What Is the Most Common Shoulder Injury Caused by a Car Accident?

Suffering from shoulder pain after a car accident? While seat belts are meant to keep us safe, they can contribute to shoulder injuries during an accident. In certain types of accidents, your body may be propelled forward and restrained by the seat belt – which can put your shoulder joint under a lot of pressure.

Even if you don’t immediately realize it, you might feel some soreness or stiffness or even see scrapes and bruises around your shoulder area. It’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible so you can get the proper treatment and avoid any long-term effects. Read on to learn about the most common shoulder injury people experience after a car accident, as well as other common shoulder injuries.

Soft Tissue Injuries

If you’re experiencing sharp pain in your shoulder after a car accident, you may have suffered from a soft tissue injury. This type of injury can affect the muscles, tendons, and ligaments that work together to keep your shoulder joint stable and functional. When one of these tissues is strained or torn, it can lead to discomfort, swelling, and soreness. Suddenly, even simple movements can become challenging and painful.

It’s important to treat these injuries properly to ensure a speedy recovery and prevent long-term damage. The first step is to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Your doctor may recommend rest, ice, and physical therapy to help reduce inflammation and promote healing.

Shoulder Dislocation

One of the most painful and debilitating injuries that can result from a car accident is shoulder dislocation. The impact of a collision can cause the shoulder to pop out of its socket, resulting in severe pain and loss of mobility.

It’s essential to seek medical attention immediately after such an injury because leaving a dislocated shoulder untreated can result in further damage to the joint and even nerve damage. Your doctor may attempt to manipulate the shoulder back into the socket, but in extreme cases, surgical intervention may be necessary.

Torn Rotator Cuff

A torn rotator cuff is a common impact injury involving the group of muscles that connect the shoulder blade and upper arm bone. The force of a car accident can cause the rotator cuff to tear, resulting in severe pain and limited mobility. It’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible following a car accident to properly diagnose and treat any injuries, including a torn rotator cuff. Delaying treatment can lead to longer recovery times and even permanent damage.

Fracture

A shoulder fracture might not be the first thing that comes to mind when we think of car accidents, but the impact can certainly result in a shoulder fracture, along with other fractures or injuries. Shoulder fractures can range from minor to severe, and can affect the shoulder blade, collarbone, or upper arm bone. Quick medical attention is absolutely necessary because a shoulder fracture can cause significant pain, swelling, and a loss of mobility.

Suffering From Shoulder Pain After an Accident? Seek Medical Attention as Soon as Possible

If you’ve been in an accident and feel pain or discomfort in your shoulder, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. The caring team at Impact Medical Group of Brandon is ready to help you recover! We’ll create a custom treatment plan that relieves pain, improves your mobility, and speeds recovery. Call us today at (813) 522-8885 to schedule your free evaluation.