Seatbelt shoulder injuries, while not totally preventable, are all too common in vehicle accidents. When seatbelts are worn too loosely, incorrectly or not at all, a number of unhappy but somewhat predictable results can occur. There are proper ways to fasten a seatbelt, and following the "rules" will diminish the chance of a seatbelt shoulder injury.
The Facts
Shoulder injuries caused by seatbelts are fairly common after a vehicle accident. They may be caused by seatbelt shoulder straps, the jerking movements or impact of the crash, or improper use of the seatbelt. Whiplash resulting from a crash can also cause shoulder pain.
Function
When properly worn, seatbelts can prevent many injuries, including shoulder injuries. Vehicle passengers seem to find numerous ways to misuse (and not use) seatbelts, however. Some don't wear them at all. Others wear only the lap belt, while tucking the shoulder belt behind. Some reverse that practice, wearing the shoulder belt while the lap belt is tucked in the back. Then there are people who wear the seatbelt too loose or the lap belt too high. Each of these can contribute to significant physical injury, some of which affect the shoulder.
Effects
When the shoulder belt is used alone, an accident victim can slip under the belt to the point where the neck is caught under the belt. This can cause strangulation or neck injury.
In other cases, individuals wear both the shoulder and lap belt but tuck the shoulder harness under their arm. This practice also contributes to serious injury by allowing excessive forward motion of the head and chest.
Another dangerous practice involves wearing the seatbelt too loosely. This practice may also allow too much forward motion, or the passenger may slide under the belt. Seatbelts worn too high over the abdomen can allow injury of the abdominal organs.
Identification
Although many seatbelt injuries (such as bruises) are obvious, others are found with an x-ray or MRI. Many seatbelt shoulder injuries are more painful than severe. However, some may require surgery or extensive therapy before healing occurs.
Early diagnosis of a seatbelt shoulder injury is helpful, and the sooner it happens after the accident, the better. Through early detection, you can ensure that the problem is cared for correctly and take any steps necessary to prevent further damage.
Prevention
Although you can't generally prevent an accident from happening, you can minimize the chance of a seatbelt shoulder injury resulting from an accident. While in the car, sit upright. Wear both the lap belt and shoulder harness, and do not tuck the shoulder harness under your arm. Make sure the restraints are fastened securely (e.g. not loosely), and keep the lap belt lower (as opposed to up over the abdomen). These measures, while not a cure-all, should reduce the seriousness or chance that you suffer from a seatbelt shoulder injury.
Tags: seatbelt shoulder, seatbelt shoulder injury, shoulder belt, shoulder harness, shoulder injury
