Repetitive strain injury (RSI) can affect people in a number of ways and is often associated with the wrists through typing and manual jobs where workers carry out the same task over and over again. But increasingly, office workers are being struck down with the condition and are having to take time off through back pain.
Around 77% of the UK population are affected with back pain at some point in their lives without knowing how they came to get the condition. It could be their office workspace that’s to blame.
One of the most common causes of back pain at work is slouching in chairs, which can lead to both back and neck strain and have debilitating effects which can last a long time. To stop this happening try a few simple stretches and exercises such as looking over both shoulders every couple of hours. Tipping your head on its side until the ear touches the shoulder is another tip to try. Both should ease the pain and stop repetitive strain injury of the back from getting hold.
Try stretching out your chest occasionally too, and make sure your posture is always good. Sitting up straight really makes good sense as it keeps your spine in line and relieves pressure on your muscles. And, of course, taking regular breaks is essential even if it’s only going to the printer, for a quick chat with a colleague or to get some water. Keeping the body moving and in its natural position will alleviate back pain and hopefully stop you getting it in the first place.
You also need to make sure your office chair is correctly adjusted for you. Your feet need to touch the floor and your hips need to be slightly higher than your knees, and your chair should tip forwards a touch.
Then look at how your keyboard and monitor are positioned. The top of the screen should be eye- level and your arms should form a 90 degree bend at the elbow when typing. Having to constantly bend to look at a low screen can put extra pressure on your back so prop your screen up with something to make it the proper height. Ergonomic keyboards and mice can help too. Ask for a workplace assessment as many businesses now have someone specially trained in this area.
Repetitive strain injuries through the use of office equipment, especially laptops and computers at work, are becoming more prevalent in the UK workforce. Many of them are classed as musculoskeletal disorders and posture problems. They are made worse through the sedentary nature of modern office life where workers are required to spend hours shackled to their desks.
Office workers and those who sit at desks using keyboards aren’t the only occupations facing potential injuries of this nature as there’s a whole host of phrases associated with the condition. Writer’s cramp, gamekeeper’s thumb, tennis elbow and pizza cutter’s wrist are just a few of the more common ones.
If you have suffered a repetitive strain injury as a result of your work then you might be entitled to make a claim for compensation. If you would like to speak to a member of our team about your options, please call 0800 028 2060 or request a call back at a time convenient for you here. If you would like more information, please visit our dedicated website www.repetitive-straininjury.co.uk