Repetitive Strain Injuries Update

Painful tendons, nerves, and muscles in the hands, arms, shoulders, and neck are an unfortunate byproduct of the computer age. Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI) is the term frequently used to describe problems caused by repeated on-the-job movements. Because they develop slowly over time, RSI are different that sprains or strains that are sharp and/or immediate.

Some estimates indicate that of all the people who regularly use computers, nearly one-third will eventually experience RSI symptoms. The explosive growth of RSI is the result of more people using computers combines with poor typing techniques.

High-speed typing is the primary cause of soft body tissue injury. Add poor positioning of fingers, hands, wrists, arms, and posture plus sitting for long periods of time and who have the perfect scenario for RSI. If you use a computer mouse of other kinds of pointing devices, not only might you suffer RSI in our hands and arms, but also in your shoulders, neck, and back.

Preventing Repetitve Stress Injury

Ergonomics, the study of equipments design to reduce operator fatigue and discomfort, is the key to preventing RSI. Companies such as Microsoft have responded to the dramatic increase in RSI with ergonomic computer keyboards. Designed to reduce pressure in the user's hands and wrists, ergonomic keyboards break the traditional keyboard in half, angling the keys on each side to match the hands' natural positions.

New trackballs are easier on the hand. And by limiting the number of repetitive tasks such as double clicking, ergonomic mice help prevent RSI to hands, fingers, wrists, elbows, and shoulders.

Yes, my work station is ergonomically correct. Why do you ask?

Though ergonomic designs attempt to meet the challenge of RSI, they may not be a cure-all. According to a recent Chicago Sun-Times article, "there's little consensus as to whether the new ergonomic designs alleviate strain-related injuries" and "that is many instances (designers) are changing the place where the user will feel the pain, but not eliminating the pain."

Perhaps today's ergonomic designs and those to come will reduce the RSI problem. However, if computer users don't improve poor posture, practice correct typing techniques, and adjust their chairs and desks to proper height, the incidence of RSI will continue to grow. Once a person begins to suffer from RSI, changing one part of his environment without examining the others could make the problem worse. It may simply come down to trial and error. Learn to listen to you body!

If you develop RSI, and your company seems insensitive to your problem, take the opportunity to educate yourself and company officials. If you efforts don't provide relief or generate the support you'd like, try some of the following at the end of the day to prevent RSI:

Easy to Remember Tips

Learn correct typing techniques
Use good posture and avoid reaching
Use your arms to move your hands while typing.
Do not stretch your wrists.
Align your fingers with your forearms.
Absolutely don't bend the wrists.
Take frequent breaks- at least once an hour.
Stretch and relax.
Use the computer only when necessary.
Use ice if you have that pain at the end of the day, moist heat in case of achiness. Gently move hands through their full range of motion.
Integrate massage therapy into your prevention program.

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