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Musculoskeletal problems
These can range from general aches and pains to more serious problems and include:
- Upper limb disorders such as Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) tenosynovitis and carpal tunnel syndrome - by far the most important as it can quickly lead to permanent incapacity
- Back and neck pain and discomfort
- Tension stress headaches and related ailments
The basis for this illness concept is the idea that one can overuse a tool, such as a computer keyboard or musical instrument in a way that causes tissue damage leading to pain.
The following complaints are typical in patients that might receive a diagnosis of RSI:
- Pain in the arm (typically diffuse--i.e. spread over many areas).
- The pain is worse with activity.
- Weakness, lack of endurance.
These types of problem can be caused by:
- Maintaining an unnatural or unhealthy posture while using the computer
- Inadequate lower back support
- Sitting in the same position for an extended period of time
- An ergonomically poor workstation set up
