YOUR PHYSICAL WELLBEING

Computer Related Repetitive Strain Injury

Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Repetitive strain injury (RSI) is a general term used to describe the pain felt in muscles, nerves and tendons caused by repetitive movement and overuse. It’s also known as work-related upper limb disorder, or non-specific upper limb pain. The condition mostly affects parts of the upper body, such as the forearms and elbows, wrists and hands, neck and shoulders.

The symptoms of RSI can range from mild to severe and usually develop gradually. They often include pain, aching or tenderness, stiffness, throbbing, tingling or numbness, weakness or cramp.

At first, you might only notice symptoms when you’re carrying out a particular repetitive action but without treatment, the symptoms of RSI may eventually become constant and cause longer periods of pain. You may also get swelling in the affected area, which can last for several months.

Spending a lot of time using a computer, keyboard and mouse is a common cause of RSI.

WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY

Prevention and Treatment

Your Set-up

Whether you’re using a computer at home or work, make sure your desk or table is properly set up and adjusted to your specifications so that your sitting in the right position for your height.

Your Mouse

Changing settings to slow your mouse down can greatly reduce muscle tension in your hand and you can use keyboard shortcuts instead of the mouse to navigate and execute commands. You can download mouse tool software which takes away the need to click on the mouse, which many people find painful.

Your Keyboard

You can adjust the keyboard’s key repeat rate to avoid mistakes that you then have to go back and correct and you can also use predictive text and autocorrect features which guess what you want to type and save you unnecessary keystrokes.

Your Breaks

Do not sit in the same position for long periods. Short, regular breaks can help prevent RSI and other upper limb disorders as breaks let the muscles relax and can prevent you becoming stiff and tense.

Your Treatment

The first step in treating RSI is usually to identify and modify the task or activity that is causing the symptoms. If necessary, you may need to stop doing the activity altogether. To relieve symptoms, your GP may recommend taking paracetamol or a short course of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. They may also suggest using a hot or cold pack, elastic support or splint. You may also be referred to a physiotherapist and some people find that other types of therapy help to relieve symptoms, including massage, yoga and osteopathy.

IMPACTED ?

If you have been impacted by this issue you can get further information from your GP.

REMEMBER

“Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live” Jim Rohn

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    SOURCE :

    Articles related to this topic.

    About RSI by NHS

    Tips to Prevent RSI by NHS