Repetitive strain injury or RSI is a condition resulting from
overuse of a tool like a computer, guitar or anything that
require repeated movements. The condition affects the muscles
tendons and nerves of the hands, arms and upper back due to
these being tense for long periods of time. RSI is not a
recognised medical condition, but a term used to describe the
range of injuries caused by repetitive movements or overuse.
People who work on computers for long hours each day are most
likely to suffer from this syndrome at some point in their
working lives as are people working on assembly lines. Computer
operators need to ensure their posture is correct and that the
desk they are working at is the right height. There are health
and safety guidelines regarding the correct posture and these
should be adhered to at all times.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a well known repetitive strain
injury, which is common amongst guitarists and assembly workers.
Computer users arm pain is caused by another specific condition
called cumulative trauma disorder.
The symptoms for RSI vary but the following certainly indicate
the start of RSI:
• Recurring pain in the neck, shoulders, upper back, hands or
wrists.
• Tingling, numbness, coldness
• Loss of sensation.
• Loss of grip strength, lack of endurance, weakness.
• Muscles in the arms and shoulders feel hard and wiry when
palpated.
• Pain or numbness while lying in bed. Often early stage RSI
sufferers mistakenly think they are lying on their arms in an
awkward position cutting off circulation.
To recover from RSI requires active participation by the
patient over a period of several months. The best treatment is
to understand exactly what is causing the pain and to correct
it. If for instance it is due to bad posture then you need to
ensure your desk and computers are at the right height. Simple
stretches and back strengthen stretches will help but only on a
long term plan as will self massage. Your doctor might recommend
seeing a phyisical therapist or alternative medicine.
If you're RSI symptoms is a result of negligence of your
employer, you maybe entitled to make a claim for compensation.
Even though RSI is not caused by an actually accident but by
repetitive movements over a period of time, this still can be
claimed against. They are claimed for in the same way and
accident can be claimed for. You just need to find a good
accident claim solicitor to take the case on for you. Luckily
these days there is the `no win no fee' agreement which when
signed means your solicitor is actively working for nothing
until the case is won, they recover all their costs. The good
thing about this is that for one you don't have to pay anything
to get the compensation claim going, and for two the solicitor
will only take the case on if they are 90% sure they will win.
Many people don't claim because they think it will effect their
position at work, but this is not true, employers have insurance
to cover personal injury claims. If your employer cares that
little of your health then maybe you should consider whether you
want to carry on working for someone like that. Any compensation
you win will cover for any loss hours and if you chose to leave
your job you will be compensated for this upheaval. Claiming
compensation is your legal and civil right. Why should you
suffer for nothing?
About The Author: Carolyn is the webmaster for Accident Consult
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