That Sore Shoulder After a Car Accident Could Be Whiplash. Here’s Why You Need to Get it Checked Out.

To make sure you get the right treatment, you should check out a sore shoulder after your car accident as soon as possible. It could be a sign of whiplash, and if you ignore it, it could be worse. Here’s everything you need to know.

Not Just Health Issues…

A sore shoulder after a car accident shouldn’t be ignored. It could not only cause health issues for you but also finanical issues too. If you’ve been experiencing shoulder pain after your car accident then that could be a sign you’ve had whiplash.

What is Whiplash?

Whiplash, also known as a neck sprain or strain, is a type of soft tissue damage that xx the muscles in the neck. This happens when the head is jerked rapidly back and forth, often after rear-enders or high speed accidents. With the adrenaline of a car accident it’s possible to not even feel whiplash in the moment.

Sore Shoulder After a Car Accident and Other Whiplash Symptoms

Along with shoulder pain after a car accident, there are other telltale signs of whiplash. We advise you to see your doctor for a proper diagnosis if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:

Neck pain or stiffness

Pain that gets worse when you move your head

Headaches, especially at base of skull

Pain in shoulder, upper back, arms

Limited movement in neck, shoulders, or arms

Dizziness or vertigo

Fatigue

Tingling or numbness in arms

Ringing in ears

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, most initial symptoms can be treated with over-the-counter pain medication, stretches, light exercise, and visits to your local chiropractor. For the best treatment, consult with your doctor about your shoulder pain and the potential of whiplash.

A Diagnosis and Treatment for Early Intervention

If you experience a sore shoulder after a car accident, your first steps should be to get an examination and get treatment. To prevent your injury from becoming something worse, you should have a proper diagnosis. If it’s whiplash, then early intervention can prevent it from becoming chronic neck pain, but you can only treat it properly after first seeing a doctor.

Be sure to also document your injury, the circumstances around your injury, and the treatment you’ve received for your insurance claim. You could be compensated for the injury you’ve sustained.

The Long Term Impact of Whiplash

Don’t let that sore shoulder after a car accident become something worse. While most people recover from whiplash after a few weeks, some can still suffer from chronic neck pain and other long term complications including:

Sleep difficulties

Tinnitus

Chronic headaches

Spinal fracture

Depression or anxiety

Chronic complications are more likely for people with certain risk factors. For example, you’re more likely to experience long-term issues if you’ve had whiplash beforehand, you’re older, had pre-existing back or neck pain, or sustained your injury at a high-speed. Chronic complications are especially more likely if you don’t receive proper treatment. So don’t put off a visit to the doctor and check out that sore shoulder after a car accident.

How To Care For Your Whiplash

Unless your doctor advises you otherwise, here are some ways to take care of your sore shoulder after a car accident and potential whiplash:

Get Plenty of Rest

Your body repairs itself while it sleeps. So be sure to get plenty of rest. It’s also best to avoid strenuous activities that could agitate your shoulder and neck muscles.

Alternating Hot and Cold

Alternating hot and cold temperatures in the sore area can help promote blood flow and healing. The different temperatures can also alleviate pain.

OTC or Prescribed Medications

If you have mild to moderate pain in the area, then over-the-counter medications can help. If your pain is more severe, then your doctor might prescribe you medications, like muscle relaxants, to take for the pain.

If none of those options help you with your sore shoulder after your accident, or your sore shoulder then you can try other methods. Alternative neck care includes exercises, physical therapy, foam collars, acupuncture, or your local board-certified chiropractor.

Finding the Root Cause

At Essential Chirocare our mission is to help our patients live pain free lives. If you are still experiencing a sore shoulder after a car accident, we can help. We can find the root cause of the pain and treat it so you can get your life back on track. Don’t put off treatment any longer, it’s time to take control over your pain.