Repetitive strain injury (RSI) is a collective term given to painful conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis.
These are frequently caused or aggravated by repetitive movements such as those made by musicians, sports professionals and, increasingly, computer users.
Last week, I covered some of the early warning signs to look out for: usually a pain, numbness or stiffness in a joint or muscle area.
Continues Below↓To avoid RSI-related pain while using your computer, pay attention to the comfort of your arms, wrists, shoulders, back and neck, and take regular rest breaks. These aid recovery and will help you remain alert when you focus on work.
Software can help you take regular breaks by displaying a pop-up reminder on your screen.
Try Break Reminder from www.cheqsoft.com/break.html.
It uses a small program interface that runs inconspicuously in the background and can monitor your computer use, including how much you have typed, and remind - or force - you to take a break according to customised settings.
Laptop users need to be especially aware of potential problems, which have been made worse by the trend towards portability at the expense of proper keyboard spacing and comfortable use.
This is not an issue for occasional use, but because of the cost of personal computers, many of us buy a laptop and use it as their primary computer, ignorant of the associated risks.
This is ever more the case with the increasingly popular "netbook" designs - the small, affordable computers that have become all the rage.
If your only computer is a laptop, I'd advise you to buy one of the many wireless ergonomic keyboard and mouse combinations available and use these, instead of the built-in devices, wherever possible.
Read up on ergonomics - the study of the relationship between workers and their environments - and make sure your computer and regular work area are set up comfortably and safely.
Pay particular attention to your posture when seated.
Refer to the diagram at www.tinyurl.com/ safeposture to ensure your interpretation of "comfortable" is not doing your spine any harm.
You can search Google for volumes of valuable advice on this topic. If you have any concerns you should consult your doctor, a physiotherapist or chiropractor.
Treatments for RSI include massage, chiropractic manipulation and physiotherapy. In more severe cases, anti-inflammatory medication is prescribed.
Always discuss your treatment plans with a doctor. The RSI awareness site at www.rsi.org.uk has useful information, including an overview of treatments and loads of information about RSI and its symptoms.
It's difficult to say how many people are afflicted with RSI - as many people understand that poor posture or a repetitive work environment is affecting their body, but don't view it as an issue worth reporting until the pain is severe.
Anecdotally, more doctors and physical therapists say they are increasingly treating RSI conditions in people from hi-tech, high-rise office areas like central London and New York.
The correlation is becoming more apparent as our lifestyles have changed to depend on computers.
Maintaining correct posture and using ergonomically designed furniture and tools can assist anyone to work more comfortably.
In circumstances where this is not possible for reasons of mobility or cost or time, learn to recognise your own limits and try to work within them, resting when you have exceeded them.
Prioritise and plan your computer use around rest breaks - you will save yourself a lot of pain and trouble - and you will enjoy the benefits computers can offer, without the risks.
