What
is Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)
Repetitive Strain Injury is a term used to describe a large number of
specific medical conditions such as carpel tunnel syndrome, tenosynovitis
and tendinitis - usually caused by incorrect computer workstation ergonomics.
They are sometimes collectively referred to as "upper limb disorders",
"musculoskeletal disorders", "Occupational Overuse Syndrome"
(OOS), computer related injuries, or
"Cumulative Trauma Disorders", or CTD. Additionally, there is a condition known as diffuse
Repetitive Strain Injury which is more difficult to define but which has also been attributed to nerve
damage. The conditions are similar to sports injuries such as tennis elbow.
Repetitive strain injuries have been documented for over 300 years, but their
prevalence has exploded since the introduction of personal computers into the
workplace in the 1970's - initially without any thought given to ergonomic
design. They are almost always occupational in origin.
The condition can occur in upper and lower limbs and can also affect the
spine in various areas, resulting in referred pain in the limbs. There are
various symptoms including sharp pains, dull aches, numbness, tingling,
weakness, loss of grip and restricted movement. These symptoms can often result
in people being incapable of carrying out some of the simplest tasks, such as
opening a jar, at home or in the workplace.
The on-going pain and physical impairment can often lead to other
problems such as loss of sleep, anger, apathy, loss of self esteem and
depression.
The condition is very often very difficult to diagnose, and for a number of years
many doctors and companies refused to acknowledge it's existence. Additionally,
if a person suffering from the problem is depressed, which is often the case,
doctors often find it easier to ascribe the aches and pains to depression rather than
the underlying condition causing the depression. However, it is
now a recognised industrial disease - particularly related to the use of
personal computers, and many computer manufacturers now print warnings on their
equipment such as: "Use of a keyboard or mouse may lead to serious
injuries or disorders" - highlighting the fact that an ergonomic
workstation is now a priority for all computer users.
Nevertheless, although the condition is now widely recognised, it is still
difficult to diagnose, and more importantly, if not recognised and treated
early, can lead to permanent disability. Consequently, more than many
other diseases or conditions, prevention is the key.
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Treatment and Recovery
Since repetitive strain injury can be used to describe a wide number of conditions, it is
important to obtain a full and accurate diagnosis of your particular condition.
Treatments might then include physiotherapy, chiropractics, complimentary
therapies such as the Alexander
Technique, anti-inflammatory
medications etc. It is important that you seek professional medical help as
soon as possible.
You should also avoid the risk of further damage by adjusting the way you
work and any activities outside of work that might affect the condition. You can
adjust the ergonomics of your workstation, take more regular breaks and reduce
the amount of your activity. If you have had to take time off work because of the
condition, you should undertake a period of rehabilitation before returning to
your normal workload - a professional athlete would not run a marathon on the
first day back in training after an injury.
However, like most other medical problems, prevention is better than cure. Would you wander around a building site without wearing a hard
hat? Would you drive a car without wearing a seat belt? Likewise,
you should not use a computer without ergonomic RSI prevention software.
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Prevalence - Some Statistics
Repetitive strain injuries have been documented for over 300 years, but their
prevalence has exploded since the introduction of personal computers into the
workplace in the 1970's. They are almost always occupational in origin. More workers in the United States are
now injured
by their computer than by any other tool - Upper limb disorders now
account for 50% of industrial injury claims!
A recent European survey found that 30% of workers suffered from backache and
17% suffered from muscular pains in their arms and legs. This figure of 17%
represents about 25 million workers! The British Health and Safety Executive
(HSE) has found that over half a million workers in the UK suffer from some sort
of neck or upper limb disorder. Furthermore, these statistics are considered to
be significant underestimates. Many workers are fearful of reporting problems
like these in case it affects their employment prospects.
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In the UK, 5.4 million working days were lost in sick leave due to RSI in
20021
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6 people in the UK leave their job every day due to an RSI condition1
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Dealing with the impact of RSI conditions accounts for between 0.5% and 2%
of gross national income2
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The annual cost to UK industry is estimated to be between £5 billion and
£20 billion3
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US research indicates that every dollar invested in an ergonomics
intervention strategy such as RSI2 prevention produces a return
of nearly $18.
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Organisations employing strategies to improve workplace ergonomics reduced
lost sick days due to RSI by two thirds4
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British Trades Union Congress (TUC)
press release 21st February 2002
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Work-related Neck and Upper
Limb Musculoskeletal Disorders: Peter Buckle and Jason Devereux, November
1999.
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Repetitive Strain Injury Association:
Facts and Figures.
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