Key takeaways
- Musculoskeletal disorders account for 90% of recognized occupational diseases in France, and the shoulder is affected in 37% of cases.
- Certain sectors are particularly affected: 79% of occupational illnesses occur in the metalworking industry, and 94% in the health and social services sectors.
- Musculoskeletal disorders of the shoulder develop gradually as a result of repetitive movements, prolonged postures, and stress.
- Simple steps, better workplace organization, and professional support can help prevent the problem or improve the situation.
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) of the shoulder are a reality for millions of workers, whether they are in manufacturing, the healthcare and social services sectors, or even working at a desk.
Pain, inflammation, discomfort at work or at night… These symptoms can become chronic if left untreated. However, there are simple and effective ways to prevent shoulder musculoskeletal disorders as soon as the first signs appear.
In this article, learn why the shoulder is so vulnerable, what steps to take, and how to improve your daily life through better organization and professional guidance.
What are musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) of the shoulder?
Musculoskeletal disorders(MSDs) are pains or inflammations that affect the muscles, tendons, or joints. And the shoulder ison the front line: repetitive movements, arms raised too often, stress... It takes a beating.
These are pains that set in, that interfere with work... and sometimes alsoat night, at rest, or in everyday life.
A common occupational disease… but one that is still poorly understood
This groupof conditions encompasses periarticular disorders affecting various structures —such as muscles, tendons, joints, or nerves— in the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, fingers, or back. Their occurrence depends on several risk factors related to activity, working conditions, medical history, and age, with an increase observed in many sectors, within a well-defined framework of recognition and public health. In certain classification systems, this reality also highlights their major role in public health.
And the shoulder is on the front lines: musculoskeletal disorders of the shoulder are the second leading cause of conditions, and rotator cuff tendinopathy accounts for approximately 30 to 37% of MSDs. In the metallurgical industry, 79% of occupational diseases are MSDs, and in the health and social services sector, that figure reaches 94%, resulting in millions of lost workdays. (Ameli, 2025)
But this isn’t limited to physically demanding jobs: shoulder pain also affects office workers, teachers, delivery drivers, drivers (ride-hailing and taxi), healthcare workers, and other workers, particularly when certain repetitive movements —such as rotation, carrying loads, or applying force —are performed with the arms raised above shoulder level.
This pain often develops gradually: pain is the main warning sign; it first occurs when raising the arm, then may become persistent and radiate down the arm to the elbow. The symptoms can then be assessed based on their severity.
Good news: even though these pains are common, effective action can be taken at the first signs. 32% of musculoskeletal disorders affect the shoulder, a percentage that is steadily increasing.
Why does the shoulder hurt?
The shoulder is a highly mobile joint… but it is also fragile. Musculoskeletal disorders arise when biomechanical, organizational, and psychosocial factors combine:
- repetitivemovements(grasping, lifting, screwing, etc.),
- exercises with arms raised, sometimes above shoulder level,
- postures held for too long(arms raised, shoulders tense), especially when they involve extreme postures that increase the risk of musculoskeletal disorders,
- stress(yes, the body also absorbs what we don't say...).
- Failure to warm up: Just like in sports, starting the day without preparing your muscles and joints puts you at immediate risk of musculoskeletal disorders.
Risk Factors and Strains Associated with Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) of the Shoulder
Element | Description |
|---|---|
Repeated movements | Repetitive movements (such as holding a racket) that place strain on the same anatomical structures |
Carrying Loads | Handling loads, particularly at arm's length, which increases the strain |
Forearm Rotation | Rotational movements that strain tendons and joints |
Application of Force | Straining the hand, fingers, wrist, or elbow increases the risk |
Working Conditions | Factors related to the organization and the work environment that can increase stress |
Organizations Contacted | Rotator cuff tendons and other periarticular structures |
Individual risk factors, such as age or certain medical histories, can also increase the likelihood of developing these conditions; there is also a link between cumulative occupational exposure and the onset of shoulder musculoskeletal disorders.
These situations strain the tendons, irritate the joints, and cause progressive inflammation. Musculoskeletal disorders are a groupof conditions that affect the upper and lower limbs and the back, and in some syndromes, can even involve the nerves. A loss of muscle strength may also occur.
Prevention is possible (and often simple!)
Even though some factors are beyond our control,there are many things that can be easily improved, both at home and at work. In every sector, frommanufacturing to services, this is a public health issue.
1. We start with small gestures
- Vary your positions and tasks whenever possible to minimize certain risk factors
- Warm up every day as you would for sports
- Take 30-second micro-breaks every 30 minutes
- Stretch your shoulders, relax your neck, breathe deeply
These simple habits improve the quality of your professional and personal life. Even though some factors are beyond our control—such as individual history—they can help you better manage the onset of conditions related to work, as well as certain sports activities.
2. Rethinking how things are organized
Many aches and pains are caused bypoor workstation setup or an irregular work schedule
- Could you do things differently?
- Is the equipment positioned correctly?
- Do you have time to take breaks?
Simple ergonomic solutions exist, and sometimes even a minor adjustment can make a big difference.
- Make sure you have the right equipment: an ergonomic mouse, hedge trimmers, and telescopic paint rollers to minimize theincreased strain caused by certain movements
- Raise a screen that's too low, and adjust your seat
- Avoid carrying loads at arm's length: without preventive measures, musculoskeletal disorders can make certain simple hand, wrist, or finger movements difficult or even impossible
3. Talk about it and seek support
Talking about pain isn't an admission of weakness; it's a preventive measure.
- Your occupational physician may recommend a modification or adjustment after analyzing your work conditions and risk factors.
- Your primary care physician will assist you with diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, with the help of rheumatologists, sports physicians, and surgeons if necessary.
- Appropriate care provided by healthcare professionals (physical therapy, osteopathy, etc.) helps you rebalance joint and muscle tension. They also guide you in performing the correct movements.
- You can also participate in group activities led by ergonomists ortrained staff (workshops on body mechanics and posture, awareness sessions, etc.), and an ergonomic assessment of your workstation can help reduce strain on your shoulder.
- Make sure you have the right equipment: certain tools or pieces of equipment can increase the grip force and the strain on your wrist and hand.
- Avoid carrying loads at arm's length: carrying heavy loads above the shoulder the shoulders is particularly taxing.
- Using an ergonomic shoulder pillow helps relieve joint and muscle tension in the shoulder and neck area.
The key takeaway: You are not alone, and this situation is not irreversible.
In summary: shoulder pain should not be taken lightly
They arecommon but largely preventable or treatable.
By taking action at the first signs, you have a good chance ofpreserving your health, your comfort... and your sleep!
Sources
- Health Insurance. Understanding Musculoskeletal Disorders. ameli.fr. ameli.fr/savoie/…/understanding-musculoskeletal-disorders
- Health Insurance. Definition, causes, and risk factors for shoulder pain. ameli.fr/savoie/…/epaule-douloureuse
- Health Insurance. Musculoskeletal Disorders in the Metalworking Industry. ameli.fr/entreprise/…/industrie-metallurgique
- Health Insurance. Musculoskeletal Disorders in the Health and Medical-Social Sectors. ameli.fr/entreprise/…/sanitaire-medico-social
- Health Insurance. Preventing Shoulder Pain. ameli.fr. ameli.fr/savoie/…/prevention
- INRS. Preventing Musculoskeletal Disorders: A 4-Step Approach. inrs.fr. inrs.fr/…/prevention.html