Repetitive Strain Injuries Caused By Office Work

Many people think that back pain, stiff neck, and discomfort in any part of their

body is a common condition that do not require any medical attention since the pain will go away after a few minutes of rest. However, this seemingly common body discomfort may be caused by repetitive strain injuries (RSI).

According to doctors, RSI usually happens to office workers who are handling a stressful job and feel unhappy with their work environment. This means that bad posture in front of the computer is not the main culprit but only one of the contributors for this condition.

Common Symptoms of RSI

Weakness and lack of endurance in the affected area

Chronic pain especially when doing certain activities

Pain in the arm which usually spread on other areas

While RSI patients feel uncomfortable pain, many doctors believe that this condition is non-anatomical and does not lead to serious medical condition.

Frequency of RSI in the US Workplace

According to a data from the US Department of Labor, RSI is the countrys most common occupational health problem which affects hundreds of thousands of workers.

Because of the magnitude of this problem, RSI costs employers more than $20 billion in workers compensation every year.

In a separate study conducted by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately two-thirds of work-related illnesses were caused by RSI which involved repeated trauma from the upper body (common in elbow, wrist, and shoulder).

Self-treatment for RSI

One of the most effective ways to reduce pain caused by RSI is by following the correct body posture while sitting. According to a recent study conducted by a team of researchers from the Ohio State University, people who are sitting with a straight back are significantly less likely to experience back pain.

The researchers also found that people with correct body posture while sitting are also less likely to experience sleepiness compared to individuals who are slouching in their chairs.

Another way to treat RSI is by installing computers with a special software that constantly reminds people to take a break and perform exercises.

One of the most common programs that assists people with RSI and prevents such condition is Workrave. This is an open-source free software that frequently alerts people to take rest breaks.

Some researchers also suggest that using a more ergonomically designed computer mouse (e.g. joystick and vertical mouse) will reduce the chances of having RSI or alleviate the pain associated with this condition.

Other alternatives to a traditional mouse are stylus pen, trackpad, and inertial mouse where the hand is in thumb-up position (which is found to be more comfortable compared to a traditional mouse).

Ergonomically designed keyboards have also been proven to reduce pain associated with RSI.

by: Nemilou Despuez

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