JENKINTOWN PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEYS

It makes sense that laborers, warehousemen and other workers who spend their days lifting have the highest rates of shoulder injury. But, this isn’t true. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has actually found that truck drivers are more likely to suffer shoulder pain than those in other, more active occupations.

Why are truck drivers so susceptible to shoulder pain?

The main reason is prolonged sitting. Medical research has shown that sitting puts 50 percent more pressure on the spine than standing. When we sit for a short period of time, this pressure is harmless. But when we are stuck in one position for hour after hour, the pressure can cause damage. This damage is known as a repetitive strain injury.

Trucker’s shoulder is a common repetitive strain injury. You may not know that U.S. highways are slightly tilted to the right in order to allow water to run off. This keeps our roads safe, but it also causes large trucks to pull to the right. This right-side pull is amplified because semi-trucks are also designed to pull to the right. This is a safety feature to prevent a truck from drifting into traffic if the driver falls asleep.

The right tilt is a valuable safety feature, but there are consequences. A long distance truck driver must constantly pull the truck to the left in order to keep the rig in its lane. Drivers naturally use their left arm to pull the steering wheel into place. This motion is repeated every second of every minute of the 70-hour work week. Over time, it can cause a repetitive strain injury.

What causes a repetitive strain injury in the shoulder?

The muscles become unbalanced and the body tries to compensate by building adhesive fibers between the muscle layers. These fibers bind the muscles and prevent them from moving freely. The driver may experience numbness, tingling, and restricted range of motion. Pain is the last symptom to appear. The pain starts in the upper shoulder and eventually radiates down the hand, thumb and fingers. It can be severe enough to be debilitating.

Truckers’ shoulder is usually treated with rest and physical therapy, but treatment takes time. You may not be able to work during your recovery.

Workers’ Compensation will cover your medical bills and disability payments while you are unable to work. You must file a claim with your employer. If you have questions the process, our book, Your Guide to PA Workers’ Compensation, can help. Use the link at the top of this page to order your free copy.

Mednick, Mezyk & Kredo, P.C., helps injured Pennsylvania workers who have been denied workers’ compensation benefits. To learn how we can help you, please call 888-807-WORK (9675). There is no charge for the consultation.