Although thought of as a modern phenomenon, RSI has long been documented in medical literature.
The Italian physician Bernardino Ramazzini (regarded as the father of occupational medicine) first described RSI in 20 different types of industrial workers in Italy as early as the 1700s.
What is RSI ?
RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury) is caused by mechanical irritation which upsets the body’s highly-tuned natural balance. It is an inflammation of the tendon sheaths in the fingers and hands, wrists and elbows, which may eventually progress to the upper arms and shoulders. RSI is also often referred to as WRULD, or Work Related Upper Limb Disorder.
Often, stiffness in the spinal joints of the neck and upper back aggravate or even cause RSI in the arms and hands. Spinal problems cause irritation of the nerves as they exit the spine, leading to problems in the muscles they supply.
A Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) is an injury to the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. This may be caused by repetitive tasks, vibrations, mechanical compression, or sustained or awkward positions.
What are the Symptoms of RSI?
Common symptoms of RSI include:
- Pain, aching or tenderness.
- Stiffness.
- Throbbing.
- Tingling or numbness.
- Weakness.
- Cramp.
Initially, symptoms may only be noticeable when carrying out a particular task/activity. However, without treatment, the symptoms of RSI may eventually become constant and cause longer periods of pain. You may also get swelling in the affected area, which can last for many months.
Types of RSI
Broadly speaking, there are two types of RSI:
Type 1 – This is when a doctor can diagnose a recognised medical condition such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Bursitis, Tennis Elbow . It is usually characterised by swelling and inflammation of the muscles or tendons.
Type 2 – This is when a doctor cannot diagnose a medical condition from your symptoms. This is usually because there are no obvious symptoms, apart from pain. Type 2 RSI is also referred to as Non-Specific Pain Syndrome.
Both Type 1 and Type 2 RSI can be caused by work conditions.
Who is at Risk of RSI?
Workers who undertake many repetitive tasks during the working day are at risk of suffering with RSI. This includes many different industries, including:
- Assembly line workers.
- Factory workers.
- Office workers.
It is important to work in a comfortable environment which has been appropriately adjusted and assessed to ensure that it is safe.
How should your Employer protect you from this risk?
Your Employer has a legal duty to try and prevent work–related RSI and ensure anyone who already has the condition doesn’t get any worse.
Employers are under a duty to ensure their Employees are not put at any foreseeable risk as far as practicable. The Employers should undertake a suitable risk assessment of the system of work. Any risk to Employees’ health must be identified, and the risk should then be minimised to the lowest level.
Your employer should undertake risk assessments on the tasks you are required to do and modify these tasks if required. In certain circumstances you may be required to avoid specific tasks because of your symptoms. It may also be that tasks should be shared between a number of staff on a rotation basis, ensuring breaks from a repetition.
Employers must always give training and information to their employees about the risk or repetitive strain injury.
Treatment
Prevention is better than cure. No wrist splint, armrest, split keyboard, spinal adjustment etc. is going to permit an immediate return to work at full speed if you’re injured. Is it important to make long-term changes in technique and work habits that initially caused the complaint.
Healing could take months, sometimes years. Many RSI victims do regain the ability to work and substantial freedom from pain, but they find that they remain vulnerable to recurring injury and flare-ups.
Chiropractors adjust the affected joints to restore full motion, reducing stress on the nearby muscles, tendons and nerves. Massage and specific exercises will often be prescribed. Spinal locking can be discovered before symptoms manifest, and so chiropractors can prevent RSI in the first place.
If you have any of the above symptoms and believe it may be as a result of a repetitive task at work, you may be eligible to claim compensation.
WHAT TO DO NEXT
For a FREE initial consultation, call the Industrial Disease Team on 0113 200 9787, or contact us online here to discuss how we can help you.
Although thought of as a modern phenomenon, RSI has long been documented in medical literature. The Italian physician Bernardino Ramazzini (regarded as the father of occupational medicine) first described RSI in 20 different types of industrial workers in Italy as early as the 1700s. What is RSI ? RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury) is…
Nerve Conduction Studies – Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) are used in the diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). Our exhaustive learning resource.
View
Hand Injury – Case Study
Our client approached us in relation to a Medical Negligence claim arising out of medical treatment following an injury to their hand which was sustained in an assault.
…
View
Hazardous Substances at Work – What protection should you be provided with?
The law requires employers to provide adequate health and safety measures in the workplace under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations.
This includes personal p…
View
