These types of work-related injuries are becoming an everyday occurrence in today’s hectic business world. These typically involve a certain kind of musculoskeletal injury. It is commonly found in jobs that require you to stand or sit for a long time in one position. Furthermore, also when you have to perform repetitive manual tasks that require the same action, this will increase the risk factor to develop some type of musculoskeletal injury.

The condition is frequently known as RSI. It develops so gradually that most workers won’t go for a diagnosis and treatment until it has progressed. If these kinds of problems are left untreated, they will cause chronic pain, that is nearly unbearable and slow down a worker’s ability to perform routine little tasks. Thus, they will be less efficient in their duties at work.

Contributing factors and causes

Many factors can contribute to workers developing an RSI condition. Any task in a worker’s job that he/she performs which causes unnatural movement or positioning might cause extra strain. Additionally, it can also cause wear and tear of their tendons and muscles in a specific area. For instance, if you constantly have to lean or stretch across something, it will affect all the muscles in the area of your neck, back, and arms. 

The body can’t handle overstretching in positions that are awkward for long periods of time. It will develop small damages to the body’s structure, which over some time will cause problems like RSI.

Except for overusing your muscles due to repetitive tasks at work, other factors might also contribute to developing RSIs, and can include the following:

• Due to heavy lifting and lifting awkwardly shaped items or something with a distribution of weight that is disproportionate
• When you don’t take breaks that are adequate in allowing your muscles to get proper rest
• Any environment that you work in which isn’t ergonomically sound or poorly organized
• Using any equipment that is not well designed
• If you do work on repetitive tasks
• Performing movements that are very forceful
• To keep your posture in the same position for long periods at a time
• Adopting a posture that is awkward
• By using any equipment that vibrates

If you experience pain, numbing or other symptoms, it is best to contact an orthopedic spine center for a diagnosis of your condition.

Workers that might be at risk to get RSIs

Except for workers in an office and others that use computers regularly like graphic artists and writers, there are also other work situations that can put you at a higher risk to develop RSI. 

Look at the following types of jobs:

• Operators of sewing machines, such as tailors and seamstresses
• Telephone operators
• Meat packagers and butchers
• Cashiers
• Industrial cleaning workers
• Mail carriers
• Restaurant workers
• Mechanics
• Field, farm, and dairy workers
• Bakers
• Healthcare workers
• Bus and truck drivers
• General transport, stock handlers, movers, and loaders
• Assembly and manufacturing line workers
• Construction workers

Symptoms you might experience with RSIs

Symptoms will depend on what kind of RSI you actually have and also the severity of your condition. 

Most of the time, it can include one or more of the following: 

• Cramping
• Clumsiness and coordination loss
• Lack or weakness of your muscular endurance
• Burning or soreness sensations
• A feeling of needles, pins, tingling, and numbness
• Stiffness
• A throbbing or achy sensation
• Tenderness and pain

These symptoms usually appear gradually. At first, you might only notice it when you perform a job task that is repetitive, and it can subside after a period of resting. Many patients might experience cramping or numbness during the night. If it’s not treated, the area that can become swollen and inflamed. The symptoms will also get worse and more constant. This can cause patients to get depressed and experience some anxiety due to physical symptoms.

Keeping a proper posture and avoiding developing RSIs

Ensure that your feet will be supported and flat on the ground or on a footrest can assist.

Your chair’s height should be adjusted for the upper arms to be vertical, a ninety-degree elbow bend, and the forearms horizontal on the desk.

Back support is very important, especially in your lumbar area. The chair has to allow the back to keep a natural S-curvature. Your back muscles have to be in a relaxing and comfortable position. 

How to optimize your workstation?

Adjust your screen’s height to be in line with your eyes in order to avoid stress on your neck. The keyboard needs to be adjusted between 4 and 6 inches from your desk’s edge. While you type ensure that your wrists are straight. The mouse should be close to the keyboard in order to avoid stretching your arm.