Other Names: Repetitive strain injuries, cumulative trauma disorders, overuse syndromes

Over the past decade computer and internet use have become the part and parcel of modern lifestyle, be it for professional or personal use. Due to the advent of technology and affordable prices the use of electronic gadgets has increased in several manifolds across all age groups. In comparison with the general population, office workers and students are the most common users of computers. Prolonged use of computers coupled with improper posture, lack of properly designed chairs and desks, among other factors have contributed to the rise in various work-related musculoskeletal disorders or problems in this group of population.

Defining work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs)

WMSDs are a group of painful disorders involving the neck, back, muscles, joints, tendons, and limbs of the body, due to work-related factors such as prolonged sitting, confined movements, repetitive movements of the small joints, etc.

Common WMSDs

  • Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)
  • Tendonitis
  • Thoracic outlet syndrome (TCS)
  • Tension neck syndrome

Causes of WMSDs

  • Prolonged sitting and high volumes of work
  • Wrong posture
  • Controlled repetitive joint movements (example - clicking on the mouse, typing on the keyboard)
  • Non-compatible gadget design (example - bending the neck or overstretching of wrist joints)
  • Static positioning of a joint causing decreased blood flow to area
  • Sustained duration pressure through a joint
  • Small, unsupported joints
  • Work induced stress
  • Irregular or decreased rest breaks
  • Chairs and working desk with inappropriate height or comfort

Symptoms 

Since the primary emphasis while working with gadgets is on upper extremity use, the vast majority of WMSDs impact the hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders and neck; however, conditions involving the spine, back, lower extremities and feet are also common. 

WMSDs typically present as:

  • Pain
  • Joint stiffness
  • Muscle tightness
  • Numbness (typically described as ‘pin and needles’ sensation)
  • Rarely redness and swelling of the affected area

Grading the symptoms

  • Early stage: Pain, weakness, and tiredness of the affected site while working that disappear at night and during days off work. 
  • Intermediate stage: Pain, weakness, and tiredness of the affected site occurs shortly after starting work and persists at night. 
  • Late stage: Pain, fatigue, and weakness persist at rest. Inability to sleep and to perform light duties.

However, it is not compulsory that everyone goes through these stages in the same way. It might not be easy to assess the transition between the stages. It is always advisable to consider ‘pain’ as the first warning signal that the muscles and tendons need rest and recover. You should seek medical attention and address your problems at the earliest, to avoid further complications. Your doctor will assess your problems based on the nature and duration of the work, regularity of each task performed at work, frequency and intensity at which the problems are bothering you and provide you the appropriate treatment and solution.

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