There are a number of things that causes repetitive stress injuries. It has been found that the specific cause is heavily dependent on the type of harm, or injury, that is sustained. In many cases, medical professionals must determine the actual cause in order to determine the best course of action when it comes to treatments.

Repetitive strain injury (RSI), also known as Cumulative Trauma Disorder, occupational overuse syndrome, or work related upper limb disorder, is the most recent manifestation of illness concepts that link use of the arm to injury or disease. The basis for this illness concept is the idea that one can overuse a tool, such as a computer keyboard or musical instrument in a way that causes tissue damage leading to pain.

Repeating

Repetitive movements are one of the most prevalent reasons for RSI to occur. It has been shown that some activities, if done repeatedly over time can end up with a level of trauma. This trauma can then end up with that area of the body being injured. A lot of people think that if they exercise that area vigorously it will help. Unfortunately, this is not the case, as any kind of pressure or length of time can end up with injury.

Basic Trauma

Basic trauma is another major cause in regard to repetitive stress injury. Trauma is a level of discomfort of a particular part or feature in the body. If the body goes through this, it is very likely that it will cause the process of weakening. As it weakens, it is common to see breaks occur in joints, tissues, muscles, and even some inflammation in the aforementioned places. If this happens, other problems can occur as well and increase the amount of pain that is felt. This includes the body’s natural process of repair. This process will try to build up again the area which has gotten damaged. When this happens, it might build up too much, causing limited mobility and general range of motion in whatever part of the body that has been adversely affected.

Deficient Ergonomics

Another leading cause for repetitive stress injuries is poor ergonomics. Repetitive stress injuries are likely to occur when we use our body in such a way that does not use ergonomics to our advantage. Using poor ergonomics can force the body to move in such a way that puts unneeded pressure and tension on certain areas of the body that are used for movement, it can also have adverse effects on circulation, uses wrong muscles and also puts the bones in uncomfortable positions. To avoid repetitive stress injuries, it is quite important that you familiarize yourself with proper ergonomic procedures.

Conclusion

As has been shown repetitive stress injuries can come from many causes. Other factors should also be considered as contributing to stress in all cases. Being overweight or pregnant or having high stress levels in general can certainly take a toll on certain joints. Once you have been diagnosed with repetitive stress injury, all of these factors must be taken into consideration before the most effective course of treatment can be prescribed by your doctor.

One of the most common causes of RSI is simply improper workstation setup. From your keyboard and mouse to your chair and workstation, it’s all designed to fit an “average” person. Trouble is, few people are “average.” If you’re ready to move up from one-size-fits-all solutions, visit Ergonomic Resources today!

- Frank Barnett

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