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152 Ergonomic Hazards in Construction
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MSD Injuries and Disorders

Shoulder

Shoulder pain and injuries are usually the result of overworking the shoulder. When you keep your arm raised above your shoulder (or keep your arm stretched out), your shoulder begins to ache after a short time. It tires easily.

Sore necks and shoulders result from bad posture as well as pushing, pulling, lifting, and lowering.

Conditions that result from overuse or continual stress on your shoulder include the following:

  • Bursitis - a painful condition that affects the small, fluid-filled "bursae" sacs that cushion the bones, tendons, and muscles.
  • Tendinitis - inflammation or irritation of a tendon that attaches muscle to bone.
  • Rotator Cuff Tear - when the tendon pulls away from the arm bone

All of these conditions can make routine activities very difficult and painful.

Neck

The neck is a complicated structure composed of seven bones called cervical vertebrae, one below another. It also has cartilage, nerves, muscles, and ligaments. When you keep your neck bent forward or backward, or bend it frequently, the muscles work harder and the ligaments flex and stretch. Eventually the ligaments can partially tear, resulting in neck sprain.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

1-9. Overuse or continual stress on your shoulder can lead to _____.