Common Shoulder Injuries for Chicago Workers

Shoulder injuries are extremely common for Chicago workers. You may assume that if your work isn’t very physical, you are safe from these types of injuries. However, even the slightest movement in the wrong direction could cause a shoulder injury. You might also suffer a shoulder injury after years of repetitive motions at work. What are some of the most common shoulder injuries for workers? More importantly, how can you pursue compensation via a workers’ comp claim in Chicago?

Shoulder Impingement

Shoulder impingement occurs when the rotator cuff muscles develop tendonitis, leading to your shoulder bones rubbing against the rotator cuff. This injury is frequently caused by overhead movements, such as repetitive lifting at work. You might be particularly vulnerable to shoulder impingement if you are a construction worker. Alternatively, shoulder impingement can occur after a minor injury that you might not even notice at first.

Shoulder impingement is associated with pain, weakness, and reduced range of motion. Although these symptoms may seem minor at first, they can become increasingly severe until the patient is no longer doing basic tasks. Shoulder impingement can cause you to miss work for a considerable length of time if you fail to seek proper treatment.

Frozen Shoulder

A frozen shoulder occurs when a patient’s “capsule” of connective tissue thickens around their shoulder. This reduces the range of movement. A frozen shoulder often occurs after a patient is forced to keep their arm still for a prolonged period of time.

For example, a worker might have their arm in a cast after a different work accident. If they keep their shoulder immobile during the recovery period, they might subsequently develop a frozen shoulder. Repetitive strain injuries at work can also make frozen shoulders more likely. 

Torn Rotator Cuff

Torn rotator cuffs are also associated with repetitive motions at work. You might also experience this type of shoulder injury if you lift heavy objects throughout a typical workday. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons in your shoulder, and they are all vulnerable to tearing. 

AC Separation 

Another common shoulder injury is an AC (acromioclavicular) separation. This injury occurs when the ligaments that connect the collarbone to the shoulder tear. Unlike other types of work-related shoulder injuries, an AC separation is frequently caused by falling on an outstretched hand (FOOSH).

Can a Workers’ Comp Lawyer in Chicago Help Me? 

A Chicago workers’ compensation lawyer may be able to help if you need assistance with a claim after suffering a shoulder injury. Shoulder injuries are often far more serious than they initially appear, and you should see a doctor as soon as possible after your accident. These injuries can also be very expensive to treat, and you might need to see various specialists over the next few months. Speak with Connolly Injury Law today to learn more about covering your medical bills and lost earnings.

Sources:

 orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/shoulder-impingementrotator-cuff-tendinitis

mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/frozen-shoulder/symptoms-causes/syc-20372684#:~:text=Frozen%20shoulder%20occurs%20when%20the,pain%20in%20the%20shoulder%20joint.