Repetitive strain injury is a disorder which comes about as a result of repetitive motions over a long period of time and results in various symptoms including tingling, weakness, numbness, and of course, aches and pains. While we cannot address every question in this single article, we would like to dispel some of the myths surrounding this condition.
First of all, repetitive strain injury is not the same thing as carpal tunnel syndrome. Most people who develop severe and persistent symptoms as a result of years of computer work or other repetitive motion do not actually have a specific disorder known as carpal tunnel syndrome. If they do in fact have this disorder, it is probably only one symptom within a broader problem.
What is the broader problem? Well, there are many contributing factors to RSI, including poor posture, poor physical fitness, stress, and, of course, long hours on the computer or in some other job that entails repetitive motions. The net result is soft tissue injury throughout the upper body.
As the disorder progresses, patients can experience symptoms throughout the arms, shoulders, neck, and upper back. Even problems with the lower back and contribute to poor posture and ultimately lead to repetitive strain injuries. Muscle knotting and scar tissue impinge on nerves and blood vessels, which leads to tingling, numbness, and cold hands in many cases. Atrophy becomes more obvious as time goes on and the disorder progresses.
It's important to understand that RSI is not simply a sign of aging or a minor injury that goes away with analgesic creams or other such minor treatments. It is a serious disorder which progresses over time and can ultimately lead to disability. Only patients who have undergone the great tribulations of this disorder can understand how far-reaching it can be. After all, if you have problems using your hands and upper body, you will have problems doing just about everything in your daily activities.
Contrary to popular belief, RSI is not typically a surgical problem. What you need is a physician who has experience in these kinds of injuries and not simply an orthopedic surgeon or other physician who is used to seeing many other kinds of injuries (especially more acute sports or occupational injuries like torn muscles). A physician's examination is helpful in obtaining an accurate diagnosis, but ultimately your treatment and recovery will involve regular sessions with a physical therapist (or a specially trained massage therapist) and a consistent exercise routine at home.
The bad news is that this kind of injury is not resolved overnight, and recovery can be painstakingly slow and frustratingly expensive. The good news is that you can recover if you stick with it despite many ups and downs along the way.
