If you were in a car accident and developed pain or a serious injury in your shoulder, you’ll want to get medical attention right away, no matter if your accident occurred in Washington or anywhere else in the country. There are a few types of shoulder injuries that can occur after getting into an accident.
Dislocations and fractures
A bone dislocation in your shoulder is incredibly uncomfortable and painful. The upper arm bone can pop out of the socket. If you don’t get treatment for this within a short time, it can cause muscle damage.
Another issue that can happen after auto accidents is a humerus fracture. This can cause you to have limited shoulder movement and visible swelling at the site along with severe pain.
Torn rotator cuff
A high-impact car accident may leave you with a torn rotator cuff. This injury limits shoulder movement and leaves you in extreme pain. If you notice you have a cracking sensation in this area, pain when you are lying on your shoulder, and weakness whenever you move your arm, your rotator cuff may be torn.
Various other injuries
Some other common types of shoulder injury after a car accident include shoulder sprain and strain, soft tissue bruise and damage, bursitis, and whiplash. These are just as serious as the other types of shoulder injuries and can result in permanent damage if left unchecked.
You may not notice much pain or discomfort at first after a car accident, but these issues can worsen or develop with repetitive movement. Sometimes, it can take weeks or even months before you realize you have a problem. Make an appointment with your doctor or visit the emergency room immediately after the accident, so you can spot problems and get help early on to avoid permanent damage.