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Repetitive Stress Injury(RSI) - Tips to prevent RSI at workplace - Attention IT Professionals!!!!

Young People who spend more time infront of the computers, for example IT professionals will be affected by common work related injuries or RSI. It happens when too much stress is placed on one part of the body due to repetitive movements and results in damage to muscles, nerves of the neck, shoulder, tendons,forearm etc.

Wiki Definition : Repetitive strain injury (RSI) (also known as repetitive stress injury, repetitive motion injuries, repetitive motion disorder (RMD), cumulative trauma disorder (CT), occupational overuse syndrome, overuse syndrome, regional musculoskeletal disorder) is an injury of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems that may be caused by repetitive tasks, forceful exertions, vibrations, mechanical compression (pressing against hard surfaces), or sustained or awkward positions

Its Symptoms may differ,It may be like :

# Pain in the affeced area
# Tingling or numbness
# Neck and Back pain
# soreness or stiffness in back or neck
# weakness in hand or arms

** Numbness and tingling are abnormal sensations that can occur anywhere in your body, but are often felt in your fingers, hands, feet, arms, or legs.

To prevent RSI:

Make sure that you are following the below given things.

# It is very important that you should follow a correct sitting posture and typing practices. Sit comfortably.
# Make sure that the work area is not clustered
# You must sit in a chair which provides a very good support to your body.
# Viewing distance between your eyes and monitor must be 450 to 500 mm.
# keep your feet flat on the floor or use a foot rest.
# keep elbows and forearms level with work height
# enusre low back support
# Relax and strech your body every 2 hours
# Ensure proper lighting and proper view level between your eyes and monitor.
# Keep noise levels low
# Take regular breaks and do some muscle relaxing exercises.
# if you feel pain stop what you are doing and rest until it subsides.
# keep fit, as keeping in shape increases your bodies strength and fitness
# use a phone head set to free your hands and avoid cradling the phone with your neck.
# Watch your posture, bad posture can have detrimental affects and cause RSI.


Even after applying these prevention strategies your situation continues to worsen, you should consider seeking professional medical advice.




Excercise Images :

Neck and Back excercises

Arm excercises

Exercises Demonstration




Useful links:

More info : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Repetitive_strain_injury
Exercises : http://www.will-harris.com/yoga/circle_waist.html
RSi : http://www.eecs.umich.edu/~cscott/rsi.html

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