Do I have RSI?

[osaddict]

I seem to have developed a pain in my right arm (my mouse arm) - the pain is basically @ the back of my upper arm and on the back of my shoulder.

This is on my work pc - when I stop using the pc @ around 5.30 it still hurts, generally this goes off @ around 8pm, and funilly enuf starts up again after ive been in for about half an hour.

I have my feet flat on the ground, sit up straight- have my forearms resting flat on the desk, and the mouse next to the keyboard - i.e. i have to move my arm to reach it, but not a stretch...

Anyone got any ideas? - It's really painful now and I'm having to use my left hand on the mouse which is slowing me up big time!

[SPIKE09]

Certainly sounds like an RSI, for My sins i am a health and Safety dude for the MOD and we insist on footrests and those lovely gel filled wrist rests and gel wristrest mouse mats.
They do help as does a break away from the KB and mouse every so often, no good if you are in the middle of a frag fest though.

[osaddict]

Thanks spike - well, ive kinda got a foot rest in the form of a small subwoffer from a set of dell speakers lol, nothing gell filled - at present i have a highlighter pen under each end of my keyboard thus tilting it in the oposite direction - supposed to be good.

This is just a research based / tech job - luckily i dont game what so ever!

[SPIKE09]

Don't know about your employers policy but We have to do a DSE (display screen assesment for workstations, the basics are screen glare, adjustable chair and monitor plus about 20 other items.
This is presented to management and a copy kept at the workstation and management are obliged to provide any H&S related stuff free of charge.:bigggrin:

[osaddict]

Na, I work for a company which totals 23 people at present- just a limited company - nothing special, and protocal like that doesnt really figure in this place.

I'm sure if i piped up they would do stuff and not ignore me, but im just not entirely sure what the problem is at present

A colleague suggested a trackerball rather than a mouse, but im not sure - i dont wanna get thumb strain!

[SPIKE09]

Na, I work for a company which totals 23 people at present- just a limited company - nothing special, and protocal like that doesnt really figure in this place.

I'm sure if i piped up they would do stuff and not ignore me, but im just not entirely sure what the problem is at present

A colleague suggested a trackerball rather than a mouse, but im not sure - i dont wanna get thumb strain! They are above the magic number to have to have a H&S policy statement and to have risk assesments in place to avoid this kind of stuff.


PS they thought i was a geek for frequenting forums and giving tech and folding advice. H&S over the web there is no hope:tongue:

[osaddict]

Hmm, not sure it's a subject I can approach at present - its a 'tricky' time

Just shuffling around trying to get comfortable - seem to have sore shoulders now too :(

I think I'm basically falling apart @ the tender age of 24 lol

[SPIKE09]

HMM seems to be tricky times all over the UK, 3 weeks and my custom title comes true will have to think of a new one:confused::wink:

[bothered]

I had the same thing. I started in my right shoulder after a while on the PC. I put it down to just holding my right (mouse) arm out on the desk. It would stiffen up and become painful. I ended up having pysiotherapy on it. The physio guy said there is a sack around the shoulder joint and it seems to be contracting. He did some pressure on it, stretching the sack, and some ultra sound treatment. It cleared up and has never come back. I'd suggest swinging your arm around every so often to keep it moving and avoid keeping it stationary for too long.

[osaddict]

sounds like some good advice bothered - think ill start by moving it towards the kettle for a brewski :D