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153 Ergonomic Hazards in General Industry
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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.

Continual stress on your shoulder can lead to suffering from bursitis and tendinitis. Another shoulder injury is the rotator cuff tear which can make routine activities difficult and painful.

Even sedentary work can result in shoulder and neck injury.

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. Which of the following is a possible injury to the shoulders that causes routine activities to be difficult and painful?