Repetitive Strain Injury Risk Factors

Repetitive strain injury or RSI occurs when a person performs one motion such as typing or bending for long periods of time. RSI can cause a lot of pain that may last for hours after a person is done performing the motion.

Repetitive strain injury if left untreated may result to suffer permanent damage and may need surgery or massage sessions in order to stop the pain. Those who work in offices or in warehouses and factories by performing the same motions for hours on end have the most chance of hurting themselves.

Many companies have become proactive by giving people more breaks during the day, providing them with comfortable chairs, arm and hand rests, mats, and gloves so that they can do their jobs without any risk of repetitive strain injury.

Repetitive Motion

There are many factors related with RSI. Performing the same motion for longer than two hours at a time is the most common factor. This includes excessive computer use, moving or stocking items, and loading items.

Improper Body Posture

People while working on the computer may also begin to feel pain in many areas of their body due to

• Poor posture
• Poor typing techniques
• Inadequate body support

Stressful Jobs

People with stressful jobs, who work long hours, and who are forced to overproduce are also at risk of repetitive strain injury. There are many ways to fix these problems in order to help people end this suffering and prevent it from affecting those who are just entering into the work force.

Personal Habits

People even after taking preventative measures at the workplace may still be at risk because of personal habits that include

• Smoking
• Over eating
• Drinking
• Not exercising

Stretching

While RSI will continue to occur at the workplace, there are ways to prevent further injury. One of the most important ways to help keep the body limber is stretching. But most people do not stretch enough or adequately.

After being effected with repetitive strain injury, people may have to take time off from their job to have surgery or to take a break from performing the motions. Some people may have to find new jobs that do not require them to sit in front of a computer for eight hours a day.

While there are people who suffer only minor injury, it is sometimes enough to get them to start taking their work habits more seriously. Once a person develops arthritis, there is little that can be done because the pain will come and go.

Many companies provided comfortable chairs for employees, and some companies have incorporated stretching in morning meetings. Learning how to type properly and when to take breaks are other ways that people can help prevent RSI.

Repetitive strain injury can be very painful and cause great discomfort while working and when at home. Therefore, it is wise to know about how it can happen and what to do to prevent injury.