Rotator cuff tears are a common cause for impairing pain
among adults. A 2008 study determined that nearly 2 million individuals in the
United States alone received medical attention due to a rotator cuff
complication. A torn rotator cuff often leads to shoulder weakness, greatly
restricting a person’s normal range of motion and making everyday activities
painful and difficult. There are many causes behind this type of shoulder
injury, but rotator cuff tears resulting after an automobile accident, although
often misconceived, are more frequent than people foresee.
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Anatomy of a Shoulder Injury
The shoulder has a wider range of motion than any other
joint in the body. The rotator cuff consists of four muscles and tendons which
merge together to surround and protect the shoulder joint. The rotator cuff
attaches the humerus to the shoulder blade, mainly functioning to provide
motion to the arm, allowing it to lift and rotate in a broad extent of motions.
A tear is characterized when one of the four muscles and/or
tendons around the shoulder joint become damaged or injured, usually from
repetitive overuse of the shoulder, or in other cases, as a result of direct trauma
from being involved in a forceful automobile accident. When a single or
multiple of the rotator cuff tendons is torn, the tendon no longer fully
attaches to the head of the humerus. Different types of tears may occur. A partial
tear is identified as damage to the soft tissue where it hasn’t been completely
severed. A full-thickness tear, also referred to as a complete tear, is
identified when the soft tissue splits into two pieces. In a majority of cases,
tendons may tear where they attach to the shoulder joint. With a full-thickness
tear, there is essentially, a gap in the tendon.
Shoulder Pain After Auto Injury
Rotator cuff tears are most often associated with rear-end
collisions, however, any type of car accident can lead to shoulder injury. During
an auto accident, many individuals tend to tense up and brace their hands
against the steering wheel which causes the shoulders to absorb a large amount
of the force from the impact. Rotator cuff tears are very likely to occur in
this instance.
If after being involved in an automobile accident, the
individual experiences shoulder pain, it’s essential to seek immediate medical
attention to properly diagnose any damage or injury to the structures
surrounding the shoulder joint. Other rotator cuff tear symptoms include;
radiating pain along the top or outer sides of the shoulder which travel
throughout the arm, restricted mobility, inflammation and swelling, popping or
clicking while moving the arm, and overall weakness of the region.
There are a variety of treatment options available for a
rotator cuff tear depending on the severity of the injury. Whether the tear is
mild or severe, many shoulder complications can be treated with chiropractic
care. A chiropractor will use careful adjustments and manual manipulations to gradually
correct a variety of other complications that may have developed during the car
crash, including spinal misalignments and whiplash injuries. Additionally, a
chiropractor may follow through with an appropriate set of stretches and
exercises to progressively strengthen the muscles and other tissues surrounding
the shoulder joint. Because we depend on our shoulders for optimal arm
movement, rotator cuff health is essential towards an efficient, daily
lifestyle.
By Dr. Alex Jimenez
Clinic Location: http://bit.ly/dralexjimenezclinic
