Shoulder, Neck, and Chest Pain After a Car Accident

Shoulder, neck, and chest issues?

After a car accident, I initially didn't feel any symptoms and didn't get an X-ray at that time.
During the accident, my shoulder and face hit the ground, and the doctor at the hospital only gave me a tetanus shot and disinfected my face with hydrogen peroxide.
Later on, I frequently experienced discomfort in my shoulder and neck area, which has persisted for over 10 years.
I previously visited the rehabilitation department at National Taiwan University, where the doctor arranged for rehabilitation.
During the assessment, the therapist noted that the last cervical vertebra was misaligned with the first thoracic vertebra, which corresponds to the areas where I feel discomfort.
However, I'm unsure how to communicate this to the outpatient doctor.
I never had this issue before the accident.
I don't play mobile games or video games, yet every time I visit the doctor, they attribute my symptoms to young people frequently using their phones and playing video games.
They usually prescribe pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications, which provide some relief, but the discomfort remains.
If I stop taking the medication, the problem persists.
This has severely affected my sleep quality, as the discomfort in my shoulder and neck makes it hard for me to sleep well.
I feel tired and lack energy at work, and as I age, the pain has become increasingly noticeable.

Could you please advise me on which specialty I should consult for my condition? Can I request more in-depth examinations beyond X-rays, such as MRI or CT scans? Additionally, I often feel a tightness in my throat and a sensation of a foreign body, and I'm unsure if this is related.
I frequently experience discomfort in my shoulder and neck (specifically at the junction of the last cervical vertebra and the first thoracic vertebra).
I would also like to know if misalignment in the shoulder and neck (cervical and thoracic vertebrae) could cause throat discomfort, as I often feel tightness and have difficulty swallowing.
Thank you for your assistance.

Wesley, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/09/16

Dr. Chen Bozhang reply Family Medicine

Dear Mr.
Wesley,
Regarding the long-term discomfort you mentioned in your shoulders and neck, if it is caused by spinal misalignment, it can indeed persist for a long time and affect the surrounding soft tissues, potentially leading to nerve root compression.
I recommend that you visit a neurosurgery outpatient clinic to discuss the history and details of your condition with a physician.
They may consider further examinations to determine if there is any nerve compression and to decide on the best treatment options.
Additionally, the tightness and foreign body sensation in your throat are not directly related to cervical spine issues.
If this is bothersome, you may want to consult an otolaryngologist for an examination of your throat.
Sincerely,
Dr.
Chen Po-Chang
Department of Family Medicine, Keelung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare

Reply Date: 2018/09/16

More Info

After a car accident, experiencing persistent pain in the shoulder, neck, and chest areas can be quite common, especially if there was a significant impact. Your symptoms, which have been ongoing for over ten years, suggest that there may be underlying issues that need to be addressed more thoroughly.
First and foremost, it’s essential to understand that the body can respond to trauma in various ways. In your case, the initial injury may have led to structural changes in your cervical and thoracic spine, particularly if there was a misalignment or subluxation of the vertebrae. This misalignment can lead to chronic pain, muscle tension, and discomfort in the surrounding areas, including the shoulders and neck. The fact that you have been experiencing these symptoms for such an extended period indicates that there may be chronic conditions at play, such as cervical spondylosis or even post-traumatic stress related to the accident.

Given your history, it would be advisable to consult with a specialist in orthopedics or a neurologist who can provide a more detailed assessment of your condition. You should definitely express your concerns about the misalignment that was noted during your rehabilitation sessions. It’s important to communicate that this issue has been affecting your quality of life, including your sleep and daily activities.
In addition to X-rays, which can show bone alignment and fractures, you may want to request more advanced imaging studies such as an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) or a CT (Computed Tomography) scan. These imaging techniques can provide a clearer picture of soft tissue structures, including discs, nerves, and muscles, which might be contributing to your pain. An MRI, in particular, is excellent for assessing any potential nerve compression or damage that could be causing your symptoms.

Regarding your throat discomfort, it is possible that the issues in your cervical spine could be contributing to sensations of tightness or a foreign body feeling in your throat. The cervical spine houses the nerves that innervate the throat, and any irritation or compression in that area could lead to referred sensations. This could explain why you feel discomfort when swallowing or a sensation of tightness in your throat.
It would be beneficial to discuss these symptoms with an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) specialist as well, to rule out any other potential causes of your throat discomfort. They can evaluate whether there are any structural issues or other conditions affecting your throat that may be related to your neck and shoulder pain.

In summary, you should consider the following steps:
1. Schedule an appointment with an orthopedic specialist or neurologist to discuss your chronic pain and request advanced imaging studies (MRI or CT scan).

2. Communicate clearly about the history of your symptoms, the impact on your quality of life, and the specific areas of discomfort.

3. Consult with an ENT specialist regarding your throat symptoms to explore any potential connections to your neck and shoulder issues.

Taking these steps can help you gain a better understanding of your condition and lead to a more effective treatment plan. Remember, it’s essential to advocate for your health and ensure that your concerns are taken seriously by your healthcare providers.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Chest Pain After a Car Accident: What to Know

Hello Doctor: My mother was in a car accident previously. On the day of the accident, she felt fine, but after some time, she started experiencing pain in her chest area. The pain has been ongoing for a while now and is getting worse, almost reaching her chest. What could be the ...

Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: Chest pain after a car accident may be due to contusions or muscle strains in the thoracic region. It is recommended to obtain an X-ray to confirm whether there are any rib fractures or hemothorax. If no significant abnormalities are found, it is more likely to be a muscle...

Understanding Chest Pain After a Car Accident: Causes and Next Steps

On January 28, I went to the emergency room after a car accident. Besides external bruises, I experienced left-sided chest pain rated around 2 to 4 out of 10. The pain felt like it was on the surface of the skin (with the main injuries on the left side). However, after an X-ray, ...

Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Pulmonology
Dear Mr. Chen: Based on your description, in addition to the impact, it is likely related to your history of pneumothorax and severe scoliosis (which may be causing respiratory limitations and pain). If there is no improvement, I recommend scheduling a CT scan to rule out other c...

Neck Pain After a Car Accident: Causes and Treatment Options

Two years ago, I was riding my bike when a car hit me from behind and then collided with the car in front of me. The other driver fled the scene, and since I had an exam, I didn't go to the hospital at that time. Since then, I've been experiencing persistent pain in my ...

Dr. Gao Qingyun reply Family Medicine
Ms. Tsao: Hello, please have an orthopedic physician evaluate and assess the cause of the pain for treatment. Currently, it is difficult to determine the relationship with the previous car accident. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Kao Ching-Yun, Director of Family M...

Understanding ECG Results: Blood Supply Issues After a Car Accident

Hello Dr. He, I was involved in a car accident on July 7th of this year, resulting in fractures of the third and sixth ribs on the left side. After more than two months of follow-up with the thoracic surgeon, the doctor assessed that the bones are healing well and there are no co...

Dr. He Dongjin reply Cardiology
Hello, I don't believe it's cardiac ischemia. I suspect that the car accident caused fascial injury, leading to dull, stabbing pain. Any stimulation could potentially trigger sympathetic nervous system dysregulation, but it shouldn't cause heart problems. Starting ...