The diagnosis of mouse arm or repetitive strain injury (RSI) syndrome refers to pain in the neck and hand caused by daily computer work. Does the work need to be changed or is there a chance of recovery?
What is mouse arm?
Mouse arm or RSI syndrome occurs when the neck-shoulder-arm area is permanently overloaded. Thus, secretaries are particularly likely to exhibit this condition. For this reason, mouse arm is also called repetitive strain injury syndrome (RSI syndrome) in technical language. Mouse arm first manifests itself in a lack of sensation and loss of strength in the arm. It is noticeable that pain only appears later. Other characteristics of RSI syndrome are tingling or numbness in the fingers, hands or forearm, which will later lead to more or less severe pain. The joints in the hands, arms and shoulders may stiffen. Especially in the morning, mouse arm often causes aching and cold hands. Mouse arm can also cause muscle spasms, as well as coordination problems in the affected extremities.
Causes
Mouse arm particularly affects frequent typists. This includes copywriters as well as graphic designers and journalists. They sit at the computer for many hours every day and perform thousands of clicks with the mouse. Over time, these repetitive movements overload tendons, muscles and nerves. In addition, the surrounding tissue is permanently irritated. A workplace that is not ergonomically set up often causes RSI syndrome. Causes of mouse arm also include stress, poor body awareness, and a heavy workload. Incorrect posture can also lead to RSI syndrome.
Symptoms, complaints and signs
The modern phenomenon of mouse arm produces acute signs of overuse, such as a pulling sensation in the arm used to operate the mouse. If these warning signs are not heeded or treated, further discomfort is imminent. These can radiate from the hand and arm to the shoulder and neck region. Typical symptoms of mouse arm include discomfort such as tingling or numbness in the hands and fingers. Pain can occur that worsens with each use of the mouse. An ergonomic mouse and consistent rest can help. The early symptoms of mouse arm or RSI syndrome can extend from the fingertips to the shoulder and neck region. In this respect, the term “mouse arm” is misleading. Numbness, tingling in the wrist and fingers or pain in the mouse arm indicate an RSI syndrome. Additionally, carpal tunnel syndrome can contribute to pain and discomfort. Mouse arm symptoms are initially load-dependent. In the second stage of RSI syndrome, the muscles of the affected arm reveal increasing weakness. The symptoms are now permanent. They no longer respond to rest. There may be coordination difficulties in the extremities and joint stiffness. The degree of pain in the affected arm increases. There is already discomfort at low levels of exertion. If symptoms become chronic, they can no longer be expected to heal completely.
Diagnosis and course
The general practitioner makes the diagnosis of mouse arm on the basis of the symptoms described. There are movement tests that confirm the clinical picture.X-rays are not used for examination, as are ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging. The reason is that pathological changes cannot be visualized with these methods. In the case of mouse arm, however, the neurologist will measure the nerve conduction velocity in order to detect the extent of the damage. The course of RSI syndrome is positive, provided that workplace conditions are changed immediately after diagnosis. If the preventive measures are forgotten, mouse arm will reoccur shortly. Recognition of RSI syndrome as an occupational disease is not always possible. Affected persons should therefore document the course of the mouse arm disease very precisely.
Complications
Through RSI syndrome, sufferers primarily suffer from severe pain that can occur in different areas of the body. In most cases, different muscles hurt, and the pain can also spread to neighboring regions. The patient’s quality of life is significantly reduced by RSI syndrome.Furthermore, pain in the tendons and joints is not uncommon, so that movement restrictions and further limitations in the patient’s everyday life occur. It is not uncommon for those affected to also suffer from numbness or tingling in the affected regions. The permanent pain can also cause psychological discomfort, so that the RSI syndrome often leads to depression or other moods. If the pain is also present during sleep, it can also lead to sleep disturbances. As a rule, RSI syndrome can be treated by physiotherapy measures. No particular complications occur and the complaints can be resolved relatively well. However, in many cases, psychotherapy must also take place to address the causes of RSI syndrome. In some cases, the permanent use of painkillers can lead to stomach problems.
When should you see a doctor?
Anyone who works on a PC all day or plays computer games excessively at night can suffer from mouse arm due to hours of strain on the muscles of the hand and arm. RSI syndrome can cause severe pain and can become chronic if left unattended for long enough. Therefore, seeing a doctor is advised if the frequency of computer use cannot be brought down. A sick leave may be indicated. A visit to the doctor is also advisable because mouse arm can be accompanied by other symptoms. These require clarification. For example, it may be accompanied by an increasing loss of strength in the arm, numbness in the fingers or other sensations such as tingling. These symptoms may be due to nerve inflammation or carpal tunnel syndrome. Conditions in the neck or shoulder can also cause radiating pain in the arm. Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may be appropriate. Seeing a doctor is necessary if only because Repetitive Strain Injury would progress in pain severity if sufferers do not change anything. In addition to behavioral changes, ergonomic adjustments at the workplace would also be useful, for example. The doctor’s visit will rule out other conditions and more clearly define possible courses of action. The prescription of physiotherapeutic measures can be a consequence of the doctor’s visit. If the mouse arm has developed as a result of improper stress at the workplace, other measures may also be considered.
Treatment and therapy
Treatment for mouse arm usually relies on consistent changes in conditions at the personal workplace. Everyone should be emphatic with their boss here. If necessary, an occupational physician can be consulted. Furthermore, the treating physician will prescribe physiotherapy. Helpful for RSI syndrome are massages and gymnastics. It is important to apply the exercises shown by the physiotherapist permanently at home or in the office. A mouse arm needs especially a lot of warmth. Radiation can also relieve the discomfort. Exercise baths also help with RSI syndrome. Of course, painkillers and glucocorticoids are also used. Tablets should not be taken permanently, however, as they do not combat the cause and can lead to dependence. Sometimes the short-term use of antidepressants also helps with mouse arm, so that the patient can direct his thoughts away from the pain and find relaxation. Psychotherapy would also be conceivable in order to be able to cope better with the pain. However, treatment of mouse arm is always very time-consuming. Movement patterns that cause pain have to be replaced by correct patterns. This requires a lot of time and practice.
Outlook and prognosis
With lifestyle changes and general movement patterns, the prognosis for mouse arm is favorable. In particular, health conditions at work or at the desk at home must be controlled and optimized. Restructuring of ergonomic procedures must be undertaken for relief and cure of the symptoms. In addition, there are numerous self-help options that contribute to a favorable course of the disease. Massages, sufficient movements as well as physiotherapeutic exercises can be initiated by the affected person himself in addition to medical treatment. Thus, in this disease, the patient himself can contribute a lot to maintaining and improving his health.In addition, the consumption of painkillers or other medications for this disease should be reduced to a minimum. This minimizes the risk of side effects and at the same time reduces the likelihood of a secondary disease developing. To improve health, the way in which daily tasks are performed should be checked from an orthopedic point of view. Small changes are often sufficient to bring about a considerable alleviation of the health impairments. Additionally to a support the change of the cognitions is important. The attention of the thoughts is often directed directly to the pain. Through relaxation techniques or other procedures, the cognitive patterns can be optimized so that ultimately freedom from symptoms is possible.
Prevention
RSI syndrome can be effectively prevented by making sure to exercise regularly. Several breaks of a few minutes must be scheduled every hour when working at the PC. To prevent mouse arm from developing, the workplace should be ergonomic. Hold the PC mouse loosely and switch regularly between mouse and keyboard. Always keep the joints warm and do not sit at the computer in addition during leisure time. If symptoms of RSI syndrome occur despite all precautions, one should immediately go to the orthopedist.
Aftercare
First and foremost, sufferers of mouse arm suffer from severe pain that can occur in a wide variety of areas of the body, which significantly limits their quality of life. In addition to recovery, aftercare also focuses on promoting a more confident approach to the situation. Affected persons can no longer perform everyday tasks independently and are therefore permanently dependent on the help of relatives. In this context, uplifting conversation can reduce the pressure of suffering. The persistent numbness and tingling can sometimes promote depressive moods. In some cases, the pain is also present during sleep. Sleep disturbances then occur. This causes the affected person to feel permanently irritable and tired. As a rule, the disease can be cured with physiotherapy. As a rule, no particular complications occur with this clinical picture. The complaints can be quickly limited and reduced. In many cases, sufferers have to undergo psychotherapy to find the origin of the disease. In some cases, the permanent intake of medication is necessary. These can lead to stomach complaints.
This is what you can do yourself
In order to permanently counteract mouse arm or RSI syndrome, the affected person can also become active himself in everyday life. An important role is played by changing the monotonous movement sequences that are responsible for the development of the complaints. Mouse arm often occurs because the person affected clutches the computer mouse too tightly with his or her hand. Instead, it is better to hold the mouse loosely and make as few double clicks as possible with it. It can also be helpful to switch regularly between mouse and keyboard. It is also advisable to use key commands as much as possible. Another effective self-help measure is the use of special supports for hands and forearms to relieve the strain on them. It is also extremely important to take regular breaks from computer work. Furthermore, the person affected should purchase an ergonomic chair for his or her workplace. A sitting position that is both natural and comfortable is very helpful. It is advisable to choose a seat height that allows the legs to reach a right angle with the feet when touching the floor. Other useful measures include regular standing and stretching of the arms and back. Because stress promotes the development of mouse arm, stressful situations should be reduced with the help of relaxation methods. Useful relaxation methods include yoga, meditation or Jacobsson’s progressive muscle relaxation. The correct way to sit can be learned by attending a back school.
