Top 5 Causes of Shoulder Pain in Builders

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Cause 1 – Rotator Cuff Injuries

The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint, providing stability and allowing for a wide range of motion. Builders are at risk of developing rotator cuff injuries due to repetitive overhead motions and heavy lifting. Symptoms of rotator cuff injuries include pain, weakness, and limited range of motion. Treatment may include rest, physical therapy, or in severe cases, surgery (1).

Cause 2 – Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition in which the shoulder joint becomes stiff and painful, limiting range of motion. Builders may develop frozen shoulder due to repetitive motions and overuse of the shoulder joint. Treatment may include physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, or in severe cases, surgery (2).

Cause 3 – Bursitis

Bursitis is a condition in which the bursae, small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joints, become inflamed. Builders may develop bursitis due to repetitive overhead motions and heavy lifting. Symptoms include pain and swelling in the shoulder joint. Treatment may include rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medication (3).

Cause 4 – Tendinitis

Tendinitis is a condition in which the tendons that attach muscles to bones become inflamed. Builders may develop tendinitis due to repetitive overhead motions and heavy lifting. Symptoms include pain and weakness in the shoulder joint. Treatment may include rest, physical therapy, or in severe cases, surgery (4).

Cause 5 – Impingement Syndrome

Impingement syndrome occurs when the tendons of the rotator cuff become compressed between the shoulder blade and the humerus (upper arm bone), causing pain and limiting range of motion. Builders may develop impingement syndrome due to repetitive overhead motions and heavy lifting. Treatment may include rest, physical therapy, or in severe cases, surgery (5).

Conclusion

In conclusion, builders are at a high risk of developing shoulder pain due to the physically demanding nature of their work. The top 5 causes of shoulder pain in builders are rotator cuff injuries, frozen shoulder, bursitis, tendinitis, and impingement syndrome. It is important for builders to take preventative measures, such as warming up before work and taking breaks, to reduce their risk of developing shoulder pain.

References

1. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. (2015). Rotator Cuff Tears. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/rotator-cuff-tears/
2. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. (2011). Frozen Shoulder. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/frozen-shoulder/
3. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. (2013). Shoulder (Calcific) Bursitis. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/shoulder-calcific-bursitis/
4. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. (2013). Shoulder Tendinitis. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/shoulder-tendinitis/
5. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. (2013). Shoulder Impingement/Rotator Cuff Tendinitis. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/shoulder-impingementrotator-cuff-tendinitis/