Car accidents can cause a variety of injuries. Some of them, like cuts, are obvious. Others appear hours or even days later. One such issue is shoulder pain. While it may seem minor at first, shoulder pain can point to more underlying injuries.
It is important to get it checked right away to avoid dealing with long-term shoulder pain after the crash. Here are several reasons why you may experience shoulder pain after a car accident.
Whiplash and Referred Pain
Most people associate whiplash with neck pain. However, the effects of the injury can extend to your shoulder. Whiplash occurs when the head is suddenly moved forward and backward. This is common in rear-end collisions. Whiplash can strain the muscles and ligaments in your neck and upper body, which can cause referred pain in the shoulder.
Referred pain refers to when you feel pain in another part of your body instead of the source. In other words, even though your shoulder was not directly hit, the pain can still be felt in the nearby injured tissues, which in this case is your shoulder.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Our shoulders are surrounded by muscles, tendons, and ligaments that help with movement and stability. During a car accident, especially when you are restrained by a seatbelt or in cases of side impact, the tissues around your shoulders may be stretched. Injuries like strains and sprains may not be obvious right away. However, the discomfort increases as inflammation continues.
Rotator Cuff Injuries
The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles that are joined as tendons, which hold your shoulder in place. Thanks to the rotator cuff, we can move our arms. A sudden impact or jerking motion from a car crash can tear the rotator cuff or cause inflammation.
After an accident, you can get a partial or full-thickness tear in your rotator cuff. A partial tear is when the tendon is not separated from the bone. Full thickness happens after a tendon is completely detached from the bone.
People with this type of injury experience:
- Deep ache in the shoulder
- Difficulty in lifting your arm
- Weakness in your arm
Without the correct treatment, rotator cuff injuries can lead to long-term problems and even mobility issues.
Fractures and Dislocations
In severe accidents, you might fracture your collarbone, shoulder blade, or the upper bone in your arm. Dislocations, on the other hand, happen when the shoulder joint is forced out of its position.
These injuries are usually followed by sharp, immediate pain, swelling, and bruising, and sometimes, you can actually see the twist. Fractures require immediate medical attention. X-rays and MRIs can be used to diagnose the full extent of your injury.
Nerve Compression or Damage
A less obvious but serious cause of shoulder pain is nerve damage. The brachial plexus, which is a network of nerves from your shoulder and neck, controls movement and sensation in your arms and shoulder. This can be stretched or compressed in an accident, causing nerve damage. You may experience symptoms like:
- Tingling
- Numbness
- Pain shooting all the way down your arm
- Burning sensation
Without the right treatment, brachial plexus damage can become permanent and affect your arm movement.
Treatment for Shoulder Pain After a Car Accident
As mentioned, you should see a doctor immediately after an accident and when you start experiencing shoulder pain.
After getting treatment, you can use the RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) technique. Additionally, physical therapy can help you regain movement and strengthen your arm.
Conclusion
Shoulder pain after a car accident is not something you should brush away and ignore. Seeing a doctor and getting a diagnosis can help you heal faster and prevent any complications. Filing a claim will ensure you get compensation to pay for your medical bills.