Health Network News

I frequently get calls from people who have been told they have RSI and want to know which mouse would be the best choice for relieving their symptoms. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if it was as simple as selecting the right pill to get an instant cure?

RSI or Repetitive Strain Injury is an all encompassing term that covers a multitude of symptoms and conditions, but isn’t a diagnosis in itself. It’s more of a general term like “sports injury” which could mean a bump on the head or sprained ankle.

Most ailments will be greeted with default advice of take 2 paracetemol and stay in bed, regardless of what it is. It’s a method for finding out whether your own defence system will deal with the problem and fix the ailment or whether further action is required. It is not uncommon for some doctors to recommend you to stop repeating the activity that is causing the repetitive strain injury as a cure.

For most of us advice that involves a complete career change that excludes use of a computer is unrealistic so in fact there are only two practical options; avoid getting the problem in the first place, or develop a means of managing it so that you can still work on a computer.

Avoidance is a really good plan. Anyone who has suffered an RSI can tell you how miserable it can be and how shockingly serious its impact is on your working life.

Here are some tips for avoidance of RSIs that will help you continue to work at your computer without suffering. These also apply if you already have an RSI but be prepared to work at it even harder to get results.

1. Adjust your working area to suit you - not the other way around.

2. Ensure your equipment is correctly placed for comfortable working.

3. Start with your posture and invest in a good adjustable chair. It might seem expensive but is less costly than back treatment and much less painful

4. Get your desk to the right height for you - not what your chair will allow. You can do this by inserting small blocks of wood under the feet or saw a bit off its too high (if you share a workspace a height adjustable desk makes life much easier for all)

5. Get a fully adjustable, Goldtouch keyboard. These are quite simply the best, You can read up on why by Googling “Goldtouch keyboard”

6. Get several different mice and keep the one you have. Keep alternating between them to minimise repetition. A trackball might seem strange to use at first but you will soon get used to it. Vertical mice also help to reduce twisting or pronation in the wrist

7. Place a document holder above and behind your keyboard. The Microdesk fits over the Goldtouch and offers plent of space for papers. Ideally, you want to keep all your work in a straight line head up position

8. Adjust your monitor to the right height and distance. Monitor arms are ideal and easy to use with flat screen monitors. They also free up space on your desk. If you need to use a laptop make sure you have a stand to get the screen to the right height and always use an external keyboard and mouse

9. Always use RSIGuard Software. This is an absolute essential. Don’t think it can’t happen to you. RSIGuard is a very simple software package that will show you how your behaviour is hurting you.

10. Act Now! Your body will tolerate maltreatment for a long time but once it gives up - you are in big trouble, and the road to recovery is painful and slow.