Common Complaints > Repetitive Strain Injury

RSI is a general term for a group of musculoskeletal disorders involving muscles, tendons, nerves and joints of the upper limb and neck. Repetitive strain injury is not well known because it takes the form of disorders named after the part of the body affected, or the occupation with which they are associated. Tennis elbow is an example of a repetitive stress injury.

A repetitive strain injury is commonly caused by overloading or overuse of certain soft tissues such as muscles or tendons, i.e. by sustained work requiring the use of the same muscle groups continuously. Computer users are particularly at risk. Often stiffness in the spinal joints of the neck and upper back aggravate or even cause RSI in the hands and arms. Spinal problems cause irritation of the nerves as they exit the spine and this leads to problems in the muscles they supply.

What are the symptoms?

Tightness, discomfort, stiffness or pain in hands, wrists, fingers, forearms or elbows.

Tingling, coldness or numbness in the hands.

Clumsiness or loss of hand coordination and strength.

Pain that wakes you up at night.

Feeling a need to massage your hands, wrists and arms.

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