Shoulder pain is incredibly common. Studies show that anywhere from 18% to 26% of adults are experiencing shoulder pain at any given time.
Because of this prevalence, most people are familiar with the idea of shoulder injuries. However, many people use the terms “separated shoulder” and “dislocated shoulder” interchangeably, even though they are two distinct injuries.
This article will break down the differences between a separated vs dislocated shoulder, along with the symptoms, causes, and treatments for each.
Understanding Shoulder Anatomy
To understand the difference between a separated and dislocated shoulder, it helps to know a little bit about how the shoulder is constructed.
The Shoulder Joint
Your shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint, where the top of your upper arm bone (humerus) fits neatly into a shallow socket in your shoulder blade (scapula). The shoulder’s network of ligaments and muscles give it stability and allow it to move in a wide range of directions.
The Acromioclavicular (AC) Joint
The acromioclavicular (AC) joint is where your collarbone (clavicle) meets the acromion, which is part of your shoulder blade. Several ligaments in the area help keep the AC joint stable.
Separated Shoulder (AC Joint Separation)
A separated shoulder isn’t actually a shoulder dislocation. It’s an injury to the ligaments of your acromioclavicular (AC) joint, the joint where your collarbone (clavicle) meets your shoulder blade (scapula).
What is a separated shoulder?
Think of your shoulder joint as the place where your arm bone fits into your shoulder blade. A separated shoulder doesn’t involve this joint at all. Instead, it’s an injury to the ligaments surrounding the AC joint.
What causes a separated shoulder?
Separated shoulders often occur when you fall directly onto your shoulder or take a direct blow to the area. You might separate your shoulder in a sports accident, fall, or other type of trauma.
What are the symptoms of a separated shoulder?
If you’ve separated your shoulder, you’ll likely have:
- Pain at the very top of your shoulder
- Swelling and tenderness
- A visible bump or bulge
- Trouble moving your arm the way you normally do
- Weakness in your arm and shoulder
Dislocated Shoulder
What is a dislocated shoulder?
A dislocated shoulder is an injury in which your upper arm bone (humerus) pops out of the cup-shaped socket that’s part of your shoulder blade. In other words, it’s a displacement of the entire shoulder joint.
Types of shoulder dislocations
There are three main types of shoulder dislocations:
- Anterior. In an anterior dislocation, the humerus moves forward, in front of the socket.
- Posterior. In a posterior dislocation, the humerus moves backward, behind the socket.
- Inferior. With an inferior dislocation, the humerus moves downward, out of the bottom of the socket.
Causes of a dislocated shoulder
Shoulder dislocations are often caused by a sudden blow to the shoulder, such as might happen in a contact sport like football or hockey. Falls and other types of trauma can also cause a dislocated shoulder.
Symptoms of a dislocated shoulder
Symptoms of a dislocated shoulder can include:
- Intense pain
- A visible lump or deformity in the shoulder area
- Swelling and bruising
- Inability to move the joint
Separated vs. Dislocated Shoulder: Key Differences
Although people often use the terms “separated shoulder” and “dislocated shoulder” to mean the same thing, they’re actually two different injuries.
Here’s how they differ:
- Location of Injury: A separated shoulder involves damage to the acromioclavicular (AC) joint, where the collarbone meets the shoulder blade. A dislocated shoulder involves the glenohumeral joint, where the upper arm bone (humerus) pops out of its socket.
- Severity: Dislocations are generally considered more serious than separations.
- Deformity: The visible deformity is usually more pronounced with a dislocation.
- Pain Location: With a separated shoulder, the pain is typically at the top of the shoulder. With a dislocation, the pain is deeper within the shoulder joint.
How do you treat a separated shoulder?
Often, the first step in treating a separated shoulder is RICE: rest, ice, compression, and elevation. You can also take over-the-counter pain relievers like NSAIDs. Doctors will often recommend a sling to keep your shoulder stable, along with rest and limited movement.
As you heal, you may need physical therapy to regain your range of motion and strengthen the muscles around your shoulder.
In severe cases, surgery may be necessary.
How to treat a dislocated shoulder
A dislocated shoulder requires immediate medical attention. You’ll need to visit a doctor or emergency room to have your shoulder put back into place.
The process of putting your shoulder back in the joint is called closed reduction. You’ll likely receive pain medication or muscle relaxants to help with the process.
After the doctor puts your shoulder back in place, you’ll need to wear a sling for several weeks to immobilize the joint.
Once your shoulder has healed, you’ll likely need physical therapy to regain strength and stability in the joint. In some cases, surgery may be necessary, especially if you experience repeated dislocations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can you tell if your shoulder is separated?
If you’ve separated your shoulder, you’ll likely experience pain, swelling, and tenderness at the top of your shoulder. You might also notice a visible bump or deformity, and it’ll probably hurt to move your arm. But, it’s best to get it checked by a doctor to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other injuries.
What is worse, a separated shoulder or a dislocated shoulder?
It’s tough to say definitively which is “worse” because it depends on the severity of the injury. A dislocation can be more painful and require more force to correct, but a severe separation might lead to long-term instability. Both require prompt medical attention to prevent further complications.
Will a separated shoulder heal itself?
Mild shoulder separations might heal on their own with rest, ice, and physical therapy. However, more severe separations often require medical intervention, like a sling or even surgery, to properly heal and regain full function. Don’t try to tough it out – see a doctor!
Is separation the same as dislocation?
Nope, they’re different injuries! A shoulder separation involves damage to the ligaments connecting your collarbone to your shoulder blade. A dislocation, on the other hand, means the head of your upper arm bone has popped out of its socket. They both cause shoulder pain, but they affect different parts of the joint.
To Conclude
While both separated and dislocated shoulders involve damage to the shoulder area, they affect different joints and require different treatments. A separated shoulder involves injury to the AC joint, while a dislocated shoulder involves the glenohumeral joint.
If you think you’ve injured your shoulder, seek medical attention right away. Prompt treatment can help you avoid complications from either type of shoulder injury.