Why Should You Be Concerned By Shoulder Pain?
Immediately after an accident, most of us start evaluating the damage to our vehicles. We rush to exchange insurance information, hoping that our property damage will get restored sooner rather than later. But, the damages we might overlook include the unseen damages, like pain in the shoulder. Accident victims should be concerned by pain in the shoulder because it might indicate more serious injuries. Shoulder pain can develop right after an accident or several days later, and in both scenarios, the injuries can be severe. With our shoulders playing a vital role in our mobility and motion, it's important to treat possible injuries urgently. If not treated immediately, mild shoulder pain can progress into permanent damage.Symptoms of Shoulder Injuries & Pain After a Car Crash
Every accident is different, and the impacts can range from mild to severe for the parties involved. Some of the signs that you might have suffered from a shoulder injury:- Stiffness and swelling
- Discoloration or bruising of the skin
- Limited range of motion
- Joint instability
- Muscle cramps or spasms
- Upper back and neck pain
Common Causes of Car Accident Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain develops after the strong muscles of the upper body are pulled or struck in an accident. Even when the damage to an accident is minimal, such as a minor rear-end accident, we should never ignore pain in the shoulder. The following types of shoulder injuries show that pain usually indicates deeper issues.- Whiplash: In a car crash, the sudden impact causes rapid movement of the head and neck as the body absorbs the momentum. Whiplash occurs when tissues in the neck and shoulder overstretch.
- Torn rotator cuff: High-speed collisions can tear the muscles that keep the shoulder joint in place. The rotator cuff can experience partial or full-thickness tear, rendering the entire shoulder weak.
- Shoulder dislocation: In rare cases, a victim slamming into the dashboard or steering wheel can dislocate their shoulder. When the shoulder blades move from their normal position, the pain can be severe and destabilizing.
- Bone fractures: When a victim strikes the interior of the vehicle in an accident, they might experience broken bones. These injuries are classified into hairline or complete fractures. The symptoms from such an accident can be severe, and from pain to severe swelling, the symptoms can be discomforting.