What is RSI?

Repetitive strain injury (RSI) is an umbrella term for many separate ailments affecting the hand, wrist, arm, neck, upper back, and shoulder. Medical professionals also use the phrases "occupational overuse injuries" or "repetitive motion disorders" or "cumulative trauma disorders" [CTD] for this condition.

What are the Primary RSI Symptoms?

• Numbness
• Tingling
• Lack of sensation
• Pain

These symptoms and other warning signs can appear anywhere along the hand, arm, shoulder or neck.
RSI generally begins in the dominant wrist, hand or arm of an individual. Symptoms may start after periods of intense and prolonged activity. At onset, this condition may only be noticeable during working hours. Eventually, these symptoms become persistent and very painful.
Individuals who have RSI frequently massage the afflicted area and complain of chronic pain. Many people that suffer from RSI are unable to sleep at night due to the severe pain it causes. If the condition remains untreated, the pain from RSI becomes intolerable and and may result in a complete loss of function in the affected area.

What are the Primary CTD Risk Factors?

• Repetitiveness
• Postures
• Contact stresses
• Forceful exertions
  Primary factors may include, ergonomically unsound workstation, prolonged periods of work without adequate breaks, sustained overuse from too much repetitive movement, poor posture, excessive workload, patterns of work and a cold working environment.
  Secondary causes of RSI may include (but are not limited to):
  Predisposition. Factors such as age, intrinsic strength, and general health, may all contribute to differing levels of tolerance to repetitive or prolonged strain in individuals.
  Stress. Stress makes muscles and soft tissues tense up, and when they tense up, they are more likely to be injured. Both physical and social stressors at work may contribute to this process.

Prevention is the Key

• Use the proper tools
• Use the correct posture
• Stretch frequently
• Pace yourself

Listen to your body. If you feel any symptoms, seek the advice of your doctor or health care provider right away.

Treatment

Early treatment is essential for overuse injuries. If allowed to become chronic, recovery may take months or even years and full recovery may not be possible. Common sense suggests that one should stop the activity at the root of the problem so the first step is to rest the injured limb or limbs and to cut down their use generally, i.e. from domestic tasks and other activities too. Despite this the pain may get worse for up to a month after starting to rest. Pain relief with paracetamol, ibuprofen or aspirin, taken in accordance with the manufacturers instructions on the label, may be the first line of treatment for pain. (However painkillers should not be taken to allow you to continue with the activity which is causing the problem.) Gentle exercises and relaxation techniques will help to keep the injured limbs, and the body generally, in good shape and avoid loss of power in the muscles. The return to full use of affected limbs should be gradual.
All the work done through treatment and rehabilitation may be undone if the RSI sufferer returns to work under the same conditions as those that contributed to the injury. The work practices of the employer and the design of the work station should be examined and modified. A return to work should be gradual and the pace and weight of the work carefully controlled. It will be necessary to take things more easily than was formerly the case. RSI tends to effect over-conscientious workers! Do remember that the majority of people who experience RSI problems make a satisfactory recovery with the aid of good medical help and careful evaluation and reorganisation of work practices.

Resources:
RSIhelp.com
RSI Information