Musculoskeletal injuries are some of the most common injuries. Because a lot of occupations require repetitive movements – whether you move heavy boxes every day or type on a computer for a living – there is a high probability of you incurring a work-related musculoskeletal injury.
Musculoskeletal injuries are not only prevalent in the workplace, but among athletes, as well. Rigorous training, repetitive movements, and intense competitions increase the chances of career-ending injuries for athletes. Age is also another factor in developing musculoskeletal conditions. As we get older, we are more prone to get wear and tear injuries.
What Are Musculoskeletal Injuries?
Musculoskeletal injuries affect the muscles, bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, or other connective tissue in body. They affect a person’s ability to perform work and participate in their respective social roles. Different symptoms develop for different types of musculoskeletal injuries. Some of the symptoms associated with musculoskeletal injuries are pain, swelling, inflammation, limited flexibility, reduced or complete loss of function, and inability to put weight on the injured area.
Most Common Musculoskeletal Injuries
Here are some musculoskeletal injuries common among working professionals, athletes, and even people living sedentary lifestyles:
Muscle Strains Muscle strains are common in some occupations and sports that require lifting and moving heavy objects. This is most common in the lower back. Muscle strains can happen due to improper technique of lifting heavy objects, lifting too much weight at one time, and repetitive movements.
Slips and Falls Slips and falls are very common. They can happen if you trip over something or miss a wet spot on the floor. Slips and falls can be minor or cause significant musculoskeletal damage, depending on the nature and severity of the fall or slip, your overall health, and other factors.
Rotator Cuff Tear Located near the shoulder is your rotator cuff. It allows for the rotation of the arm and any movement related to the shoulder. People assume that rotator cuff injuries are common in sports only, but the truth is, these injuries are also common in other settings. For example, if you spend long periods of time with your arm in the same position (such as typing on a computer or sleeping on the same arm every night) or have bad posture, you are also likely to incur a rotator cuff injury.
Tendinitis Also known as tendonitis, tendinitis is the inflammation of a tendon. Common among athletes, it often occurs when you injure or overuse your muscles. This condition may affect people of any age, but those who are active in various activities such as sports or physically demanding occupations have a higher risk. Tendinitis arises from repetitive motions that put pressure on the tendons, aging, and prior injuries.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that occurs when pressure is placed on the median nerve. This median nerve is responsible for controlling sensations and movement in the thumb and first three fingers. A person who has carpal tunnel syndrome can regularly experience pain and numbness in their hand and wrist. This is a common condition among people who are in occupations that require extensive work on computers, construction workers, and assembly line workers.
Musculoskeletal Injury Treatment in Junction, Colorado
If you are in need of treatment for a musculoskeletal injury, visit the experts at WorkPartners Occupational Health today. We specialize in work-related injuries and illnesses, workers’ compensation, pre-employment physicals and drug screenings, and random drug testing.
For effective relief, give us a call at (970) 241-5585 to make an appointment today. You may also request an appointment online.
