Every year, millions of Americans get seasonal flu shots in the United States. Most experience mild side effects, like a sore arm or fever. These symptoms only last a week or two (at most), and then they go away.
However, in rare instances, people experience serious reactions from the flu vaccine that don’t go away. One of these serious side effects is called SIRVA, which stands for Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration. In short, SIRVA happens when the flu vaccine is administered too high on or too deeply into the shoulder. As a result, the shoulder joint becomes inflamed, which results in severe pain and discomfort.
Some people with SIRVA are diagnosed with Frozen Shoulder Syndrome or adhesive capsulitis. This condition is characterized by stiffness and pain in your shoulder joint. People with frozen shoulders may be unable to return to work or enjoy activities they once loved.
If you were diagnosed with frozen shoulder syndrome after receiving a flu vaccine, there is hope. Our vaccine injury lawyers at Shannon Law Group, P.C., can help you pursue compensation from the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
If you’re not ready to reach out yet, keep reading to learn more about adhesive capsulitis following a flu vaccine.
Can a flu shot cause frozen shoulder syndrome?
Yes, the seasonal influenza vaccine can cause frozen shoulder syndrome in some. This happens in rare cases. Your doctor may not immediately connect the dots between the vaccine and adhesive capsulitis diagnosis.
A telltale sign of vaccine-related frozen shoulder syndrome is experiencing shoulder pain within 48 hours after vaccination.
What is Frozen Shoulder Syndrome (Adhesive Capsulitis)?
This shoulder injury causes pain and limited range of motion over time. Your symptoms may gradually get worse, and they may not resolve for several years.
Your shoulder is comprised of bones, ligaments, and tendons, which are encased in a capsule of connective tissue. Frozen shoulder happens when this capsule thickens and tightens around the shoulder joint. As a result, the range of motion in the shoulder becomes reduced.
How Do Vaccines Cause Frozen Shoulder Syndrome?
Your chances of developing frozen shoulder syndrome increase if you’re unable to move your arm and shoulder for a prolonged period of time. People with a SIRVA injury may develop this condition as a result of being unable to move their shoulder due to intense pain.
Signs and Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder Syndrome After Vaccine
The first symptoms you may experience from frozen shoulder following a flu vaccine are:
- Stiffness
- Shoulder pain within 48 hours that progressively gets worse
- Limited range of motion
Frozen shoulder often progresses slowly and in three stages. Each stage can last for months.
- Freezing Stage. Initially, when you move your shoulder, you will feel pain. Your shoulder’s range of motion begins to become limited.
- Frozen Stage. Your shoulder pain may lessen during this stage. However, your shoulder will stiffen, and you’ll find it more difficult to use it.
- Thawing Stage. You began to regain the range of motion in your shoulder.
Treatment Options for Frozen Shoulder Syndrome from Vaccination
If you’re suffering from this vaccine injury, it’s best to speak with your doctor as soon as possible to develop a treatment plan that’s right for you.
In general, people who’ve been diagnosed with frozen shoulder will undergo treatment that manages their shoulder pain and preserves as much range of motion in the shoulder as possible.
These treatment options include:
- Physical therapy. A physical therapist can teach you range-of-motion exercises that will help you regain shoulder mobility.
- Your doctor may recommend you take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as aspirin and ibuprofen to reduce shoulder pain and inflammation. In more extreme cases, you may be prescribed stronger pain-relievers and anti-inflammatory medications.
- Surgery for frozen shoulder is rare. If no other treatments have relieved your symptoms, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove scar tissue and adhesions from inside your shoulder joint. This surgery is often performed arthroscopically via small incisions around your joint.
Compensation Is Available for Frozen Shoulder Syndrome from Flu Shot
If you or someone you love was diagnosed with this shoulder injury after a flu vaccine, there is compensation available from the federal government. Victims of flu vaccine injuries file a claim with the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program in the U.S. Federal Court of Claims.
Our experienced vaccine injury attorneys at Shannon Law Group, P.C., can help you and your family recover the compensation you need to move forward with your life. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. We’re available to speak with you 24/7 at (312) 578-9501. You can also fill out a contact form, and one of our team members will get back to you within one business day.
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