Conditions Caused By The Improper Use Of Computers

Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)

• RSI describes a group of syndromes that affect tendons, nerves and muscles and lead to pain in the arm, neck and shoulders. They are caused by poor posture that results from muscles remaining tensed for long periods. Syndromes categorized under RSI include Tendonitis, Stenosing Tenosynovitis, Tenosynovitis, DeQuervain's Syndrome, Trigger Finger/Thumb, Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome, Intersection Syndrome, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. These are all interrelated, and a person may suffer from multiple conditions at the same time.

  Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is the most common condition classed under RSI. It is associated with pain, numbness or tingling in the wrists and hands, with symptoms worsening at night. Ordinary keyboards require hands to be close together when typing, and irregular hand and wrist positioning. Recommended treatment or prevention measures involve frequent breaks during computer use, stretching techniques, or using an ergonomic keyboard. Extreme cases cause restriction in simple hand and wrist movements and may require surgery.

  Computer Vision Syndrome

  
  

  • This is the most common condition in computer users. It is usually caused by long, uninterrupted periods of focusing on the computer screen. Symptoms include eye fatigue, painful and/or teary eyes and headaches. Regular blinking and eye rest, corrective lenses and a diet rich in eye nutrients such as beta carotene are recommended to alleviate symptoms.

    Eyestrain and VDT's  
    

    Eyestrain is another ergonomic problem frequently associated with the use of computers and Video Display Terminals (VDTs). Keep in mind that the solutions presented here are only recommendations. If following these recommendations seems to make matters worse, try something else! If you aren't experiencing headaches or eyestrain while you work at the computer, don't worry about making changes; obviously your setup works for you. As the saying goes, "you don't need to fix what isn't broken."