A torn rotator cuff could derail a career

Construction workers in North Carolina rely on their strength to perform their job with stability. People in poor health or suffering from physical pain may compromise their ability to work safely if they continue to try and work.

Injuries sustained on the job and ignored, such as a torn rotator cuff, can create ongoing issues and ultimately result in permanent damage.

Diagnosing an injury

A torn rotator cuff may result from a host of things including improper lifting techniques and blunt force from a fall or something similar. According to Medical News Today, symptoms can range from mild to severe and include the following:

• Decreased range of motion
• Crepitus during shoulder movement
• Persistent pain that worsens with movement
• Sudden locking of the shoulder

Because a torn rotator cuff affects a person’s mobility, an injured construction worker may lack the movement and strength to perform a host of his or her responsibilities. Without full use of the arm and shoulder, maintaining a job that requires physical strength and consistent upper body movement is not likely until the injury has healed. Depending on the severity of a torn rotator cuff, the road to recovery could span a significant length of time.

Ignoring the pain

Because of the concern of not working throughout the recovery process, some injured workers may consider postponing medical treatment. Penn Medicine warns against ignoring the injury. Experts suggest that a torn rotator cuff that remains injured could impact a person’s mobility until they cannot do the simplest of tasks. With their arm only functional at waist-level, their independence will suffer.

Workers who have a torn rotator cuff resulting from a work incident should immediately inform their employer of the situation. In conjunction with meeting with a medical professional for an official diagnosis, they may seek workers’ compensation to help offset the costs of lost wages and a prolonged recovery.