When most people think of car accident injuries, they immediately picture whiplash or back pain. But one of the most commonly overlooked—and often misunderstood—issues is shoulder pain. Whether from the force of the seatbelt, airbag deployment, or bracing for impact, shoulder injuries are extremely common in auto accidents, especially during rear-end or side collisions.
At NJ Injury Center, we regularly treat patients from Bergen, Passaic, Essex, and Hudson Counties suffering from shoulder pain following a car crash. If you’ve been in an accident and are now feeling tightness, aching, or limited movement in one or both shoulders, it’s time to take your symptoms seriously.
Why You Might Be Feeling Shoulder Pain After a Crash
During a car accident, your shoulder may absorb a sudden force or awkward twist as you grip the steering wheel, are thrown against a seatbelt, or get jolted by impact. This can lead to injuries such as:
- Rotator cuff strain or tear: The muscles and tendons that stabilize your shoulder joint can be stretched or damaged.
- AC joint sprain: The acromioclavicular joint, where your collarbone meets your shoulder blade, is vulnerable in sudden trauma.
- Soft tissue injury: Inflammation, bruising, and micro-tears in surrounding muscles and ligaments may develop over time.
- Nerve impingement: Misalignment in the cervical spine or upper back may pinch nerves that refer pain to the shoulder and arm.
- Referred pain from the neck or spine: Sometimes shoulder pain is not from the joint itself but from issues higher up the spine—something chiropractors are trained to identify.
If you’re experiencing symptoms like aching, stiffness, weakness, sharp pain with certain movements, or difficulty sleeping on one side, don’t wait to get it evaluated.
How Chiropractic Care at NJ Injury Center Can Help
Dr. Jorge De La Torre and our experienced team approach shoulder injuries with a full-body perspective. Rather than focusing only on the joint itself, we assess your entire musculoskeletal system—because shoulder pain often starts elsewhere.
Our treatment plans may include:
- Chiropractic adjustments to address spinal misalignments that may be contributing to shoulder dysfunction
- Myofascial release and trigger point therapy to reduce muscle tension and inflammation
- Range-of-motion and resistance exercises to restore strength and stability in the shoulder joint
- Soft tissue therapies like ultrasound or electrical stimulation for pain relief and improved circulation
We also assist you in navigating New Jersey’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance, so your treatment may be covered—regardless of who was at fault in the accident. Our team can work directly with your attorney to provide thorough medical documentation to support any injury claims.
Don’t Let Shoulder Pain Become a Long-Term Problem
Shoulder injuries that aren’t treated properly can lead to months of limited function or even permanent damage. What starts as a dull ache can easily evolve into a frozen shoulder or chronic instability if ignored.
Whether your accident happened on the Garden State Parkway or a city street in Newark, early intervention is key.
You don’t have to live with post-accident shoulder pain. Let us help you heal.
👉 Book your consultation at NJ Injury Center and get back to full movement—without the pain.