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Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)

Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI). ECE 417/617: Elements of Software Engineering. Stan Birchfield Clemson University. You are a computer athlete. A dangerous occupation:. Also dangerous:. Walk several miles on your fingertips?. What is RSI?. Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)

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Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)

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  1. Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) ECE 417/617:Elements of Software Engineering Stan Birchfield Clemson University

  2. You are a computer athlete A dangerous occupation: Also dangerous: Walk several miles on your fingertips?

  3. What is RSI? • Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) • is pain or nerve problems in upper extremity (hands, arms, or shoulders) • can also include neck and back • is a soft tissue disease (muscles and nerves) • is an overuse syndrome • Symptoms: • burning, numbness, tingling, pins-and-needles • dull aching OR specific, intense pain • Controversial: • many deny it exists • sufferers receive little support from employers

  4. The cost of RSI • $20 billion per year [Information Week, Nov. 9, 1992] • $29,000 average compensation • accounts for 60% of all job-related injuries [Department of Labor] • Approx. ¾ of all jobs require using a computer

  5. Carpal tunnel syndrome • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a specific type of RSI • Swelling increases pressure on nerves to fingers • Problem is only in wrist • Most RSI is more widespread (neck, back, arms, shoulders)

  6. What causes RSI?

  7. Bad posture pronation slouching ulnar deviation dorsiflexion

  8. Anatomy of hand nerves brachial plexus Thoracic outlet: • b/w collarbone and rib #1 Brachial plexus: • braided nerves • also supplies shouder, neck, and arm muscles Three nerves: • Medianthrough carpal tunnel • Ulnar“funny bone” • Radialextensor muscles bottomview top view

  9. Traditional solutions • Surgery • Wrist braces • Anti-inflammatory drugs • Pain killers • Cortisone shots Why should you be cautious?

  10. Keep in mind • Long-term problem  long-term solution • The pain may move • Musculoskeletal system (muscles, tendons, and bones) adapts • Body is meant to move

  11. Outline of a solution • Stretching • Movement • Strength Also posture, massage, remove wallet from back pocket,hot/cold treatment, ...

  12. Computer vision • Symptoms: • Dry eyesNot blinking enough • Inability to focusComputer displays not crisp

  13. Final advice • You think RSI will never happen to you • When you start feeling pain, you will • ignore it • learn to bear it • expect it to go away on its own • When your pain disappears temporarily, you will think problem is solved • When your pain intensifies gradually, you will continue to ignore it until it is serious  Pain is your body’s way of telling you that something is wrong! Be aware! Do not ignore the symptoms! Seek help when the pain first appears, before it becomes a serious problem!

  14. For further reading • Damany and Bellis,It’s Not Carpal Tunnel Syndrome! • Pascarelli, Repetitive Strain Injury

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