Page content:
|
Question
|
Answer
|
|
What is RSI?
|
Dynamic or static overburdening of the upper extremities, resulting in reduced blood circulation.
This causes pain.
The underlying cause lies in the tension of the shoulder muscles (trapezius muscle).
|
|
Where can the symptoms be located?
|
Neck, shoulder, upper arm, elbow, lower arm, wrist, back of the hand, fingers.
|
|
What are the symptoms?
|
Varying from a heavy feeling to numbness, stiffness, tingling feeling, loss of strength in hands and fingers, pain that gets worse during the day and in the course of the week.
|
|
Which stages can be distinguished?
|
-
The pain disappears as soon as the cause is removed.
-
The pain stays, even during the weekend.
However, it wears off and will disappear after a period of rest.
-
The pain becomes chronic and does not wear off, even after period of rest.
|
How to prevent RSI due to computer work
-
Do not work at a computer for more than 6 hours a day
-
Regularly relax your shoulders
-
Sit up straight, use the arm rests
-
Hold the upper arms vertically along the upper body
-
Place the monitor, keyboard and document holder right in front of you
-
Keep your wrists straight, if necessary by means of a wrist support or ergonomic keyboard
When using a mouse:
-
Make the movements from your elbow rather than from your wrist
-
Operate the mouse with your other hand every now and then
-
Place the mouse close to you.
Break software
Special ‘break software’ is available to remind you to take regular breaks when working at the computer and to help you make sure that you don’t sit at the computer for too long.
There are various types of break software.
Most current commercial programs have a free trial version that you can use for 1 or 2 months before deciding whether to buy an – often expensive – licence.
If you are considering buying an extensive program, the best thing to do is to test a few different ones so that you can choose the one that best meets your needs.
Here is a selection of available programs with links to their websites:
Some, usually simple programs can be downloaded free of charge for private use,
for example TypeSAFE, which the University of Groningen offers as a standard feature with the Beeldscherm Veiligheids Trainer.
Another option is Break Reminder.
Dynamic and static overburdening
.
|
Dynamic overburdening
|
Static overburdening
|
|
What is the cause?
-
brief, repetitive, small movements
|
What is the cause?
-
working with hunched shoulders
-
working with your arm held out in front of you
-
overstretching or strongly bending the wrist joint.
|
|
Examples include:
-
painting above head level
-
packing work on an assembly line
-
playing the violin (static as well)
-
using a keyboard and mouse
-
playing tennis
-
cashier work
|
Examples include:
-
sedentary work
-
dentistry (bent wrists)
-
canteen work
-
monitor work
|
|
How can you prevent these symptoms?
|
How can you prevent these symptoms?
-
learn to have a good work posture
-
regularly relax your shoulders and arms, even while you are working
-
when you breath from your belly the shoulder muscles are strained less than with chest breathing
|
| Last modified: | September 12, 2011 15:29 |
|
Associative links:
|
