Were you injured in a recent auto accident and now suffering from persistent shoulder pain? Our experienced chiropractors at New Hartford Chiropractic Center in Utica, New York can help! Read on to learn more about common shoulder injuries after car accidents and how customized chiropractic care provides effective diagnosis, treatment, and lasting pain relief.
How Do Auto Accidents Often Cause Shoulder Injuries?
The sudden traumatic impact of a motor vehicle collision can wrench your shoulder joints beyond their normal range of motion. This frequently stretches or tears the surrounding ligaments, tendons, and muscles. Your shoulders may also strike the interior of the vehicle, like the steering wheel or dashboard, resulting in deep bruising and sprains. Consulting with your chiropractor soon after an accident is key for proper evaluation.
What Are Some Common Symptoms of a Shoulder Injury?
The symptoms often depend on which tissues are damaged but frequently include:
- Intense pain or tenderness in the shoulder joint or upper arm area
- Difficulty lifting your arm overhead without pain
- Stiffness, swelling, bruising or instability in the shoulder
- Popping, crunching or grinding sensations with movement
- Weakness or numbness/tingling down the arm
Why See a Chiropractor for Treatment of Post-Accident Shoulder Pain?
A chiropractor will conduct a comprehensive hands-on exam to properly assess and diagnose the extent of your shoulder injury, while ruling out any fractures. They can then provide effective non-invasive treatment options, like targeted chiropractic adjustments, to improve your shoulder's range of motion and decrease pain/discomfort without drugs or surgery. Early chiropractic intervention after an auto injury also helps prevent chronic shoulder pain from developing.
What Diagnostic Tests Help Identify Shoulder Injuries?
In addition to a thorough medical history and orthopedic exam, diagnostic tests like x-rays, MRI scans, or CT scans may be used to accurately visualize and assess:
- Fractures or dislocations
- Soft tissue injuries
- Nerve damage or compression
- Cartilage/labrum tears
These allow your chiropractor to custom tailor the most effective shoulder injury treatment plan.
Treatments for Post-Accident Shoulder Pain
Gentle chiropractic adjustments help realign your shoulder joints and the middle back to restore normal mobility and provide significant pain relief. Soft tissue therapies like massage, graston technique, or ASTM break up adhesions and scar tissue. Therapeutic exercises strengthen injured muscles and stabilize loose joints. Your chiropractor may also recommend bracing to provide additional shoulder support.
Schedule an Appointment With Our Chiropractor Near You
If you were injured in an auto accident and suffer from lingering shoulder pain, don’t wait to seek help. Our chiropractic experts at New Hartford Chiropractic Center provide personalized, holistic care to help you properly heal. Contact us today to schedule a comprehensive exam and get on the road to recovery.
