Feels like RSI? 5 steps to help.
Disclaimer: I’m writing this as I get emailed about RSI often (as someone who has suffered, and still uses computers far too much). However, I’m not a medicinal practitioner. Seek real advice if your are suffering.
This is primarily for those that feel pain often described as ’sharp needle like pain’ or ‘feels skin deep’ which is likely to be nerves.
- Take a break. Time off, away, go, now!
- Go see a psychotherapist (only a recommend one, most don’t "get" RSI) and get them to check for trigger points from your neck, downwards.
- Fix your work station. You might already be following the rules, but it’s individual (…if you’re in pain something’s not right, maybe your workstation?). Posture is very important, e.g.
- screen too low makes you drop your head a little over the day, in-turn, you could pinch the nerve below your collar bone and above first rib
- leaning on elbows, 1 of the 3 main nerves that run down the arm circles the elbow.
In both examples you could start to notice via pain in the wrist, it’s not always a localized problem.
- Then you’ll need to figure out what causes it to flare up, and learn to manage that. i.e. for me personally, neck/shoulder/back I solved with deep tissue massage, for smaller areas, e.g. wrist, acupuncture worked much better. Overall wellness, Chi Gung worked well. However, it’s very individual - learn your body.
- Buy this book: It’s Not Carpal Tunnel Syndrome!: RSI Theory and Therapy for Computer Professionals
If you are in the UK, I can recommend: ES Physical Therapy on Harley Street, London. Tesso (if I remember correctly) did a great job of helping me understand, and manage my RSI. I’ve also heard great things about other practitioners there.
Tags: RSI