Scanning purchases for eight hours a day, typing documents at work and running in track meets all have something in common. The people engaged in these activities are all using sets of muscles, repeating the same motions for long periods and and putting their bodies under stress. Members of each of these groups are also at higher risk for developing repetitive stress injuries. Taking some common-sense precautions and creating an ergonomically friendly work environment may help reduce the risk of RSI.
RSI Explained
Repetitive stress injuries develop when you regularly put an area of your body under too much stress. Runners, factory workers, retail clerks and office workers are at an especially high risk of developing RSI because they put muscles and tendons under stress frequently. Cross country and track runners are at risk of developing stress fractures because of the pounding to which they subject their legs. Factory workers who repeat the same movements for an eight-hour shift place their arms, shoulders, wrists and hands under stress. Retail clerks and office workers who repeat the same movements over and over on the job place their wrists under undue stress, according to KidsHealth.org.
Types of RSI
Most victims of repetitive stress injuries complain of pain in the shoulder, back, neck and arms. As office workers and retail clerks stand in the same position for long hours, working under conditions with poor ergonomics, repeating the same motions, tendons in the overused parts of their bodies swell, pinching nerves, according to SafeComputingTips.com. Carpal tunnel syndrome is probably one of the best known repetitive stress injuries; computer workers, office workers and retail workers are at high risk for this disorder. In carpal tunnel syndrome, the median nerve is compressed by the carpal tendon. This results in numbness, tingling of the fingers and pain, states the Penn Environmental Health & Radiation Safety website. Other repetitive stress injuries include thoracic outlet syndrome, where compression of the blood vessels and nerves between the neck and shoulder cause hand and finger numbness and back pain that develops from the cumulative effect of improper posture or heavy lifting.
Treating RSI
Once your doctor diagnoses you with a RSI, he likely will prescribe rest for the injury. This means that, if you are a runner, you won't be able to run until he gives you medical clearance. You may also take an anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen to reduce inflammation and swelling. He will also prescribe an ice pack that you will place on the affected area to help reduce any pain and swelling you are experiencing, notes KidsHealth.org.
Preventing RSI
The best strategy for handling RSI is to prevent it from developing at all. Maintain strength and flexibility throughout your entire body with warm up exercises and stretching. If you work in an office or store, stretch your shoulders, arms and wrists before beginning your workday; if you are an athlete, stretch and warm up before beginning a training session or competition. Above all, use common sense when you are repeating the same motion for a lengthy amount of time. Take breaks, giving your body a badly needed rest every 30 to 45 minutes, recommends KidsHealth.org.
