Most Common Injuries Sustained While Moving

Moving can seem like a cost-effective way to get you from A to B. But there can be a surprising hidden cost: your body and medical care if you injure yourself while moving. Unfortunately, there are several common injuries associated with moving that you don’t practice proper form with and know your limitations, you may be in danger of experiencing.

Rotator Cuff Tear

Your rotator cuff is comprised of four muscles that are responsible for helping you lift and circle your arm. Since the rotator cuff is involved in lifting, it’s understandable that you could experience injuries while moving from lifting items, particularly if you are lifting things from a low position to a high one and vice-versa. While it’s possible to only partially tear the rotator cuff, moving injuries are more associated with a complete tear, which can take longer recovery time and be more difficult to repair.

Symptoms you have experienced this injury include:

• weakness in the arm, especially when lifting or moving
• cracking or popping when moving the shoulder
• pain at rest in the shoulder, especially when you are lying on the injured shoulder

Knee Sprain/Tear

If you are moving items up and down stairs or across uneven terrain, a knee sprain or ligament tear can be an unfortunate side effect. A knee sprain occurs when one or more of the four ligaments in the knee are overstretched, affecting the knee’s stability. Sudden twisting or too great of forces on the knee from carrying excessively heavy objects can lead to a knee sprain or complete tear.

Symptoms of knee sprain and tear include:

• bruising
• having the knee give way too easily
• pain
• stiffness
• swelling

Slipped Disc

One of the most common moving injuries can happen in your back, neck, or both – a slipped disc. Also known as a herniated disc, this injury occurs when the gel-like protective discs between your spinal bones slip or slide out of place. This commonly occurs in the lower back when you are lifting a very heavy object or in the neck when you are twisting or turning while lifting an object.

Symptoms of a slipped disc include:

• pain and numbness, usually on one side of your body
• pain that gets worse after sitting or standing for some time
• muscle weakness
• tingling or burning in the injured area

If you experience these or other moving-related injuries, it can leave you sidelined for some time. Avoid possible injury and additional stress by consulting with a professional moving company from the beginning! Call (972) 484-2112 or toll-free at (800) 559-2112 to speak with an IMS Relocation moving expert.