Don't ignore shoulder pain after a crash. See a doctor and get proper medical treatment.
Car accidents can cause many different types of injuries. Depending on the severity and impact of the crash, you could suffer a severe shoulder injury. Living with shoulder pain after a car accident can make daily life difficult, and the pain can worsen if left untreated. That's why you should always seek immediate medical attention if you have shoulder pain or if something doesn't feel right with your shoulder after an accident. The shoulder is a complex joint, and treatment can be lengthy and costly depending on the type of injury.
In New York, crash victims often face challenges dealing with the state's no-fault insurance system. However, at IMC Bone Doc, we have many years of experience treating people injured in New York crashes and helping them navigate the state's insurance claims process. All we need is the claim number assigned by the insurance company, the date of the crash, the name of the insurance carrier, and your birth date. Our dedicated team can then fill out all the required forms, handle treatment disputes with the insurance company, and advocate for the medical treatment you need while you focus on healing from your injury.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment or book an immediate appointment online right now.
Types of shoulder injuries
The shoulder blade is made up of three parts: the clavicle (collarbone), scapula (shoulder blade), and the humerus (upper arm bone). A ball and socket joint is composed of muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The shoulder is one of the most mobile parts of the body, but it's also one of the most susceptible to injury in the event of a crash.
Some of the most common shoulder injuries you can suffer due to a car accident include:
Torn rotator cuff
A high-impact car accident may leave you with a torn rotator cuff. The rotator cuff attaches the upper arm bone to the shoulder blade. It keeps the shoulder stable in its socket. When it is injured, it limits your shoulder movement and causes excruciating pain. Pain when lying on your shoulder, cracking sensations, and weakness when you move your arm are signs you may be suffering from a torn rotator cuff.
Fractures and dislocations
Fracture of the humerus is another common shoulder injury from car accidents. You will have limited shoulder movement when fracturing your humerus or collarbone. Your shoulder will be visibly swollen, and you will be in pain.
The impact of a car accident can fracture your bones, but it can also dislocate them. This occurs when the upper arm bone pops out of the socket. It can either partially move or completely move out of the socket and, if left untreated, can cause muscle damage.
Treatment for shoulder injuries
Before treatment, you will need a diagnosis. Imaging tests like X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans are used to diagnose a shoulder injury.
For less severe injuries, your doctor may begin the RICE treatment. The acronym stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. On top of the RICE treatment, exercise, physical therapy, and medications may also be recommended.
If the treatments above have no effect, or you have a more severe diagnosis, you may need surgery to repair the shoulder damage. The procedure depends on the injury. You may need to repair torn tissue or fully replace your joint.
Schedule an appointment with an orthopedic doctor today.
If you believe you are suffering from a shoulder injury after a car accident, the sooner you schedule an appointment with a doctor, the better your chances are of a full recovery.
At IMC Bone Doc, our surgeons have more than 100 years of combined experience. We provide our patients with the best possible medical care and look forward to seeing how we can help you. Contact us today to schedule an appointment at one of our seven NYC locations.
We're located in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Long Island and usually have same-day appointments available for booking. If you’ve suffered a shoulder injury in a New York car accident, book your appointment online or call us immediately.
