A repetitive strain injury (RSI) is most commonly known as damage to
nerves, tendons, tendon sheaths, muscles and joints caused by repetitive
movement and overuse. Repetitive strain injuries can be confusing in that
patients don’t understand how the symptoms are related, what the causes are or how
can it be treated.
Causes of RSI
Repetitive strain injuries occur through overuse, poor posture and/or poor technique particularly while using the hands. Repeated awkward or forceful tasks for sustained periods of time are major factors causing RSI. Workers do not make the connection between their aches and pains developing in the work place or in the field. Repeated vibrations, forceful impact or compression for periods of time can cause microscopic tears in the tendons and muscles. Over time the sheaths around the tendons start to chafe causing tendons to become inflamed. Inflammation of the sheath compresses against adjacent nerves, which compromises the nerves nearby.
Symptoms of RSI
-Aching or shooting pain
-Tingling and burning sensations
-Clumsiness of hands (loss of ability to grasp items, impaired thumb and finger dexterity)
-Swelling of hand and wrist
-Wasting of muscles at the base of the thumb
- Stiffness or restricted movement
Common Types of Repetitive Strain Injuries
Tenosynovitis
Rapid, repetitive, and repeated twisting movement of the forearms and hands. Patients that do a lot of keyboard work or work using tools can suffer from tenosynovitis. Tenosynovitis and tendonitis sound similar. The difference is that tendonitis is inflammation of the tendons. While tenosynovitis is inflammation of the tendon sheaths usually in the hand or wrist.
DeQuarvain’s Syndrome
This is a type of tenosynovitis that is known as “trigger thumb” or “Washerwoman’s Sprain”. It also affects the sheath common to the two tendons of the thumb just above the wrist. This repetitive strain injury is caused by repeated trigger-like movement involving the wrist.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel is tingling, numbness and or weakness in your hand due to pressure on the median nerve in your wrist. The carpal tunnel is the small space in your wrist that the median nerve and several tendons run through. The median nerve controls movement and feeling in your thumb and first three fingers. This area becomes compromised when there is swelling, repetitive finger movement, pinching and squeezing of fingertips, excessive use of the index finger, hand exertions with bending and twisting of the wrist, and overly tight grip for long periods of time.
Chiropractic for RSI
Chiropractic is an effective treatment option for RSI. Dr. Marlee will conduct an interview, review medical history, and perform a thorough examination. If diagnosed with RSI, she will set up a treatment plan specific to your situation, and needs. If you suffer from pain in your fingers, hand, wrist, forearm, shoulder, neck, or back seek a chiropractor. The sooner you do, the better you will feel.
