Warning Repetitive Stress Injuries

It's no wonder people are still suffering from Repetitive Stress Injuries (RSI), which are primarily caused by overuse of computer keyboards, computer mice, and other electronic gadgetry. Sadly, I don't see the situation getting any better, regardless how hard chiropractors and other healthcare professionals work to educate consumers, on proper work environment ergonomics.

By Michael Dorausch, D.C.

It’s no wonder people are still suffering from Repetitive Stress Injuries (RSI), which are primarily caused by overuse of computer keyboards, computer mice, and other electronic gadgetry. Sadly, I don’t see the situation getting any better, regardless how hard chiropractors and other healthcare professionals work to educate consumers, on proper work environment ergonomics.

Earlier this year, in preparing for a patient education class on proper computer ergonomics, I flipped over a PC keyboard at my chiropractic office to take a photo of the RSI warning label. Nearly every keyboard I have checked (computer mice may not have a sticker, but some sort of health information is usually included with the packaging) has had some type of health warning posted on the keyboard bottom. First, I doubt many people take the time to read the information posted. Of those that do read the health warnings information, likely only a small percentage follow the recommendations. Then, if you’re as lucky as I am, perhaps your computer keyboard had this finely worded repetitive stress injury warning label. If that’s the case, I guess you cannot be to blame, since the information may be rather difficult to understand. Note, I didn’t make this up, it’s the real deal.

repetitive stress injuries computer keyboard warning

For those of you that can’t see it, the label reads…

Warning — Feeling the discomfort, Repetitive Stress Injuries (RSI), caused by the long periods had habits & repetitive motion at improper working environment, please cease to use consult your professional immediately.

I imagine it was intended to say something like… use of a keyboard or mouse may be linked to serious injuries or disorders. When using a computer keyboard like this one, you may experience occasional discomfort in your hands, arms, wrists, shoulders, neck, or other parts of your body. If you’re feeling discomfort after using this keyboard for long (or even short) periods of time, you may be developing a repetitive stress injury. If that is the case, please cease to use this item and consult your healthcare professional immediately.

Perhaps keyboard warning labels should convey something more clear like… When considering using this device, or a similar device like a computer mouse and/or mobile phone, consult a Chiropractor for expert evaluation of spinal posture, biomechanics, ergonomics, and levels of subluxation. Follow your chiropractors recommend guidelines, avoid overuse of these items, and be sure to counterbalance your forward head bearing postural activities, with recommended exercise and relaxation.

planetc1.com-news @ 4:32 pm | Article ID: 1292718765