RSI RISK - Repetive Strain Injuries

I did not think very much of the constant pain in my left hand, until I came across an article that spoke about an injury called RSI or Repetive Strain Injuries.  Now, I'm doing things much differently and taking more steps to assure that I don't get RSI.  I would like to pass on this information for everyone who spends more than two hours a day behind the computer. 

 Here is a brief summary about RSI and what you can do to help prevent it.

Little aches and pains in your hands?  Slight sore neck and lower back?  Shrug it off or could it be something more?

Those little pesky discomforts could be the first signs that our muscles, tendons and nerves have been weakend.

The crippling pain that comes from with a full-blown repetive strain injury (RSI) may not show up for years, by then, it could be a little to late to fix the problem completely.

RSI can be caused by overuse of the hands and arms. 

Most of us do spend a lot of time behind the computer and tapping away at the keyboard.  If you spend more than two hours a day, it is important to remind ourselves to take plenty of breaks.  Working behind the computer is manual labor, and it's very easy to take our hands for granted.  This condition can also happen with anything that requires repetivive movement of the hands and arms, such as knitting, sewing, playing a musical instrutment, writing, etc. et.

So..what is RSI and the Risk

(RSI) Also know as repetitive stress disorder, work-related musculosketetal disorder, or cumulative trauma disorder. 

 "Repetive" or "cummulative" means that the motion, when done in isolation, is not severe enough to cause damage, but when done repeatedly, without recovery time, the fatiqued muscles can tear soft tissues, causing swelling and pain.  This can lead to what is also know as Blackberry and Nintendo Thumb.

RSI Risk

* ignoring those little early warning signs

* more than two hours a day of computer use or any type of repetive work

* repetitive hand movement

* lack of frequent breaks

* cold hands, dependent pinky finger

Try this little test to see if you have a dependent pinky finger:

A quick test to see if you have a dependent pinky finger.  Dont' fret if you do, 37% of all humans are born with congenital interpendece between their ring and pinky finger.  Here is a simple test.  Hold your hand parallel to the ground and with your fingers outstretched.  Now, try to bend your pinky so it touches the inside of your palm.  If you can do that wtihout other fingers, your'e part of the 63% who face less risk of RSI.  Now, try bending your pinky and ring fingers together to touch your palm.  If this is easier, your're at higher risk of cummulative trauma to your hands.

* improper work station set up

* sitting or keeping wrists or elbows bent for long periods

* long fingernails

*  poor posture

Prevention

* Taking frequent breaks from your repetive types of work

* Avoid having cold hands.  Wear gloves cotton, thin gloves with the finger tips cut out (fingerless gloves) , if you have chronically cold hands or in a cold room.  Make sure your gloves lightweight and do not restrict movement. Make sure your hands are warm before beggining work.  If you can touch the cheeks of your face, and your hands feel cold, it's not a good idea to start work until you warm up a bit.

* Stay hydrated. Remember to drink water and other healthy liquids througout the day.  Half to a whole gallon of water, juice, and herbal tea (combined intake) every day, helps maintain a good ciruculation open all the way to your finger tips.

Also rememeber, it is important to take breaks, get up and move around.  There is also the very serious danger of blood clots when we set for too long without motion.

NOTE:

If you suspect that you may have RSI, or early warning signs, please see your doctor for medical advice and attention.

Above all, take breaks, and dont' take your hands for granted.