Duration
Many patients develop RSI over many years. The pain and symptoms develop gradually and there are phases in which the complaints are better and worse. When an RSI syndrome is diagnosed and treatment begins, there is no fixed period of time until the symptoms have disappeared.
Often the problems can be controlled by a permanent and regular self therapy. Additionally, a long-term adjustment of sitting and working habits is an important prognostic factor. But even then there may be cases in which the RSI syndrome does not improve significantly in the long run.
Occupational Disease
The RSI syndrome has not yet been recognized as an occupational disease. The basis for the recognition of an occupational disease is that a direct connection between the activity, i.e. the profession, and the existing consequences or diseases can be established. This can be done, for example, for a miner who may suffer from silicosis or asbestosis later in life.
Here, by measuring the concentration of asbestos or other dust particles in the workplace, a comparison can be made with a scientifically established maximum value and then, on the basis of this, recognition of an occupational disease can be granted. This is not easily possible with RSI syndrome. The requirement that the RSI syndrome, as an occupational disease is recognized, exists and is regularly pronounced.
It is possible to classify it in list 2101 of the occupational diseases; “Diseases of the tendon sheaths or the optic nerve tissue as well as the tendons or muscle attachments”. Even above this, there is only a low recognition rate. In other countries, such as Australia and the USA, the RSI syndrome can be recognized as an occupational disease. Here it must be shown how the situation in Germany will change in the next few years. Based on this, it is all the more important that employees are given appropriate opportunities for preventive (preventive) and therapeutic exercises.
Computer mouse
Working with a mouse on the computer is a causal problem for the development of RSI syndrome. Many affected persons work several hours with a bad hand position at the mouse. A good starting point may be to use a specially shaped mouse that supports a more physiological hand position.
Mouse pads with palm rest are also available. This means the hand bends less and there is less stress on fingers and forearm. In addition to these methods, the operating system and software can be adapted for easier and more efficient working with the mouse.
For example, the double-click time can be reduced or voice control can be set up. As further measures, regular breaks from working with the mouse should be taken and exercises and compensatory movements should be performed. This topic might also be of interest to you: Mouse arm
