JENKINTOWN PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEYS

You’ve had a long day at work. You’re tired and your shoulders ache. In fact, it seems like they always hurt. Could you have a shoulder injury?

Symptoms of shoulder injuries include:

• Pain
• Stiffness
• Numbness or tingling that extends down the arm
• A locking sensation
• Shoulder weakness
• The feeling that the shoulder could pop

You don’t have to be hit in the shoulder to suffer a workplace shoulder injury. Your shoulder provides the strength when you lift or raise your arms. You use your shoulders if your job involves repetitive overhead motion, a lot of carrying, or heavy lifting.  Over time, these actions can cause the muscles in the shoulder to become strained and prone to injury.

Over four million shoulder injuries are reported each year. Shoulder injuries are extremely common in the Pennsylvania workplace. While they are not as common as back injuries, they account for more lost work days.

While you can’t change the type of work you do, you can take steps to prevent injury to your shoulder.

• Exercise regularly to build up strength in your shoulders and back.
• Avoid overexertion. Take regular breaks when doing strenuous work.
• Use proper technique when lifting. Keep your back as straight as possible and use your legs to provide lifting power.
• When carrying large items, hold the objects close to your body.
• Avoid reaching up; instead, use a stable platform or stepstool to reach items that are stored above shoulder level.
• If an item is too heavy, get help.

If you are regularly experiencing shoulder pain, stiffness, or other symptoms, it is important that you see a doctor. Your symptoms could be a warning sign of shoulder injury. Early intervention can prevent increased pain and permanent damage.

If you do sustain a shoulder injury while on the job, you may have to take time off to recover. You may be eligible for Pennsylvania workers’ compensation. If you have trouble getting the benefits you have earned, the Philadelphia workplace injury attorneys at Mednick, Mezyk, and Kredo can help. Call 888-807-WORK to schedule a free initial consultation.

Learn more about your rights as an injured worker and applying for Pennsylvania workers’ compensation benefits; request a free copy of Your Guide to PA Workers’ Compensation.