In
simple medical terms, repetitive strain injury (RSI) is defined as a cumulative
trauma disorder (CTD) stemming from prolonged repetitive, forceful, or awkward
hand movements. The result is damage to muscles, tendons, and nerves of the
neck, shoulder, forearm, and hand, which can cause pain, weakness, numbness, or
impairment of motor control.
You
may wonder how seemingly innocuous activities such as typing and clicking a
mouse button could possibly be harmful. Fine hand movements, repeated hour
after hour, day after day, thousands upon thousands of times, eventually strain
the muscles and tendons of the forearms, wrists, and fingers, causing
microscopic tears. Injured muscles tend to contract, decreasing the range of
motion necessary for stress free work. The sheaths that cover delicate tendons
run out of lubrication because they aren't given time to rest, so tendon and
sheath chafe, resulting in pain. Due to this abrasion, tendons become inflamed,
and begin to pinch neighboring nerves. This can result in numbness, tingling,
or hypersensitivity to touch. Unless this cycle is interrupted, it repeats
itself over and over, and a long-term, chronic problem results.
Repetitive
strain injury can affect more than just your hands and wrists. Poor posture can
lead to severe neck and back injuries. Staring at a computer screen can lead to
eye strain. Repetitive reaching for a mouse can lead to arm and neck strain as
well as spinal asymmetry.
RSI
is not a specific medical diagnosis, but rather a family of disorders. Many
people mistakenly equate RSI with carpal tunnel syndrome, even though CTS is
only one particular form of RSI. One recent study even reported that frequent
computer users are no more likely to develop CTS than non-computer users. Don't
let this mislead you, though. Many other forms of RSI do come on as a result of
frequent computer use.
Repetitive
Strain Injury (RSI) is a potentially debilitating condition resulting from
overusing the hands to perform a repetitive task, such as typing, clicking a
mouse, or writing. Anyone who uses a computer regularly is at risk and should
know about RSI. Unfortunately, most people are uninformed and do not understand
what RSI is or how serious it can be. For example, constant movement of the
fingers by a typist or musician causes stress on the tissues at a microscopic
level. This triggers molecular changes such as the release of chemicals which
attempt to limit or repair any damage. But sometimes this ability of the body
to protect itself is outstripped by prolonged repetitive movement, and injury
to the tissues - RSI – becomes established.
Symptoms
Symptoms
of RSI may take months, even years, to appear. Initially, only a slight ache
may be felt. As the problem gets worse, there's more marked pain while
performing the repeated activity - when typing, for example.
Once
the problem has become severe, pain may be felt most of the time, even with the
slightest movement.
One
or both upper limbs may be affected, depending on which is used to perform the
activity responsible for the problem. As well as the pain, numbness and
tingling may make holding objects difficult.
The
risk of RSI is increased by spending long periods without a break, sitting on
an uncomfortable seat, at a poorly arranged workstation.
At
work, the computer keyboard and mouse are often responsible for RSI. Home
computers, video games and text messaging also increase the risk. Workers on
factory assembly lines, musicians, dressmakers and cleaners are also more
likely to develop RSI.
Treatment and recovery
Treatment
of RSI may include:
- Use RSI friendly equipments, Chair, Table, Keyboard, Mouse, etc.'
- Rest of the affected area
- Painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs
- Heat and cold packs
- Elastic wrist supports or firm wrist splints
- Acupuncture, physiotherapy or osteopathy
- Painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs
- Orthopedic hand braces
- Soft Tissue Therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Physiotherapy
- Osteopathy
- Massage
- Alexander technique
- Yoga
- Pilates
- Tai Che
- Acupuncture
- Surgery
You
can reduce your risk of RSI by warming up and cooling down the muscles used,
taking regular breaks throughout the day, having an appropriate workstation and
seating position, and practising relaxation. If your job puts you at risk of
RSI you should seek out expert advice on prevention from your employer or
professional body.
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