What SIRVA Treatment Options Are Available?

Each year, many people in the United States will elect to receive at least one vaccine, if not more. Of these people, a very small percentage will experience some adverse side effects such as shoulder pain that seem a bit more persistent and severe than usual.

Their arm may be more swollen, and their shoulder pain feels more severe after vaccination. The patient may not be able to lift or use their arm as much as they used to. These symptoms are typical signs of SIRVA or a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration. 

Most people with SIRVA aren’t entirely sure what to do when their symptoms don’t go away after weeks and months. Their shoulder pain is severe and real, and it affects their everyday life.

If you find yourself in this confusing situation, you may be asking yourself, “Where do I go from here?” We’ve got you covered in this article.

Below, we explain what SIRVA is, treatment options available, and what could be expected during the process. Of course, we are not medical providers. We are vaccine injury lawyers. 

As such, we strongly urge you to speak with a doctor as soon as possible regarding your concerns. We’re here to help provide an overview of what to expect, but not medical advice.

If you are ready to speak with one of our attorneys regarding your SIRVA injury, they’re here to help and speak with you anytime. Just call (312) 578-9501 to schedule your free vaccine injury consultation today. 

Otherwise, keep reading to learn more about SIRVA injuries and potential treatment options available to you. 

How to Treat SIRVA: From Symptoms to Diagnosis

As stated above, SIRVA is a rare condition that happens when a vaccine is administered improperly in the shoulder. Medical providers are taught to administer a vaccine in a certain location in the shoulder muscle. The vaccine’s needle also must be inserted with a specific depth.

Should the administrator give the vaccine either too high or deep into the shoulder, they can cause damage to the tendons, ligaments, and/or bursa (a fluid-filled sac underneath the shoulder cap). When this happens, the shoulder becomes inflamed, causing shoulder pain. 

What SIRVA Symptoms Should I Look Out For?

Unfortunately, many people don’t know about SIRVA until they’re experiencing it themselves. There are four common signs of SIRVA, including: 

• Severe shoulder pain starting 48 hours after vaccination. 
• Decreased range of motion in the injured shoulder. 
• Inflammation or swelling near the injection site.
• Shooting arm pain.

Make sure to let your doctor know about your symptoms if you’re experiencing them.

When Will I Get a SIRVA Diagnosis?

SIRVA isn’t necessary a single diagnosis. However, it’s an umbrella term to help describe your shoulder injury was caused by a vaccine. While you may not be diagnosed with SIRVA, you could be diagnosed with a SIRVA-related condition, such as:

• Frozen Shoulder Syndrome (Adhesive Capsulitis)
• Shoulder Tendonitis
• Shoulder Bursitis
• Rotator Cuff Tear or Injury

In order to get an official diagnosis, your doctor may order several tests to determine which condition you may have. These tests can include a physical exam, an MRI, or an ultrasound to help get images of the area.

What Can I Expect During My SIRVA Treatment? 

Depending on the severity of your shoulder injury, there’s an array of treatment options that your doctor may recommend. Your doctor will create a treatment plan that will help alleviate your shoulder pain and repair the damage that was done due to the improperly administered vaccine. 

The following treatments are commonly prescribed to treat SIRVA:

• Physical therapy. Physical therapy is usually the first step in treating SIRVA. It helps rehabilitate the loss of range of motion that typically occurs with the condition. 
• Steroid shots. A steroid injection may be prescribed in order to help reduce the amount of inflammation in the shoulder, as well as preserve the joint functions and structures.
• Pain medication. While some people will find a dose of over-the-counter medications such as Advil or Tylenol to alleviate their pain, others may need a pain prescription medication.
• Surgery. In extremely rare cases, surgery may be recommended to help fix any ligaments or tendons damaged by inflammation. 

Can I Treat SIRVA at Home?

Unless given direct orders from your doctor, we never recommend treating SIRVA at home. It’s best to seek professional care when dealing with a SIRVA injury. You may worsen your injury if you decide to treat it on your own. 

How long does SIRVA last?

Most people recover within months to a few years following a SIRVA diagnosis. However, some people may experience permanent damage to their shoulders, such as pain or reduced range of motion. Depending on the severity of the injury, it can go away with time, while others might experience pain that doesn’t resolve. 

Speak to a SIRVA Vaccine Injury Lawyer Today 

If you or someone you love has suffered a vaccine shoulder injury, we can help you. At Shannon Law Group, P.C., we help people like you recover financially and emotionally following a SIRVA injury. We do this by filing a petition for them in the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. 

Contact us today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our SIRVA injury attorneys. Give us a call at (312) 578-9501, or fill out the form on this page to get started on your path to recovery.