What is RSI?
Paul Goddard, who runs the RSI Awareness website, explains: “RSI is a term that encompasses a variety of conditions, but is not an actual diagnosis. It’s a bit like the expression ‘sports injury’ – which could be a twisted ankle or a bump on the head!”
There are many different disorders of the hand, wrist, arm, shoulder and neck that may be labelled as RSI, ranging from carpal tunnel syndrome, which affects the wrist, to tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis).
It can affect people who work with computers for long periods as well others whose tasks are repetitive.
People of all ages can suffer – even teenagers who are constantly texting friends, some of whom develop a condition called DeQuervain's syndrome, an inflammation of the two tendons that control movement in the thumb.
So what are the statistics for RSI?
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) publishes data for upper limb disorders (ULDs). Put simply, ULDs emcompass conditions traditionally termed RSI plus a few others affecting the arms – from fingers to shoulder – and neck.
It is estimated that 2.8 million working days were lost in 2007/08 through musculoskeletal disorders mainly affecting the upper limbs or neck that were caused or made worse by work. On average, each person suffering took an estimated 13.3 days off in that 12-month period.
Symptoms of RSI may take months, even years, to appear. Initially, only a slight ache may be felt. As the problem gets worse, there is more marked pain while performing the repeated activity – when typing, for example.
Once the problem has become severe, pain may be felt most of the time, even with the slightest movement.
At work, the computer keyboard and mouse are often responsible for RSI. Home computers, video games and text messaging also increase the risk. Workers on factory assembly lines, musicians, dressmakers and cleaners are also more likely to develop RSI.
Goddard says employees should not put up with the conditions that can bring on RSI: “You wouldn’t tolerate the discomfort some people have in their working lives in a car. Yet, often for fear of losing their job or being labelled as a troublemaker, people put up with a poor working environment.”
