Of the many injuries you could incur in a car accident in Georgia, shoulder impingement syndrome can be one of the most frustrating. It can leave you with chronic pain and may only be relieved through surgery. Fortunately, there are times when crash victims in this state can file personal injury claims and be compensated for their medical bills and other losses.
The nature of shoulder impingement syndrome
First, it would be good to understand what shoulder impingement syndrome is. It refers to the impinging of the rotator cuff, which is the group of muscles and tendons around the shoulder joint, upon the bony projection at the top of that shoulder joint called the acromion. The one rubs against the other and causes inflammation, swelling, and considerable pain.
This happens when rotational forces, such as those produced in a collision, go through a person’s arm and shoulders and tear the rotator cuff. This becomes more likely with drivers who tense their arm up on the steering wheel to brace for impact. Fall victims who brace their fall with their arm can suffer from the condition, too.
Treatments for mild and severe injuries
Doctors often start out with a conservative treatment. They might put an ice pack over the shoulder or prescribe pain medications to deal with the inflammation. They may then recommend that their patients set up physical therapy, rehabilitative care, or therapeutic massages in the effort to build up muscle strength and regain their range of motion.
Surgery may become necessary, as mentioned above. Using an arthroscope to look inside the shoulder, surgeons may then conduct an acromioplasty, where they shave off parts of the acromion to allow more room between it and the rotator cuff.
Local lawyer for your injury case
To determine if you can pursue a personal injury case against the driver who caused the collision you were in, consider meeting with a lawyer. The lawyer may hire crash investigators to prove the other side’s negligence before heading off to negotiations. If a good settlement cannot be agreed upon, you might consider litigation.
