Are You At Risk for RSI?

An ache in your arm. Sore muscles. Numb fingers. Fatigued tendons. Have you experienced any of these symptoms? Do you know what the cause might be? Only a doctor’s diagnosis will tell, but it could be one of any number of problems categorized under a condition known as RSI or Repetitive Strain (Stress) Injury. Due to an accumulation of repeated movements that slowly cause damage over time, this condition is also known as Cumulative Trauma Disorder.
Wikipedia defines RSI as “a loose group of conditions from overuse of the computer, guitar, knife or similar motion or tool. It is an occupational overuse syndrome affecting muscles, tendons and nerves in the arms and upper back; hence it is also known as work related upper limb disorder or WRULD. The medically accepted reason it occurs is when muscles in these areas are kept tense for very long periods of time, due to poor posture and/or repetitive motions.”
The most well-known repetitive strain injury is carpel tunnel syndrome. Other injuries in this category include DeQuervain’s syndrome, intersection syndrome, reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome (RSDS), stenosing tenosynovitis, tendonitis, tenosynovitis, thoracic outlet syndrome, trigger finger or trigger thumb and ulnar nerve entrapment also known as cubital tunnel syndrome. Other common names may include tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow and housemaid’s knee.
Some of the symptoms of these repetitive strain injuries might include such things as pain or soreness in the upper back, arms, neck , shoulders, wrists or hands. Sometimes numbness, tingling, coldness or loss of sensation may be present. A loss of grip strength, weakness and fatigue may also present themselves. The area affected may also be red, swollen, hot and tender. It may be painful enough to wake you in the middle of the night. Since many of these symptoms are interrelated, the entire upper body may be considered when a medical evaluation is done.
What can you do to prevent or minimize RSI? Good posture when using a computer or doing other work is a must. Take regular breaks to prevent “repetition” of the same job. Exercise, stretch, and work the muscles and tendons regularly. Get enough sleep, drink plenty of water and avoid such things as smoking. Find a way to practice regular relaxation so as to give your body time to rest and heal. If you feel pain, stop. Allow your body to dictate when it needs a break and listen to what it is telling you. Try to do jobs differently so as not to use the same muscles and tendons over and over again. Use different parts of your body to do repetitive work. Use other tools to help you accomplish your task. Look for ways to carry, move, lift or maneuver items using carts, hand trucks and other helpful devices.
If you already are experiencing RSI or suspect you have it, then what? See a doctor for treatment. Follow their advice. They may indicate a cessation of usage for the particular area of the body affected. Some type of brace or a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory may be prescribed. Cold compresses, massage or physical therapy may be necessary. As a last resort, surgery may be needed.
Repetitive Stress Injury does not have to be a concern for you. By maintaining a good regimen of rest periods on the job, proper work techniques, good exercise and common sense, RSI may be avoided completely.