Depending on your job, you may find yourself risking injury on a regular basis. For instance, if you work in construction, you never know if you could injure your neck, back or shoulder by lifting heavy items.
A dislocated shoulder is not the most serious injury you can suffer, but this can most definitely alter your life in the future.
If you suffer a dislocated shoulder on the job, don’t hesitate to report the accident to your employer. Along with this, look into your many treatment options:
— Closed reduction. In short, this is when your doctor attempts to maneuver your shoulder back into position.
— Surgery. In many cases, surgery is the only way to fix the problem and improve the chance of making a full recovery.
— Immobilization. In some cases, you may need to use a sling or splint for a period of several weeks to keep your shoulder from moving.
— Medication. Since you’re sure to experience some discomfort and pain, your doctor can prescribe medication to help you get by during the recovery process.
Along with the above, you may require physical therapy in order to regain full use of your shoulder.
Since a dislocated shoulder can keep you out of work for an extended period of time, don’t forget that you may be able to file a claim for ‘ benefits.
If your claim is denied for any reason, such as an employer claiming that you were not injured on the job, learn more about your rights. Filing an appeal may be the next step you take.
Source: Mayo Clinic, “Treatments and drugs,” accessed April 27, 2017
