Suggest Treatment For Severe Joint Pain And Muscle Spasms Post An Accident

Posted on Fri, 29 Jan 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 29 Jan 2016 Answered on

Fri, 18 Mar 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I was recently in a pretty bad car accident. My shoulder was hit by air bags in 3 locations. It has been 2 weeks and have started physical therapy. The therapist told me I have a Separated AC joint. Iam being woken up by pain, and muscles spasm. I don't feel any pain with the spasms. She said my shoulder blade was not in the correct location. While i know physical therapy takes time, Do you think my job could be harming it. I hurt my dominate arm and primarily type and make phonecalls. I am an Internet Director for 2 dealerships Internet Departments. I don't just sell, I do all the leg work as well. I have iced heat, epsom salt baths. The pain killers help some but not enough, and they make me sick. I have been taking naprosyn and tylenol at work so im not groggy, they honestly dont help a lot but enough to where i am not crying. IS there anything I can do for some relief, I am cranky havent slept more than 3 hours for a week now. Is it possible its injured more than we originally thought?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
I would suggest you to get a x ray

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have studied your case and I think that your problem is due to subluxation of ac joint. Before I advised you any thing I would like to know little detail of the illness.
1.Did you get a x ray of the shoulder? if yes please share this with me.
2. Are you having any problem in elevation of shoulder above head?
3. Is their any visible swelling or lump over shoulder?
Please send me answers of these questions. I will try my best to help you. thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (48 minutes later)

I did get an xray the day of the accident. The er doctor said he didn't see any breaks. Any time I move it above head it makes a horrible crunch noise and hurts (obviously)
There was swelling now that it's gone my shoulder looks deformed. You can see where there is a space and that the decline makes a hump instead of flowing. My front arm muscle tightens and spasms after any typing texting etc. You can see my shoulder blade is in the wrong place, but you couldn't see it last week

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (50 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Can you send your x rays to me

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I would like to see your x rays to confirm the diagnosis. It will be very helpful if you can send your x rays with me. Also If possible a pic of shoulder swelling. There is an option to upload reports and pictures on this page. Please utilize it to send pictures of X-ray, shoulder swelling and any other related reports.

If it is a joint problem then you need immobilisation.
So please send me those pictures as soon as possible.
thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (15 hours later)

I was able to attach the images. Hopefully that will help you out. I am having issues getting a pic of my shoulder because im left handed nad this is my left shoulder. I am not good with my right hand haha

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
it is grade 2 AC joint subluxation

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for sharing these images. I think you are having grade 2 Ac joint subluxation. It is not very serious injury but you need to avoid lifting shoulder and lifting weight for six weeks. An Shoulder immobiliser can be helpful at night time or when you are moving around.
This is very trivial injury and usually patient feels better in 2 months time. If there is very severe pain then hot water fomentation and NSAID like Brufen or Piroxicam can be taken. Volitran gel is also useful. Do not use Ice.
Your job related to telephone can cause some pain so If possible try to use right hand. Spasm can be relieved using Glass full of water with pinch of salt in it. You need to drink it whenever you have spasm.
I hope this answer will be useful for you.Let me know if there is any other followup questions.
thanks

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar