Whiplash Shoulder Pain After an Accident in Garden Grove
Shoulder pain after a crash can come from your neck, your upper back, or the shoulder joint itself, and each is treated differently.
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Why this happens, and what to do in Garden Grove
Whiplash strains the muscles that run from the neck across the tops of the shoulders, so the ache is often felt there and between the shoulder blades. A seatbelt can bruise or strain the shoulder it locks across, and bracing against the steering wheel can injure the joint or rotator cuff. Pain that travels down the arm can mean a pinched nerve in the neck rather than a shoulder problem.
When this is a medical emergency
Go to an emergency room right away, don't wait for a regular appointment, if you have:
- You cannot lift your arm, or the shoulder looks out of shape
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness down the arm or hand
- Left shoulder pain with chest tightness or shortness of breath
- Fever or spreading redness over the painful area
If you have any of these in Garden Grove, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room first. Do not wait for an appointment.
Care for this in Garden Grove
These are the types of care that accident patients with this problem most often need. Pick one to see how it works in Garden Grove.
Get matched with a doctor today
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Call now (818) 300-6630Serving Garden Grove and nearby
We match patients in Garden Grove (Orange County) with providers close to where they live or work. Tell us your neighborhood or cross streets when you reach out so the match is practical.
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Frequently asked questions
Is help available in Garden Grove?
Yes, we work with providers across Orange County. Tell us you are in Garden Grove and a real person will match you with one near you. Availability depends on the provider and your situation.
How quickly can I be seen in Garden Grove?
Many providers who treat accident patients can see new patients within days, but it depends on the provider and your situation. Reach out as early as you can, since symptoms that start late are easier to document and treat when you are seen sooner. If it is an emergency in Garden Grove, go to the ER first.
Why does my shoulder hurt after a car accident?
Most often it is a strained neck and upper back muscle group, a seatbelt strain, or a joint injury from bracing on impact. A physical exam helps tell them apart.
Is shoulder pain after a crash from whiplash?
It often is, because the neck and shoulder muscles are connected. Pain that gets worse when you move your neck points toward whiplash, while pain when you lift the arm points toward the shoulder joint.
Do I need an MRI for shoulder pain?
Not always. Doctors usually start with an exam and sometimes an X-ray, and order an MRI if a rotator cuff tear or nerve injury is suspected or if pain does not improve.