You roll down the blacktop day after day, carrying merchandise to customers, a job that entails long hours and sometimes backbreaking work.
You may load and unload heavy cargo and spend long hours behind the wheel that can turn into long-lasting disabilities. What are the most common injuries in your career as a truck driver?
1. Neck and back
Back and neck injuries are common among truck drivers. Lifting, carrying and slouching while driving may cause sprains and strains. Driving bad roads with poor shocks may add to the pain. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers with back injuries accounted for over 34% of work-related musculoskeletal disorders.
2. Upper body
The BLS reported that the combination of arm and shoulder problems is second to back injuries among truck drivers. These may take longer to heal and cost more downtime. Making the same motions, such as raising and lowering the truck hood, could lead to injury. Other repetitive activities involve:
- Getting in and out of the cab
- Chaining
- Loading and unloading
Any of these actions may cause inflammation, bursitis, dislocation and chronic shoulder pain.
3. Lower extremity
The lower body may also experience pain from repetitive motion. Continuously pressing down the gas pedal and the clutch over a long period may put stress and strain on your knees. Truckers might develop patellar tendonitis or Jumper’s knee. It is a condition that, if left untreated, can lead to tears in the tendon.
To keep from sustaining injuries on the job, be aware of your movements. Take rest breaks and make sure you are taking care of yourself while on the road doing your job.