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Getting Help When Seatbelts Cause Shoulder Injuries: Advice From A Gladstone, MO Auto Accident Lawyer

Seatbelts are the best protection from death and life-threatening injuries in a Missouri car accident. There is no good reason to not buckle up. However, sometimes, while seatbelt is saving your life, it can even cause an injury. The pressure on the seatbelt on your shoulder may cause the following seatbelt injuries:

• AC joint separation and fractures
  
• Thoracic outlet syndrome
• Impingement syndrome

AC Joint Injury

The AC joint is the joint in the shoulder where the collar bone meets the shoulder blade. An AC joint separation occurs when the bones at the shoulder are separated due to the impact and the AC joint is damaged. Symptoms include severe pain in the shoulder and collar bone, swelling, and a restricted range of motion. Treatment initially focuses on reducing pain and immobilizing the joint so it can subsides, the injury victim must work with a physical therapist to increase the range of motion in the joint. In rare cases, surgery is necessary.

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Thoracic outlet syndrome refers to the pain caused by the compression of nerves and blood vessels in the thoracic outlet, the area between the base of the neck and the armpit. Symptoms include severe pain in the shoulder, neck, and arm. The pain may be constant or intermittent and gets worse with activity. There may be weakness, tingling or numbness in the arm and fingers. Treatment usually consists of pain relief and physical therapy. In rare cases, surgery is necessary.

Impingement Syndrome

Shoulder impingement syndrome occurs when the tendons or muscles in the rotator cuff are injured. As the tendons and muscles swell, the blood vessels are compressed and there is little room for the muscle to move. Symptoms of impingement syndrome may include pain on the side or front of the shoulder, stiffness, and restricted range of motion.
If impingement syndrome is left untreated, the muscle may tear producing further injury. Impingement syndrome is treated with anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy. Surgery is necessary if muscles are torn.

Get help.

Shoulder injuries are very painful and may keep you out of work for several months. If you have sustained a seatbelt injury during a Missouri auto accident caused by a negligent driver, you may want to discuss your injury with a Gladstone, MO auto accident lawyer. The attorney can advise you about your options for recovering compensation for your medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

To schedule a free consultation with a Gladstone, MO auto accident lawyer, contact Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys at 888-348-2616. To learn more about the rights of Missouri injury victims, download your free copy of our book, 10 Essential Steps You Must Take To Protect Your Injury Claim.

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