Most people are well aware of the whiplash phenomenon that occurs during most car accidents. This leads to neck pain, headaches, concussions, and many more injuries. In addition to whiplash, one of the most commonly injured body parts from a car accident is the shoulder. Why? The seat belt is largely responsible for this. The seat belt stabilizes the anterior part of the left shoulder (for drivers) and the right shoulder (for passengers). While this part of the shoulder is stabilized, the torso and lateral part of the arm/shoulder wrap around the seat belt essentially turning the seat belt into a fulcrum that applies an excessive amount of force to the tissues/joints of the shoulder.
Does this mean we should not wear a seat belt? No!!! ALWAYS wear your seat belt in a vehicle. Seat belts prevent you from becoming a human missile during an accident. An injured shoulder is an unfortunate result of many accidents, but the consequences of not wearing a seat belt are often deadly. The team at Marcum Chiropractic can help you with a shoulder injury and will help you through all phases of healing and rehabilitation. Give them a call at 503-235-7130 to feel better!