Dislocated Shoulder – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
A dislocated shoulder happens when the upper arm bone moves out of its socket in the shoulder blade. The shoulder joint allows the most movement of any joint in the body, which makes it particularly vulnerable to dislocation.
This injury requires prompt medical attention. Most people recover fully within several weeks after treatment. However, once a shoulder has been dislocated, it may become more likely to dislocate again in the future.
Key points:
- Occurs when the arm bone pops out of the shoulder socket
- Needs immediate medical care
- Full recovery typically takes a few weeks
- Previous dislocations increase the risk of future incidents
Signs of a Dislocated Shoulder
When a shoulder becomes dislocated, several noticeable symptoms appear. The shoulder may look clearly out of place or deformed.
Pain is usually severe and makes moving the joint difficult or impossible. The area often swells and may show bruising.
Some people feel numbness, weakness, or tingling in nearby areas like the neck or down the arm. Muscle spasms around the shoulder can make the pain worse.
Medical Care for Shoulder Dislocations
Seek immediate medical attention if you think your shoulder is dislocated. While waiting for help:
Keep the joint still: Use a sling or splint to support the shoulder in its current position. Don’t attempt to move it or push it back into place yourself. This could damage muscles, ligaments, nerves, or blood vessels.
Apply ice: Put ice on the injured area to reduce pain and swelling. Wrap the ice in a cloth rather than placing it directly on skin.
Don’t delay getting help as proper treatment is essential for preventing future problems with your shoulder.
Causes
A shoulder dislocation happens when the upper arm bone moves out of the shoulder socket. This joint is particularly prone to dislocation because of its wide range of motion.
Most shoulder dislocations are anterior (through the front), though they can also occur posteriorly (backward) or inferiorly (downward). Dislocations may be complete or partial, with the latter called a subluxation.
Several common causes lead to shoulder dislocations:
Sports-Related Injuries
- Contact sports like football and hockey
- Fall-risk activities such as gymnastics, volleyball, and downhill skiing
- Sudden impacts or awkward landings during athletic competitions
Accidents and Trauma
- Vehicle collisions with direct impact to the shoulder
- Workplace accidents involving falls or blows to the upper body
- Unexpected forces that twist or wrench the shoulder joint
Falls in Daily Life
- Slipping on wet or uneven surfaces
- Falling from heights like ladders or stairs
- Tripping over objects such as loose rugs or cords
Strong force is typically needed to dislocate a shoulder. The injury often damages surrounding ligaments, which are the tough bands of tissue connecting bones. This ligament damage can worsen the dislocation and affect recovery time.
Risk Factors
Several factors can increase your chance of a shoulder dislocation:
- Age: Teens and young adults in their 20s face a higher risk.
- Athletic Activities: Particularly those who play contact sports.
- Previous Dislocations: Once dislocated, shoulders may become unstable.
Your shoulder joint has the most movement of any joint in your body, which unfortunately makes it more vulnerable to dislocation compared to other joints.
Complications
A dislocated shoulder can lead to several issues beyond the initial injury. These may include:
- Tears in shoulder muscles, ligaments, and tendons
- Damage to nearby nerves or blood vessels
- Higher risk of future dislocations, especially with severe injuries
Some damage might need surgical repair. This includes stretched or torn shoulder tissues and injured nerves or blood vessels in the area.
Prevention
To avoid a dislocated shoulder, take steps to protect yourself from falls and injuries.
When playing contact sports, always wear proper protective equipment.
Regular exercise helps keep your joints and muscles strong and flexible.
If you’ve had a shoulder dislocation before, you face a higher risk of it happening again.
Continue doing the strength and stability exercises your doctor recommends for your injury to help prevent future dislocations.
Ways to prevent shoulder dislocations:
- Avoid situations with high fall risks
- Use protective gear during contact sports
- Strengthen shoulder muscles through regular exercise
- Follow medical advice if you’ve had a previous dislocation
