The Missed Injuries After Car Accidents: Shoulder, Hip, Wrist & TMJ

When most people think of car accident injuries, the focus goes straight to the neck and back. That makes sense—whiplash and spinal trauma are well known after crashes.

But what often gets missed are the shoulder, hip, wrist, and jaw (TMJ) injuries that can quietly develop in the days and weeks following an accident. As a car accident chiropractor who evaluates trauma cases regularly, I see these overlooked patterns far too often.

Why These Get Overlooked

After a crash, adrenaline floods the system. This temporary stress response masks pain, sometimes for days. Add to that the fact that most initial exams zero in on the spine, and it’s easy to see why other joint problems go unnoticed.

Yet, the very mechanics of a car accident load far more than the neck and back:

• Bracing on the steering wheel strains the wrists and shoulders.

• Seat-belt forces compress the hip and pelvis.

• Airbag deployment jars the jaw and shoulder.

These stresses may not cause immediate symptoms, but with time, inflammation builds. Patients often tell me, “My neck felt better, but now my shoulder hurts,” or “Weeks later, my jaw started clicking.” These delayed complaints are real, and they matter.

Commonly Missed Injury Patterns

Shoulder Pain

The shoulder joint complex is highly vulnerable during a crash. Common injuries include:

• AC joint sprain from seat-belt pressure

• Rotator cuff irritation when bracing or twisting

• Scapular dyskinesia—abnormal shoulder blade movement causing weakness and aching

Wrist and Hand

When you grip the wheel to brace, the force transmits directly into the small wrist joints. One of the most overlooked injuries is:

• Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex (TFCC) irritation—a cartilage structure that stabilizes the wrist, often aggravated by steering-wheel impact

Hip and Pelvis

Seat belts save lives, but they also concentrate force across the hip and pelvis. Common issues include:

• Seat-belt contusions leading to deep bruising

• Hip flexor strain from sudden deceleration

• Sacroiliac (SI) joint irritation producing low back and hip pain that lingers

TMJ (Jaw Joint)

Whiplash doesn’t just affect the neck—it can also transmit force to the jaw. Missed TMJ injuries often present as:

• Jaw soreness or tenderness when chewing

• Clicking or popping with movement

• Ear fullness, headaches, or migraines tied to joint dysfunction

How We Screen for These Injuries

In our office, we don’t just stop at the spine. We run focused orthopedic tests to stress specific joints and tissues, helping us pinpoint hidden injuries. If TMJ involvement is suspected, we may recommend a dental or oral specialist referral.

When indicated, imaging can confirm the extent of the injury. The goal is always accuracy—because without a clear diagnosis, it’s easy to treat the wrong problem.

Conservative Care Approach

Most patients don’t need surgery for these injuries, but they do need targeted care. Our approach includes:

• Local joint care—gentle mobilization and soft tissue support

• Laser or shockwave therapy—when appropriate, to stimulate healing in stubborn tissues

• Progressive loading—guided exercises to restore strength, coordination, and confidence in movement

We also partner with physical therapy, orthopedics, and pain management when necessary. Collaborative care ensures nothing is missed and patients avoid bouncing between providers without answers.

Call to Action

If your pain seems to have “moved” after a crash—from your neck into your shoulder, hip, wrist, or jaw—it may be one of these hidden injuries. Don’t ignore it. Schedule a targeted exam today so we can get to the root cause and create the right recovery plan.

FAQ

Is it normal for symptoms to appear days later?

Yes. Inflammation often builds over 24–72 hours. Sometimes activity changes—like using one arm more than the other—unmask underlying injuries that weren’t obvious right away.

Will I need multiple providers?

Not necessarily. We coordinate care with other professionals only if needed. That way, treatment stays efficient, cost-effective, and focused on what will actually help you recover.

Can hidden injuries cause headaches or migraines?

Absolutely. TMJ strain and shoulder dysfunction can trigger tension headaches and even migraines if left untreated. Proper diagnosis often relieves these secondary issues.

What if I already had shoulder pain or hip tightness before the accident?

Car crashes can aggravate old injuries, making them worse or changing how they present. A thorough exam helps us separate pre-existing issues from new trauma so you get the right treatment.

Author

Brad Gorski DC, FSBT At Elite Family Chiropractic in Charleston, South Carolina, Dr. Brad Gorski is a top-ranked chiropractor offering effective treatment options for back pain, knee pain, neck and shoulder pain, sciatica, migraines, pinched nerves, herniated discs, and more. Dr. Gorski received his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa in 2008. He has completed extensive post-graduate training, becoming qualified in Hospital Based Spine Care, MRI Interpretation Review, and Trauma while also completing a Fellowship in Spinal Biomechanics and Trauma. He provides chiropractic care and helps his patients achieve their goal of optimum health and wellness.