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Dislocated Shoulder Symptoms

According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), the shoulder joint is the most commonly dislocated major joint of the body. Dislocation is frequently the result of a backward pull on the arm that either catches the muscles by surprise rendering it ill-equipped to resist or when it over powers the muscles. Two common symptoms of a dislocated shoulder are pain and swelling. A dislocated shoulder requires immediate medical care.

  1. Risks

    • According to the Mayo Clinic dislocated shoulders most frequently occur in people between the ages of 18 and 25 due to their tendency to have more physically active lives. Older adults are also vulnerable to shoulder dislocation since their joints and ligaments have lost some of their strength and because they are prone to falls.

    Symptoms

    • Symptoms of a dislocated shoulder may be an obviously out of place or misshapen shoulder, swelling and bruising and not be able to move the joint. You may also experience severe pain and if the muscles in your shoulder spasm. A dislocated shoulder may also result in numbness, tingling or weakness in your neck or through your arm.

    Emergency Home Care

    • If you have a dislocated shoulder, it is important to keep the joint still. Don't attempt to move the shoulder back it place. Splint or sling the shoulder joint in its existing spot--otherwise you can harm the shoulder joint and its nearby ligaments and muscles. Applying ice to your shoulder can alleviate pain and swelling by controlling the development of fluids and internal bleeding around the dislocated area.

    Diagnoses and Treatment

    • Your doctor will conduct a physical examination and may take X-rays to make sure that you have a dislocated shoulder and not a fracture. Once a diagnosis is made, your doctor will work to return your shoulder bones to their proper position. A procedure called "closed reduction" involves the use of careful gestures to guide your shoulder bones back in place.

    Surgery

    • If your doctor is not able to move your dislocated shoulder bones back into proper position with the closed reduction technique, you may require surgical manipulation or "open reduction." Surgery may be necessary if your shoulder joint is weak or if you are prone to frequent shoulder dislocations (shoulder instability).

    Recovery

    • Once your shoulder is adjusted, any serious pain should dissipate quickly. You may be fitted with a splint or sling to wear for several weeks. Once removed, you can start rehabilitation that will help return your shoulder joint to it's normal strength and mobility. People who have dislocated their shoulder are more apt to do so again in the future. You can minimize the chance of recurrence by adhering to the strength and stability exercise information provided by your doctor.

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