Staying healthy in the workplace is something we hear a lot about these days, and within the conditions that are mentioned, you’ve probably heard of something called RSI.
RSI, or Repetitive Strain Injury, is one of the most common conditions to affect workers in the UK, and is associated with repetitive movements, e.g. typing at an office desk, sitting incorrectly in your office chair, etc. RSI is painful and it doesn’t make work a very pleasant experience. The single best way to prevent RSI from occurring is to have regular breaks and use ergonomic office furniture to ensure you’re sitting correctly. You should also get up and have regular stretching sessions too.
RSI can sometimes be misunderstood, so check out this infographic by Well Working which dispels 10 very common myths about the condition.
RSI mainly affects the neck, shoulders, wrist, handles, elbows, and forearms - from that description you can see why office workers are prime targets! The condition can be mild, severe, or somewhere in the middle, but it will only improve with rest. Obviously that can be an issue if you’re working in an office and you have set tasks to complete every day. Without rest, the condition may become a chronic thing - no fun at all.
If you’re not sure if you’re experiencing RSI, the main symptoms are:
- Aches and pains in one specific area
- Stiffness
- Throbbing
- Weakness in that area
- Cramping pains
- A numb or tingling sensation
RSI is often described as toothache-type pain, i.e. niggling.
Being RSI aware is vital in an office environment. Have you ever experienced RSI? What measures do you take to avoid the condition?