You may be surprised to learn that the shoulder joint is the most versatile of all joints in the body. The shoulders have a wide range of motion to allow for your arms to move around in many different directions and allow you to move easily as you go about your day. When you injure a shoulder during a car accident, it can impact your mobility in your arm and really start to impact your ability to complete daily tasks. Some of the most common shoulder injuries from car accidents can affect range of motion in the shoulder. One example of shoulder injuries includes shoulder dislocations from car accidents that can cause pain, swelling, and inflammation in the area. Many people experience shoulder injuries from car accidents each year and there are doctors who specialize in car accident injuries here to help you.
Types of Shoulder Pain and Injuries After a Car Accident
The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint that is highly mobile, which allows for a wide range of motion but also leaves the joint more vulnerable to injury. The joint is designed to absorb the shock from general wear and tear on the body throughout each day. However, a sudden blow to the shoulder or pressure to the joint can cause shoulder pain and even injury. Tendinitis and bursitis are overuse injuries that can develop from irritated and swollen tendons or discs in the joint. However, a car accident can cause an acute injury like a shoulder dislocation that requires immediate medical attention.
Signs and Symptoms of a Dislocated Shoulder
If you suspect you have a dislocated shoulder after a car accident, then you are likely experiencing severe pain in your shoulder joint. A dislocated shoulder will typically cause you to have limited mobility of your arm and shoulder. In some cases, you may see visible signs of a dislocated shoulder, like what looks like a bone out of place or a deformity in your usual shoulder structure. The humerus is the arm bone located between your shoulder and elbow joints. If the humerus pops out of the shoulder socket, it can cause a bump or hard knot under the skin near your shoulder. You may also notice bruising in the area where the injury occurred.
3 Types of Shoulder Dislocations from Car Accidents
There are three types of shoulder dislocations that depend on the direction of the movement.
Anterior Dislocation
An anterior dislocation refers to when the arm bone is displaced and moves toward the front of the body. This is the most common of all shoulder dislocations from car accidents. You may experience an anterior dislocation as a response to your shoulder and upper body reacting with the seat belt during the wreck.
Posterior Dislocation
A posterior dislocation of the shoulder occurs when the arm bone is displaced and moves toward the back of the body. In this case, you would see the arm bone causing a bump or hard knot above the shoulder blade. A posterior dislocation can occur if you experience a hard blow to the shoulder joint from the front.
Inferior Dislocation
An inferior dislocation is the least common of shoulder dislocations from car accidents. This type of shoulder dislocation involves pressure on the top of the shoulder pressing downward.
Diagnosis and Treatment for a Shoulder Dislocation
If you believe you have a dislocated shoulder from a car accident, then you need to see a doctor as soon as possible to confirm. Car accident doctors treat injuries like shoulder dislocations daily and can provide you with a diagnosis and treatment plan so you can experience pain relief and heal quickly. Your car accident doctor will physically examine the area and check for physical abnormalities, bruising, swelling, tenderness, and issues with mobility. You should never try to resolve a shoulder dislocation on your own because the shoulder joint includes blood vessels and nerves that are critical to your healthy functioning and could become damaged. An X-ray can also provide your car accident doctor with more detailed images of bone and joint positioning in the shoulder. Treatment for a shoulder dislocation will include addressing the dislocated joint as well as any damage to muscles and soft tissues nearby.
Our team at The Accident Doctors works with shoulder dislocations regularly and completes diagnoses and treatment plans for car accident victims every day. Visit us or call to learn more about our services and start experiencing pain relief as soon as possible!
