Shoulder pain after a car accident in Michigan
Shoulder pain is common after a crash, especially on the side where the seat belt crosses. NovaMed in Southfield examines your shoulder the same day when we can, measures how it moves and sets up a plan to treat it.
- Seat belt shoulder pain
- Rotator cuff strain
- Pain or weakness lifting your arm
- Phones answered Mon-Fri, 9 AM to 5 PM. After hours the line goes to voicemail. Walk-ins from 9 AM.
Call to schedule your car accident injury evaluation
Hurt in a car accident? Our team sets up your visit and checks your auto coverage on the phone. Same-day visits are often available during office hours.
- Same-day visits often available
- No referral needed
- Phones answered Mon-Fri, 9 AM to 5 PM. Walk-ins welcome at 27211 Lahser Rd, Suite 200, Southfield
Tap to call from your phone. Phones are answered Mon-Fri, 9 AM to 5 PM. After hours the line goes to voicemail. If you are badly hurt, call 911.
- Same daySame-day car accident visits are often available, and walk-ins are welcome.
- No-FaultMichigan No-Fault (PIP) accepted. We handle the paperwork with your auto insurer.
- RecordsExam findings and reports sent to your insurer or attorney with your permission.
- Southfield27211 Lahser Rd, Suite 200. Serving Detroit and all of Metro Detroit.
How a car accident injures your shoulder
The shoulder belt locks across one shoulder in a crash. Drivers often brace against the steering wheel, and passengers brace against the dashboard or door. Side impacts can drive the shoulder into the door. All of these load the shoulder joint suddenly.
Shoulder injuries we see after car accidents include:
- Shoulder muscle strain and bruising from the seat belt
- Rotator cuff strain or tear
- AC joint sprain, where the collarbone meets the shoulder blade
- Labrum injuries in the shoulder socket
- Pain that starts in the neck and spreads into the shoulder
- Dislocations and fractures, which need emergency care
Why shoulder pain can start days later
Shoulder pain often builds over the first few days as swelling sets in. Many people notice it when they reach overhead, put on a jacket or sleep on that side.
A shoulder that is not examined can get stiff, and some injuries, like rotator cuff tears, can get worse with use. An exam also records how the injury relates to the accident.
How we evaluate and treat shoulder pain
A clinician asks how the crash happened and examines your shoulder, neck and upper back. We measure how far you can lift and rotate your arm, test your strength, and check the nerves that run to your arm and hand. When it is medically necessary, we order imaging such as X-ray or MRI through our referral partners.
Your plan can include pain management, physical therapy, follow-up exams and referrals to orthopedic specialists when you need them. We measure your range of motion at each visit and adjust the plan as you improve. With your permission, we send records to your auto insurer or attorney.
Neck pain often comes with shoulder pain after a crash. See whiplash and neck pain after a car accident.
Paying for shoulder pain treatment in Michigan
Under Michigan No-Fault, medical care for car accident injuries is generally billed to the Personal Injury Protection (PIP) part of your own auto insurance, up to your policy’s limits, no matter who caused the crash.
We verify your coverage before your visit and handle the paperwork with your auto insurer. Read more about seeing a No-Fault doctor in Michigan.
What happens at your first car accident injury visit
One visit gets you examined, diagnosed and on a plan, with everything written down.
What to bring
- Photo ID
- Your auto insurance card or claim number
- The police or crash report number, if you have it
- Your health insurance card
- A list of medications you take
- 01Call or walk in
Same-day visit
Call or walk in. Bring your ID, your auto insurance card and the crash report number if you have it.
- 02Exam
A full evaluation
A clinician asks how the crash happened, examines the areas that hurt and checks movement, strength, reflexes and pain levels.
- 03Records
Findings written down
Your diagnosis, exam findings and treatment plan go into your medical record, including how your injuries relate to the accident.
- 04Plan
Care that fits the injury
Follow-up visits, pain management, physical therapy or a specialist referral, and imaging such as MRI through referral partners when it is medically necessary.
Shoulder pain symptoms after a car accident
Adrenaline hides pain. These often show up hours or days after a crash. Any of them is a reason to get checked.
- 0-24 HSoreness where the seat belt crossed your shoulder
- 24-72 HPain lifting your arm overhead
- 24-72 HStiffness, or pain reaching behind your back
- DAYSPain sleeping on that side
- DAYSWeakness, or your arm feeling tired quickly
- DAYSClicking, catching or a grinding feeling
- DAYSTingling or numbness running down the arm
- WEEKSShoulder pain or stiffness that is not improving
A shoulder that looks deformed, an arm you cannot move, numbness or a cold, pale hand, or severe pain after a crash can be serious. Call 911 or go to an emergency room.
Common questions
Is shoulder pain after a car accident normal?
Yes. The seat belt and bracing for impact often strain the shoulder. Pain that lasts more than a few days should be examined.
How long does shoulder pain last after a car accident?
Many strains improve over several weeks with treatment. Rotator cuff and labrum injuries can take longer. We reassess at every visit.
Why does my shoulder hurt when I lift my arm?
Pain lifting the arm can come from a rotator cuff strain or tear, or from irritation in the joint. An exam can tell which.
Can I come in if the accident was weeks ago?
Yes. Shoulder pain that lingers or starts late is common. Call or walk in and we will evaluate it.
Do I need a referral or a lawyer to be seen?
No. You can call or walk in. No referral is needed.
Is treatment covered in Michigan?
Medically necessary care for crash injuries is generally billed to your PIP benefits, up to your policy’s limits. We verify your coverage first.
Care for every part of a crash injury
Car accident whiplash and neck injuries
The most common car accident injury. We check how your neck moves and treat the strain before it settles in.
Learn moreCar accident medical exams
A head-to-toe evaluation of the areas that hurt, done the same day, with findings recorded.
Learn moreCar accident medical records
Clear documentation of diagnoses, findings and treatment, ready when your insurer or attorney asks for records.
Learn moreMichigan No-Fault (PIP) patients
We work with your auto insurer’s PIP medical benefits and help you get the paperwork right.
Learn moreSouthfield, on Lahser Road
- Address
- 27211 Lahser Rd, Suite 200
Southfield, MI 48034 - Phone
- (313) 319-4284
- Visits
- Same-day appointments and walk-ins. Call ahead and we'll have your paperwork ready.
- Serving
- Southfield, Detroit, Oak Park, Royal Oak, Farmington Hills, Dearborn, Livonia, Novi, Troy, Warren and the rest of Metro Detroit.