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?

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Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)

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is pain or nerve problems in upper extremity (hands, arms, or shoulders)

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can also include neck and back is a soft tissue disease (muscles and nerves) is an overuse syndrome Symptoms:

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burning, numbness, tingling, pins-and-needles

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dull aching OR specific, intense pain Controversial:

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many deny it exists

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sufferers receive little support from employers

The cost of RSI

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$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

Carpal tunnel syndrome

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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a specific type of RSI

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Swelling increases pressure on nerves to fingers Problem is only in wrist Most RSI is more widespread (neck, back, arms, shoulders)

What causes RSI?

Bad posture pronation slouching ulnar deviation dorsiflexion

Anatomy of hand nerves

brachial plexus •

Thoracic outlet: b/w collarbone and rib #1

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Brachial plexus: braided nerves also supplies shouder, neck, and arm muscles bottom view top view

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Three nerves: Median through carpal tunnel Ulnar “funny bone” Radial extensor muscles

Traditional solutions

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Surgery Wrist braces Anti-inflammatory drugs Pain killers Cortisone shots Why should you be cautious?

Keep in mind

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Long-term problem The pain may move

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long-term solution Musculoskeletal system (muscles, tendons, and bones) adapts

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Body is meant to move

Outline of a solution 1. Stretching 2. Movement 3. Strength Also posture, massage, remove wallet from back pocket, hot/cold treatment, ...

Computer vision

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Symptoms:

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Dry eyes Not blinking enough

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Inability to focus Computer displays not crisp

Final advice

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You think RSI will never happen to you When you start feeling pain, you will

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ignore it

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learn to bear it

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expect it to go away on its own

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When your pain disappears temporarily, you will think problem is solved

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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!

For further reading

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Damany and Bellis,

It’s Not Carpal Tunnel Syndrome!

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Pascarelli,

Repetitive Strain Injury