A shoulder dislocation is a medical emergency that can harm any or all of the structures in and around your shoulder. The majority of shoulder dislocations are anterior, which means that the shoulder bursts out of the socket in front of it. This is usually due to force being applied directly upward toward the head or sideways to the face. Posterior dislocations are much less common and usually occur when someone falls on their back with their arm bent behind their neck. Shoulders can be difficult to re-align because there are many muscles involved in moving them back into place. Therefore, it is important to get this injury treated by an orthopedic surgeon as soon as possible. A dislocated shoulder needs to be reduced quickly before damage occurs to the nerves that control the arm. Nerves branch off of the cervical spine (neck) to reach every part of the body including the hand, forearm, elbow, and shoulder. Damage to these nerves can lead to permanent loss of function in those areas of the body they supply. It is vital to seek medical attention after a dislocation has occurred. Not only does it involve the risk of long-term damage if not treated properly, but also increases your chances of having a serious medical event such as a blood clot forming inside the joint.