Common Shoulder Injuries from an Auto Collision
Sea Change Wellness Chiropractic regularly treats patients who have suffered shoulder injuries following auto collisions. These injuries can range from minor sprains to severe trauma requiring extensive rehabilitation. Understanding the common types of shoulder injuries caused by car accidents can help you recognize symptoms early and seek appropriate treatment.
Why Shoulder Injuries Are Common in Auto Collisions
The sudden impact of a collision forces the body to absorb tremendous energy in a split second. Even when wearing seatbelts (which save lives), your shoulders can experience significant trauma. Common shoulder injuries occur due to:
- The restraining force of the seatbelt across your torso
- Impact with the steering wheel, door, or dashboard
- Bracing against the steering wheel upon collision
- The violent jerking motion as your vehicle suddenly stops or changes direction
Most Common Shoulder Injuries After an Accident
1. Rotator Cuff Tears or Impingement
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize your shoulder joint. During a collision, the impact force can cause these tissues to stretch beyond their normal range, resulting in partial or complete tears. They may also become compressed between the shoulder bones, often due to inflammation following trauma. Symptoms include:
- Pain that worsens with arm movement
- Weakness when lifting or rotating your arm
- Crackling sensation (crepitus) when moving your shoulder
- Limited range of motion
- Pain that worsens at night
2. Shoulder Strains and Sprains
The violent force of a collision can stretch or tear the ligaments (sprains) and muscles or tendons (strains) in your shoulder. These soft tissue injuries typically cause:
- Pain and tenderness
- Swelling and inflammation
- Reduced mobility
- Muscle spasms
3. Shoulder Dislocation
In high-impact collisions, the ball of the upper arm bone (humerus) can be forced out of the shoulder socket. This painful injury often results in the following:
- Visible deformity of the shoulder
- Intense pain
- Inability to move the joint
- Swelling and bruising
The Delayed Onset of Shoulder Pain
Many accident victims don’t immediately recognize shoulder injuries. The body’s natural stress response releases adrenaline and endorphins that can temporarily mask pain. Attention may first focus on more obvious injuries, so it’s not uncommon for shoulder pain to develop days or even weeks after an accident.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help
At Sea Change Wellness Chiropractic in St. Petersburg, Florida, we specialize in treating auto accident injuries through:
- Comprehensive evaluation to properly diagnose the specific shoulder injury
- Gentle chiropractic adjustments to restore proper alignment
- Soft tissue therapies to reduce inflammation and promote healing
- Rehabilitative exercises to rebuild strength and mobility
- Guidance on at-home care to support recovery
The Importance of Prompt Treatment
Shoulder injuries that go untreated can lead to chronic pain, permanent loss of mobility, and accelerated joint degeneration. If you’ve been involved in an auto collision, don’t wait for shoulder pain to become debilitating.
Contact Sea Change Wellness Chiropractic for a thorough evaluation and personalized treatment plan to help you recover fully and prevent long-term complications.
Our team creates individualized care plans based on your specific needs, injury severity, and overall health goals to restore full shoulder function and help you return to normal activities as quickly and safely as possible.