Have you ever been in a car accident and wondered if it can cause long-term damage? While most injuries from car accidents are hard to miss, one injury may be overlooked: a torn rotator cuff. This type of pain can last for months after an accident if not treated correctly.
When someone gets into a car accident, they often experience whiplash due to the sudden jerking motion, which strains their neck muscles and shoulder area. If left untreated, these strained muscles can lead to more serious issues, such as a torn rotator cuff. The tear occurs when the tendons around the shoulder joint become inflamed from the trauma caused by the collision.
If you need help getting compensation for the injuries you sustained from a car accident, contact the team at Injury.io.
What Is a Rotator Cuff Injury?
A rotator cuff injury is an umbrella term for any damage to the muscles and tendons that keep the shoulder joint together. This includes tears, strains, or impingement of these tissues due to inflammation. The four main muscles in this group are known as the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis. These large muscles connect the bones of the arm to both sides of the scapula (shoulder blade). They work together to help rotate and raise your arm above your head.
Rotator cuff injuries can range from mild soreness or pain with movement to a full tear where surgery may be necessary. Symptoms associated with these types of injuries include discomfort when lifting your arms overhead or reaching behind you, weakness in the affected area, and popping sensations when moving your arm.
Causes and Symptoms of a Torn Rotator Cuff
During a car accident, the sudden impact can cause the body to jerk and twist in different directions. This can put a lot of stress on the shoulder joint, which is responsible for a wide range of movements. When the shoulder is subjected to a sudden and forceful impact, the rotator cuff can be torn or damaged.
Additionally, when a person is involved in a car accident, they may instinctively try to brace themselves with their arms, which can put additional strain on the rotator cuff. This can lead to a tear in the tendons or muscles that make up the rotator cuff.
In some cases, the symptoms of a torn rotator cuff may not appear immediately after the accident. It may take days or even weeks for the pain, weakness, and limited range of motion to develop. Therefore, it is important to seek medical attention after a car accident, even if you feel fine initially.
How to Diagnose a Torn Rotator Cuff
It is important to diagnose a torn rotator cuff as soon as possible in order to begin treatment and recovery. A doctor can identify the injury based on physical examination, imaging tests, and other diagnostic procedures. During the physical exam, your doctor will look for tenderness and weakness in the shoulder area while you move it.
Imaging tests such as an X-ray or MRI may be necessary to check for inflammation of the tendons surrounding the joint, dislocated bones, or any structural damage that could indicate a tear. Your doctor might also ask you to perform specific movements during these tests so they can better assess your condition.
If more information is needed, nerve conduction studies or electromyography may help determine if there’s been any muscle damage due to a car accident. After diagnosing a torn rotator cuff, treatment and recovery options must be discussed with your healthcare provider in order to regain full mobility of your shoulder.
Impact on Long-Term Health
A torn rotator cuff can have severe consequences when left untreated, including chronic pain, reduced range of motion, decreased strength and mobility, as well as permanent disability of the arm. Surgery may be necessary to repair the tear completely. Even after surgery, physical therapy will likely be required to regain full use of the arm. In some cases, it may take months before complete recovery takes place.
It is vital that any person involved in a car accident pays close attention to their body and seeks appropriate medical care right away if they experience shoulder pain or other signs of possible injury. Treatment should begin as soon as possible to prevent further damage and reduce the risk of long-term health complications from occurring.
Thankfully, you can seek compensation for your medical treatment and any pain and suffering your rotator cuff injury has caused.
Contact Injury.io Today
So if you’ve suffered a torn rotator cuff due to a car accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation. You likely have a case if the car wreck was caused by another’s negligence. If you need help filing a claim and getting the compensation you deserve, contact Injury.io.
We can help you get fair compensation and hold the at-fault party accountable. Call now to book your free case review.
Emily Wilson is a writer who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English studies from Ball State University in 2021. Since graduating, Emily has started her career in content writing, and she hopes to continue helping her audience learn and grow from her works.
