Shoulder and upper arm injury

Shoulder or upper arm injuries can be a result of various causes and are usually evident by pain in or around the shoulder joint. Some conditions that commonly cause shoulder or upper arm pain include:

• strains through overexertion
• shoulder joint instability
• collar or upper arm bone fractures
• pinched nerves
• arthritis
• rotator cuff tendonitis which occurs when the rotator cuff tendons become inflamed usually through injury, wear and tear, infection or activity requiring overuse as they pass through the bony arch in the shoulder
• dislocation of the shoulder which occurs when the ball shaped head of the upper arm bone (humerus) comes out of the shoulder socket
• 'frozen' shoulder which occurs when pain or injury experienced by a person restricts movement within the shoulder, leading to the muscles and connecting structures tightening and further attempts at movement becoming restricted or causing pain
• bursitis which occurs when the fluid filled sack called a bursa that lies between structures within the joint for protection or improved movement becomes inflamed.

Symptoms and characteristics:

The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the human body. The four ‘rotator cuff’ muscles around the shoulder, support and stabilise the upper arm during movement. Any injury to the shoulder joint or surrounding structures can cause:

• pain or discomfort
• lack of strength
• restriction in range of motion of the arm for example, inability to move the arm above the head, out to the side, front or behind the back.

For more information on specific injuries or diseases affecting the shoulder or upper arm, follow these links:

• arthritis
• fractures and crush injuries
• burns

As each shoulder injury is unique in severity, injury location (whether one or both shoulders are involved) and extent of movement restriction, symptoms and characteristics can vary enormously. Recovery timeframes for shoulder and upper arm injuries is dependent on the exact cause and location of the injury, age and individual characteristics (Better Health Channel 2008; MDA Internet 2005; Freedman 2005).

Workplace adjustments and solutions:

Within the workplace, people with shoulder and upper arm injuries may benefit from consideration of the following:

• setting up work tasks to ensure no reaching or lifting above shoulder height
• at a computer workstation, ensure the set up allows the upper arms to rest comfortably by the torso when working so they are not reaching out away from the body
• limit work requiring repetitive upper arm movement or reaching
• rotate tasks of a lighter physical nature with those of a heavier nature
• use mechanical aids such as trolleys and overhead cranes to minimise lifting and carrying requirements
• use manual handling techniques incorporating lifting with the large, strong muscles of the legs, whilst gripping or supporting objects with the upper arms.

There are solutions and adjustments for the following job requirements related to shoulder and upper arm injuries:

• adjusting personal work station
• energy and stamina
• fine hand use
• managing pain
• mobility
• self care
• travelling to and from work

References:

Better Health Channel 2008, Elbow-common causes of pain, State Government of Victoria, Melbourne, viewed 1 November 2008, http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Elbow_common_causes_of_pain?OpenDocument

Better Health Channel 2008, Neck and shoulder pain, State Government of Victoria, Melbourne, viewed 1 November 2008, http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/(Pages)/Neck_and_shoulder_pain?OpenDocument

Freedman, K B (ed) 2005, Shoulder pain health article, Healthline, Adam Health Illustrated Encyclopedia, viewed 9 March 2007, http://www.healthline.com/adamcontent/shoulder-pain

MDA Internet 2005, Reed Group Ltd, Colorado, viewed 9 March 2007, http://www.mdainternet.com (secure site)