People often tell me that they have RSI (repetitive strain injury) and want to know which mouse I'd recommend to relieve their systems. I only wish that things were this simple to get an instant cure.
RSI or Repetitive Strain Injury is a general term that covers a multitude of conditions in the same way that a "sports injury" is used to describe a bump on the head or a twisted ankle.
When you think about it most ailments will get the default advice of "take 2 paracetemol and stay in bed" regardless of what might be wrong. It seems to be a method for finding out if your own defence systems will deal with the problem if given a couple of days to get on with it and if you don't get better presumably you will come back. It is not uncommon to hear some doctors recommending that the best way to cure Repetitive Strain Injury is to stop repeating the activity that is causing the strain, which results in the injury.
However for the majority of us, this would involve a complete change of career that doesn't involve the use of a computer. As this is impractical for most people, you are left with two practical options; avoid getting the injury in the first place, or develop a method of managing it so can continue using computers.
Avoidance is a really good plan. Anyone who has suffered an RSI can tell you how miserable it can be and how shockingly serious its impact is on your working life.
The following steps are my suggestions for working on a computer without suffering.
1. Adjust your whole workstation and environment to suit you.
2. If your equipment is not positioned correctly and you can not adjust it - it is not ergonomic and you will suffer as a result.
3. Invest in a good adjustable chair. It may seem expensive at first but it is far more effective (and comfortable) than visiting a chiropractor.
4. Adjust your desk to the right height for you. This is not the same thing as what your chair will allow. If necessary, insert small blocks of wood under the legs or saw a bit off if its too high. Alternatively invest in a height adjustable desk.
5. Get a fully adjustable keyboard like the Goldtouch. In fact get a Goldtouch, nothing else comes close. You can read up on why on the internet, just google "Goldtouch keyboard"
6. Get several different mice and pointing devices in addition to the one you have. Alternate between them in order to minimise the repetition. A trackball may feel awkward to use at first but you will get used to it. Vertical mice reduce twisting or pronation in the wrist
7. Get a document holder that can sit over and behind your keyboard. There are lots to choose from, the Microdesk will fit over the Goldtouch and gives lots of space for papers. The key feature is that you want to keep all your work in a straight line head up position
8. Place your monitor at eyelevel and at a reasonable distance. Monitor arms are excellent for this and also free up space on your desk. If you use a laptop screen make sure you position it the right height and always use an external keyboard and mouse.
9. Use RSI Guard - ALWAYS. You are part of the problem because you think it won't happen to you or you simply can't be bothered. RSI Guard is simple software that can really help you be more aware of how your behaviour is hurting you.
10. Act Now! Your body will tolerate maltreatment for a long time but once it gives up - you are in big trouble, and the road to recovery is painful and slow.
Paul Goddard is an Education Officer at Keytools and a well known RSI expert. He claims that RSI problems are easily preventable and his company, Keytools provides assistive technology for people with RSI including the RSIGuide software for prevention of RSI
Related posts: