Transcript Computer Related Injury

Computer Related Injury
Computer Related Injuries (CRI,
RSI etc)
• Painful debilitating condition refers to
damage to the muscles, tendons,
ligaments, blood vessels, nerves & other
soft tissues of the upper extremity & back.
Magnitude of problem of CRI
• 20-25% computer users
• 60% of all occupational illnesses (since
1991, in US)
• Cost of compensation in US: over $20
billion/ per year
Causes of CRI
• Improper use & lack of knowledge about
safe computing techniques
• Results from repeated force on soft
tissues over a prolonged period
• Repeated trauma causes micro-tears to
the affected part, hence leading to
inflammation & subsequently to the
disorder
Who is at risk for CRI?
• Any one using computers more than 2hrs/ day:
-software professionals
-secretaries, clerks
-cashiers, bank officers
-students
-journalists
Common presentations of CRI
• Parts affected: fingers, upper arm,
shoulders, neck, lower back. legs etc
• Symptoms: ache or pains,numbness or
hypersensitivity, tingling, coldness or burning,
weakness, feeling of heaviness, stiffness or
tightness, a constant need to stretch or
massage, difficulty in day to day activities,
e.g, shaking hands, opening doors, dressing,
holding newspapers, using a comb, or even
holding a teacup etc.
Commonest Disorders caused by
CRI
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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Tendinitis, Tenosynovitis
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
Ganglion cysts
Cervical & Lumbar spondylosis
Prevention of CRI
• 3 levels of prevention:
a) Primary: ergonomics intervention
b) Secondary: minimise the development
of impairment
c) Tertiary: rehabilitation & disability
management
Tips on prevention of CRI
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Correct posture and body mechanics
Workstation design and modifications
Correct keyboard / mouse / trackball techniques
Exercise instruction for stretching and warm ups
Individual chair fitting
Visual ergonomics
Stress management
Knowledge of early warning signs of CRI
Early and appropriate medical intervention
Some useful tips for prevention
• Take a one- min “micro-break” every 5 minutes, and
at least a 5- minute break every 30-40 minutes
“macro-break”
• Correct typing technique and posture, the right
equipment setup, and good work habits.
• Don’t pound on the keys.
• Hold the mouse lightly.
• Keep your arms and hands warm.
• Keep the monitor as far away as you can read
comfortably.
Useful tips for prevention
• Proper lighting for your work area is important.
Lighting should be indirect and even.
• The brightness and contrast control of the monitor
should be set properly for comfortable viewing.
• Blink frequently and perform visual exercises.
 Adopt keyboarding techniques that emphasize the
use of large muscles, such as the shoulders and
upper arms instead of small muscles such as those
that drive the fingers.
• Emphasize diaphragmatic (abdominal) breathing to
reduce pressure on your chest.
Workstation and posture checklist
• Neutral position means sitting up, with the back
supported, head straight with eyes looking forward.
 The top of the monitor should be just below eye
level.
• When typing from reports, etc., use paper holders
for keeping papers at eye level.
• Sit with feet flat on floor, some weight on the feet.
• Hips slightly higher than knees
• Neutral spine and neck posture
• Shoulders down and back
Workstation and
posture checklist
• Chin tuck
• Elbows held loosely against the sides of the chest
• Do not rest any part of the body on arm rests of wrist
rests when typing
• Wrists even with or slightly lower than elbows
• Wrists straight or slightly drooped palms parallel to the
keyboard
• Forearm horizontal to the floor
• Relaxed, curved fingers
• Type with the tip of fingers
• Frequent changes of position of the hands, arms, and
trunk
Well designed chair
- Favorably affect posture, circulation and the amount
of strain on the spine
- Allow you to place your feet firmly on the floor or a
footrest, with your hips slightly flexed and your knees
at a 60-90 degree angle
- Seat should be comfortably wide, and the backrest 6
to 9 inches high and 12 inches or more wide in the
lumbar region
-Most of the chairs used by computer users have
adjustments to make it comfortable to sit on, but few
people bother to adjust it. Spending a little time to
learn how to adjust the chair and set it correctly can go
a long way in preventing back pain.
TREATMENT of CRI
• Goals of management :
Patient education
Reduction of pain
Home exercise program
Lifestyle changes
Summary of treatment
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Break the hidden muscle spasms
Eliminate trigger points
Reduce your workload (short term)
Adjust your workstation (long term)
Active stretching
Strengthening exercises
Restore flexibility
Perform motion exercises called “glides”
Establish workstation ergonomics
CONCLUSIONS
• CRI is common
• Industry is likely to face heavy losses
(litigation, absenteeism, lower productivity
etc)
• Work ergonomics is important
• Prevention is better than cure
• Early diagnosis & treatment is essential