What causes RSI & learn how to protect your muscles.

Repetitive Strain Injury or RSI is a term used to describe a wide range of progressive conditions which affect the muscles, tendons, ligaments and other soft tissues as well as the joints of the body. Terms such as Cumulative Trauma Disorder and Occupational Overuse Syndrome can sometimes also be used interchangeably.

As the name suggests, these conditions may be brought on by activities carried out over a period of time where there is overuse of the affected area. Although they do not generally heal on their own, rest will often alleviate the symptoms. If ignored, RSI can result in permanent damage leading to disability.

Office workers, cleaners, cooks and individuals operating heavy machinery are among those most commonly affected by such injuries. With the advent of personal computers and electronic games, more and more of us are at risk of developing complications. Prevention and early intervention are vital in order to avoid further increase in statistics.

In general, employers are legally required to provide staff with adequate training, equipment and a work environment that strictly adheres to health and safety regulations. Common areas of focus are seating and equipment at the workstation, weight restrictions and provision of appropriate machinery where transport of heavy loads is involved and regular breaks during shifts.

We too, need to be aware and take steps to minimise risks when using computers and games. For example, some basic guidelines when using the computer:

• Use a chair that properly supports your back and is adjusted specifically to your height.
• Make sure your feet rest firmly on the floor, using a footrest if necessary.
• Ensure that your monitor is at approximate eye level to the front of you and 24inches/60cms away.
• When typing, your arm is bent at right angles with fingers at the level of your keyboard.
• Your work space has sufficient room for you to manoeuvre
• Take a break at regular intervals.

Children and adolescents are particularly at risk, as their musculoskeletal systems are still developing. It is important therefore to practice regular stretching and to avoid adopting awkward and uncomfortable postures whilst carrying out daily activities of living.

We should report symptoms which may signal early warnings of RSI:

• Aches and pain.
• Stiffness.
• Numbness or tingling sensation.
• Weakness especially in hands or back.
• Swelling and redness.

When advised to rest or carry out certain activities as a means of intervention, we need to treat these seriously and adhere to prescribed regimes.

The area of repetitive strain injury is a very broad one and there is still much to learn in this field. Often, patients attend their GPs for help and advice when symptoms first present or become a source of concern. Treatment normally takes a combination of one or more of the following:

• Reduce or cease (where practical) the related activity.
• Use of analgesics, and in some cases steroid injections
• Modifying work or play environment.
• Physiotherapy.
• Relaxation
• Rest
• Surgery (more rarely)

The truth is that in these NHS cash constrained times Doctors and occupational therapists have limited resources at their disposal; so prevention is decidedly better than a cure.