Identifying Repetitive Strain Injuries
RSI Damage Causes Wrist, Back, Spine, Hand, Neck and Eye Pain
Sep 3, 2009
Repetitive strain injuries are classified as a chronic family of disorders that result from fine movements performed very frequently. Though the motions are small, when compounded over a long period of time, they cause microscopic tears in muscles and tendons due to the strain.
As a result, injured muscles contract and the range of motion decreases. Stiff tendons inflame and pinch nerves, causing pain. Examples of repetitive strain injuries include carpal tunnel syndrome, back pain, neck and eye strain, and limited mobility in the wrists and hands
People at Risk of Developing Repetitive Strain Injuries
Both work and casual activities can cause RSI, and the symptoms are commonly associated with computer use, though people who don't use computers are also at risk of repetitive strain injuries caused by continuous movement in awkward positions.
Poor posture, poor technique and overuse are the three main causes of the various forms of RSI. Other risk factors include:
- use of a computer for two to four hours each day;
- employment that requires heavy computer use in a high-stress environment;
- long fingernails;
- being overweight, not exercising enough, unhealthy eating and a sedentary lifestyle;
- not taking breaks to stretch and improve circulation;
- loose joints, lack of sleep, arthritis, diabetes or another serious illness;
- shyness that prevents asking an employer for better accommodations; and
- a belief that ergonomic equipment is unnecessary.
Though none of these factors will definitively cause repetitive strain injuries, a combination of several of them in conjunction with any of the three main causes creates a higher probability of developing pain.
Repetitive Strain Injury Symptoms
Pain in the upper extremities can be a sign of a repetitive strain injury, which not only affects the hands and wrists, but also the fingers, palms, shoulders and forearms. Pain manifests itself in a few different ways:
- as burning, aching or shooting discomfort in the areas most commonly targeted by repetitive strain;
- as weakness or numbness;
- as tingling or hypersensitivity;
- as local pain, whether experienced in the fingertips or the small of the back; and
- as pain spread out over an entire body part, like the shoulders or the forearms.
RSI can also exist without direct pain. Difficulty opening jars, chronically cold hands, a heavy feeling in the extremities or increased clumsiness can point to a repetitive strain injury before pain begins. Additionally, behavioral symptoms can be experienced by those suffering from a repetitive strain injury, which include avoiding the use of the injured body parts, an increased reliance on the nondominant hand and disengaging in hobbies that require use of extremities.
Symptoms are generally exacerbated after long hours of computer use or other repetitive motion.
How to Avoid RSI Pain and Discomfort
Investing in ergonomic office chairs, mouse pads, keyboards, foot rests and back support pillows can reduce the pain associated with repetitive strain injuries. Rest the eyes by focusing on another object in the room for a few seconds before returning to the monitor. Get in the habit of taking breaks to stretch the limbs and restore circulation.
The best ways to handle RSI pain are prevention and an awareness of office space ergonomics.
Related article:
Selecting an Ergonomic Office Chair
Source:
Repetitive Strain Injury: A Computer Users Guide, Dr. Emil Pascarelli and Deborah Quilter, 1994.
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