Several problems are related to using manual wheelchairs. Prolonged chair use can lead to pressure sores, deconditioning of the heart and lungs, arm and back pain, and postural deformities. Although this is not an exhaustive list, it does raise possible concerns. Fortunately, legislation and advances in medicine have improved the lives of wheelchair users within the United States. Also, improvements in wheelchairs have been tremendous over the past two decades.
Most people experience arm pain and degeneration after prolonged manual-wheelchair use.
Shoulders and wrists are the most common areas for pain and repetitive strain injury. CTS is commonly described as a painful tingling sensation in the hands that is often worse at night. EMG can help physicians determine the health of a nerve or nerves. The most common shoulder injuries due to repetitive motion are damage to the tendons and the shoulders connective tissue. These are related to overuse - and possibly unnatural use.