around your shoulder
- Discoloration around the shoulder area
- Difficulty moving your arm without pain
- Shoulder pain that feels worse with exertion or activity
- Weakness, numbness, tingling, or swelling around the area
- Stiffness or tenderness
- Difficulty sleeping
- Neck stiffness
- Myofascial injuries
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Abnormal sensations such as prickling
- Possible memory loss
- Nervousness/irritability
- Sleep issues
- Fatigue
Seek Medical Attention ASAP!
It’s understandable that people who have been in an accident need to visit the doctor at their utmost convenience. Even if you feel that there is nothing wrong, injuries like shoulder pain after a car accident start to occur after a couple of days.
Needless to say, visiting your general physician is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT after a car accident regardless of whether you have injuries and wounds or not. Your doctor will probably want a quick x-ray diagnosis. If there is no physically visible injury, your doctor would recommend you to seek the services of a chiropractor who can help you prevent your body from chronic pain that can be caused by this accident.
Medical Options
Several options are available for you to choose from when it comes to treating shoulder pain left behind after a car wreck.
- Emergency Visit to the Doctor
In case of any fractures or broken bones, it becomes compulsory to visit the doctor at that instant. Also, make sure not to make any movements until checked and cast-locked by a doctor.
- Orthopedic Help
Your physician will recommend visiting an orthopedic to see if all the bones are in acceptable conditions and in case of any dislocation or change in bone structure will conduct a few tests. These tests will include an MRO, X-Ray or a CAT/CT scan if extremely mandatory. While these tests are in process, your doctor will assess your condition.
In case of severe injuries, your doctor might use a suspension e.g. a sling to stop the motion in the arm. This will allow your shoulder to rest and stay in one place until the injury has been healed. The use of sling promotes faster healing and also reduces the pain that comes with these injuries.
- Temporary Pain Reduction
Before visiting the doctor, you can use cold compression or ice packs to reduce swelling and decrease the intensity of pain. However, always remember that this is a temporary solution until your appointment is fixed.
Ask your doctor for self-care methods that you can add in your regular routine to avoid any future health problems.
- Surgery
In the case of torn muscles and tendons, you might need to go through some form of surgery. To determine the best course of action, it is important to visit the doctor immediately and start getting ready for surgical treatment.
- Chiropractic Care
Physical therapy and chiropractic care are extremely important to maintain health and also to avoid any mishaps. Your chiropractor will help you regain shoulder health by aligning the joints and the spine. Making adjustments to the spine means that all the disoriented parts of the body will be brought back in shape. Many people consider making chiropractic care as a regular thing just because they are concerned about long term health.
- Physical Therapy
Your physical therapist will show you a few exercises that you can try at home. This involves a few strengthening workouts as well as some exercises for flexibility. You might think that this can be done without the help of your physical therapist but in reality, it’s kind of a tough job. Your physical therapist will make sure that all the exercises are in accordance with your current health status.
Conclusion
Remember that your shoulder injury may not recover properly unless addressed immediately. It can prolong the healing time and intensify the damages. In some cases, a degenerative disease could even develop over time.
Injuries to the shoulder take time to heal. Ask a medical professional for a prescription if you are in distress. The earlier you determine what the root of the problem is, the sooner the proper treatment plan will be viable.
