Overuse of Computers & Avoiding RSI and CTS
April 27th, 2006
Very interesting post in the Google blog, by Dr. Taraneh Razavi, M.D., Staff Doctor at Google. Razavi talks about overuse syndromes and repetitive stress injury:
The damage sustained from RSI is due to structural changes in the muscle fiber as well as due to decreased blood flow. Nerves can also be involved. The immobile tissue and surrounding inflammation compress the nerve which can cause numbness or tingling and eventually weakness if the nerve is damaged severely.
Razavi gives some excellent reference sites for tips about setting up your workstation, posture, and exercises:
- Workstation setup
- Posture
- Yoga & RSI exercises
- Safe Computing Tips
- Computer Related Repetitive Strain Injury
This is a serious matter for anyone who works or plays infront of a computer. Here a few tips for safe working from Dr. Taraneh Razavi:
- Breaks should be taken every 30-45 minutes for at least 5 minutes. If you need assistance there are free downloadable timers that will help remind you to do so.
- Stretch your arms, hands, neck, and back during breaks. This yoga site demonstrates some exercises.
- Maintain posture alignment. Don’t slouch on the couch with the laptop.
- Work stations should be reviewed initially and with each office move. Adjust your chair, monitor, keyboard, mouse, laptop. Alternate keyboards and mice periodically.
- Shift your gaze from the computer screen to the distance. And don’t forget to blink!
- Limit non-essential computer use. This may be heresy — but do give the surfing, gaming, emailing, and text messaging a rest.
- If pain occurs or persists, see your doctor, who may recommend wrist brace, ice packs, anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen, cortisone injections, physical therapy, and most importantly, rest to allow healing. Don’t procrastinate in addressing your symptoms — the sooner you tend to them, the better off you are.
