Shoulder Pain After an Accident: What Does it Mean?
Bottom Line:
It may be a surprise that just like whiplash injuries, shoulder injuries are also a very common occurrence with automobile accidents. Think about where the shoulders are located in terms of where the impact is made, and also note the positions that are typically in.
If you’re driving and have your hands on the steering wheel at the time of an accident, the sudden forces created by the event can result in a torn rotator cuff. Since the muscles aren’t necessarily “ready” for the sudden increase in demand they may not be able to hold up to the demand. These forces are extremely high for a joint that requires great mobility, as well as great amounts of stability. But a crash pushes stability demands to levels not frequently seen in day to day life.
Why it Matters:
Your shoulder is one of the most dynamic, unstable, but most used joints in your body. It is a very complex piece of anatomy. It’s made up of a collection of bones, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. Most of these ligaments and muscles are very small, relative to other muscles in the body. The most important muscles we have are ones we can’t necessarily see, but hold great responsibility beneath.
The bones of the shoulder are designed in a ball and socket fashion, made up of three bones: your arm bone (the humerus), your shoulder blade (the scapula), and your collarbone (the clavicle). The rotator cuff is comprised of 4 muscles to hold the articulation between the arm bone and the scapula sturdy while motion is generated. These 4 rotator cuff muscles are the supraspinatus (most commonly injured), infraspinatus, subscapularis, and teres minor.
The supporting muscles, ligaments, and tendons in your shoulder are designed to help you lift and rotate your arm.
Typically with shoulder injuries, particularly rotator cuff injuries they cannot be ignored because they hurt….a lot! Since the shoulder is used in many tasks throughout the day it may not be pain we can bear for long. Signs of a tear include shoulder pain when lifting your arm, weakness, pain when lying down, or limited range of motion.
Did you know…
· Shoulder impingement (supraspinatus) has been estimated to occur in 10% of people involved in car accidents.
· The risk of neck or shoulder pain 7 years after a collision was 3 times higher for people who suffered whiplash injuries.
Next Steps:
If you're looking for a dedicated professional to aid your recovery, an Omaha chiropractor could be the answer. Dr. Sealey, at ProMove Chiropractic & Performance, has extensive experience in helping individuals recover from shoulder injuries resulting from car accidents. His comprehensive approach involves not just treating the symptoms but getting to the root cause of the problem to ensure the quickest, most effective recovery.
But why choose an Omaha chiropractor? Well, chiropractic care is a safe, non-invasive, and highly effective treatment method for shoulder pain. It provides immediate relief from pain and discomfort, enhances mobility, and improves overall quality of life. So, if you're struggling with shoulder pain after an accident, don't hesitate to seek chiropractic care near you.
If you're searching for a 'chiropractor near me', look no further than ProMove Chiropractic & Performance. Dr. Sealey's tailored treatments consider the unique needs of every patient. This personalized approach aids in speedy recovery, getting you back to your normal routine as quickly as possible. Regardless of the nature of your shoulder injury, we're here to provide you with the best care possible.
Don't ignore your pain. Let the skilled hands of an Omaha chiropractor get to the root of your discomfort and help you recover thoroughly. Remember, neglecting your pain now may lead to more severe complications in the future. Act now! Call Dr. Sealey at ProMove Chiropractic & Performance today: 402.915.4901.
Your shoulder is designed to move, and if you try to "let it heal" by not moving it, you're putting yourself at risk for a frozen shoulder.
Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) results from adhesions that develop in the shoulder due to lack of movement. It can cause severe pain and takes months to heal. The development of this condition is noted by severe limitations in all ranges of motion with pain.
Needless to say, if you experience shoulder pain after an accident, time is of the essence! Don't let distance deter you from getting the help you need. If you're asking, "Where can I find a chiropractor near me?", look no further. ProMove Chiropractic & Performance is easily accessible for residents in and around Omaha.
Dr. Sealey would love to help you manage and take care of any shoulder pain you may be experiencing….care accident or otherwise. Call and get started today! 402.915.4901
Dalton Sealey DC, CSCS
ProMove Chiropractic & Performance
(402)915-4901
drsealey@promovechiropractic.com
Science Source(s):
The Association Between Exposure to a Rear-end Collision and Future Neck or Shoulder Pain: a Cohort Study. JCE. 2000.
Subacromial Impingement in Patients with Whiplash Injury to the Cervical Spine. JOSR. 2008.