Understanding Shoulder Pain After a Car Accident
If you have recently been in a car accident, you’re probably experiencing aches and pains in various parts of your body. One of the areas that is particularly susceptible to injuries is the shoulder. Shoulder pain after an accident is a common occurrence, and can affect your daily life in many ways. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the causes and symptoms of shoulder pain after a car accident, and discuss the potential treatment options available.
Understanding Shoulder Injuries
The shoulder joint is one of the most complex joints in the body, with a wide range of motion. This makes it more susceptible to injuries, particularly after a car accident.
The force of impact from a collision can cause the shoulder joint to move in unnatural directions, leading to torn muscles, ligaments, and other soft tissues. Other common causes of shoulder pain after a car accident include whiplash, nerve damage, and dislocation.
If left untreated, shoulder pain can develop into chronic pain, which can seriously affect your range of motion and quality of life. Some symptoms to look out for include swelling, stiffness, weakness, clicking or popping noises, and difficulty moving your arm. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see a medical professional as soon as possible. Delaying treatment can result in additional damage, and make the recovery process longer and more difficult.
Effective Treatment and Prevention
Here at Westside Chiropractic, we are experienced in treating shoulder injuries and can provide you with the relief you need. They can assess your condition, diagnose the issue, and recommend the appropriate treatment. Depending on the severity of your injury, they may recommend a combination of therapies, including chiropractic adjustments, massage therapy, and physical rehabilitation. In some cases, surgery may be necessary, but this is often a last resort.
Preventing shoulder injuries is always better than treating them. To minimize your risk of developing shoulder pain after a car accident, always wear your seatbelt while driving or riding in a car.
This simple step can significantly reduce the impact of a collision and prevent serious injuries. Additionally, try to avoid or minimize activities that involve repetitive or strenuous shoulder movements. If your occupation requires such movements, make sure to take regular breaks and stretch your muscles.
Answers to Common Treatment Questions
Insurance and Eligibility: In Alberta, treatment for car accident injuries is covered under 'Whiplash Protocols' without the need for fault. Visit a chiropractor within 10 days of the accident to make a claim. If your assessment reveals musculoskeletal injuries from the accident, your treatments are also covered under Whiplash Protocols. Commonly injured areas include the neck, upper/lower back, shoulders, arms, legs, and ankles.
Treatment Initiation: After an accident, a Medical Doctor, Chiropractor, or Physiotherapist can open a treatment claim. No referral is needed for a chiropractor, as it is covered under Section A of car insurance.
Treatment Coverage: Depending on the severity of your injury, you are covered for 7 or 21 sessions (chiropractic care, massage therapy, physiotherapy) within 90 days of the accident under Section A.
Post-Treatment: Once you have received your covered treatments, we will re-examine you. If you have fully recovered, you will be discharged. If not, we will request additional treatments from your car insurance under Section B. This will require you to exhaust any extended health benefits you have before the ability to utilize more funds from your car insurance.
Switching Clinics: If you decide to switch clinics, please inform us of the number of remaining treatments you have. Patients transferring should be aware that only one examination is paid for by Section A, and they will be responsible for the cost of our initial examination.
Direct Billing: We are pleased to provide direct billing to your motor vehicle insurance company under Section A.
In conclusion, shoulder pain after a car accident is a common problem, but it doesn't have to derail your life. With the assistance of Westside Chiropractic, you can fully recover and prevent your injury from turning into chronic pain. Don't ignore the symptoms; seek help promptly. Remember, prevention is key, so take steps to safeguard yourself from future shoulder injuries. With care and attention, you can regain your mobility and embrace life once again.
Call us today to get to the bottom of your pain post-accident
