What Causes Shoulder Pain After a Crash?
During a car accident, the shoulder absorbs sudden force from the seatbelt, steering wheel, or airbag—and even from bracing your body before impact. This can lead to injuries that affect the joint, surrounding muscles, or nerves.
Common causes of post-accident shoulder pain include:
- Seatbelt compression or restraint injuries
- Soft tissue damage (muscle, ligament, or tendon strain)
- Referred pain from neck or upper back tension
- Nerve impingement in the cervical or thoracic spine
- Impact trauma to the shoulder joint or rotator cuff
- Whiplash and associated upper body stress
Shoulder pain may not appear immediately—it can develop over days due to inflammation or muscle guarding.
Symptoms That May Accompany Shoulder Pain:
- Limited arm mobility or stiffness
- Pain radiating into the neck, chest, or upper back
- Tingling or numbness in the arm or hand
- Headaches
- Mid or upper back tightness
- Muscle spasms or fatigue after activity
If you’re experiencing these symptoms after an accident, don’t ignore them—minor shoulder injuries can worsen without proper treatment.
Our Shoulder Pain Treatment Approach:
We focus on treating shoulder pain from car crashes with safe, natural, and non-invasive techniques, including:
- Gentle chiropractic adjustments to realign the upper spine
- Soft tissue therapy to relieve inflammation and tension
- Shoulder mobility exercises and rehab for range of motion
- Referrals for imaging (MRI or X-ray) if needed
- MedPay, auto insurance, or attorney lien billing—often no upfront cost
Why Choose San Diego Auto Injury Center?
- Auto injury specialists focused on accident-related shoulder pain
- Trusted by thousands of San Diego area patients
- Bilingual (English & Spanish) team to support every step
- We work with your attorney or insurance directly
- Free consultations and custom recovery plans
Locations Served:
Patient Testimonial:
“I didn’t realize how much my seatbelt had strained my shoulder until the next day. The doctor explained everything and gave me real relief without meds.”
– Daniel S., San Marcos
FAQs:
Q: Can my shoulder pain come from a neck injury?
A: Yes. Referred pain from the cervical spine is one of the most common causes of shoulder symptoms after an accident.
Q: Will I need imaging before starting care?
A: Only if clinically necessary. We assess your case and refer for imaging like MRI if appropriate.
Q: What if I already started treatment elsewhere?
A: We can continue care or offer a second opinion, especially if symptoms aren’t improving.
Q: Will I need a referral or pay anything upfront?
A: No referral needed. We accept MedPay, auto insurance, and attorney liens with no upfront cost in most cases.
Shoulder pain after a car accident in San Diego? Schedule your free consultation today and let’s start your recovery.