Local Voices: How to Prevent Repetitive Strain Injuries

What do I have in common with Eric Clapton or Sergey Brin? Precious little in terms of talent, but potentially a lot when it comes to risk of a repetitive strain injury (RSI). 

RSIs can happen when we put excessive, repetitive demands on our bodies. Doing the same motion again and again—be it maneuvering a mouse or playing the guitar—causes wear and tear on our body’s soft tissues, such as tendons, nerves and the circulatory system. 

When our body doesn’t get a chance to heal, the damage accumulates. While our bodies are generally resilient and able to perform a scope of activities, repetitive movements wear away at our natural strength.

RSIs are most common among people who work long hours at a computer or on assembly lines. The most frequently diagnosed RSI is carpal tunnel syndrome, which causes pain, weakness and numbness in the forearm and hand caused by a compressed nerve in the wrist. Guitarists are also prone to this common RSI.

Recognizing Symptoms of RSIs

Usually people get RSIs in their hands, wrists, neck, shoulders and upper back. The most common symptoms are:

• Recurring soreness or pain
• Numbness or tingling
• Inability to grip or loss of strength

But don’t put away your six-string (I KNOW you won’t abandon the mouse!). There are some things we can do to prevent or resolve an RSI in its early stages including:

• Maintaining good posture.
• Practicing proper ergonomics at work and at home.
• Taking regular breaks from your monitor.
• When working at a keyboard, do not bend your wrists or rest them on a pad. Instead, hold them out straight as you type.

If you have symptoms of an RSI, there are many treatments, including stretches, strengthening exercises, massage and medication. Only the most extreme cases call for surgery. Starting treatment sooner rather than later can make the difference between a quick recovery and extended suffering.