Repetitive Strain Injuries

Repetitive Strain Injuries

Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) most commonly known as damage to nerves, tendons, tendon sheaths, muscles, joints of the wrists, forearm, elbow, shoulder and neck. Repetitive Strain Injuries can be confusing in that patients don’t understand the symptoms related and the causes or even more importantly 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 impacts or compressions for periods of time 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

Symptoms of RSI can range from discomfort to excruciating pain. Symptoms occur in the fingers, palm, wrist, forearm, shoulders, and neck. Pain in one area of the body may radiate to other connecting parts. 

General symptoms include:

-Aching or shooting pain (May be strongest at night).

-Tingling and burning sensations.

-Clumsiness of hands (loss of ability to grasp items, impaired thumb and finger dexterity).

-Swelling of hand and wrist.

-Hands feel cold.

-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, and/or using tools such as pliers can develop 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.

Carpel Tunnel Syndrome

Carpel tunnel is tingling, numbness and/or weakness in your hand due to pressure on the median nerve in your wrist. Carpel tunnel is the small space in your wrist that the median nerve and several tendons runs from you forearm into your hand.  The median nerve controls movement and feeling in your thumb and first three fingers. This area becomes compromised when there is 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. Our Chiropractic physicians will conduct an interview, review medical history, and perform a thorough examination. If diagnosed with RSI, the Chiropractor will set up a treatment plan specific to your situation, and needs. So if you suffer from pain in fingers, hand, wrist, forearm, shoulder, neck, or back seek a chiropractic physician. The sooner you do, the better you will feel.

Dr. Elton Clemence practices at Family First Chiropractic and Wellness at 142 Erickson Drive.www.family1stchiro.ca

Call 403-347-3261 for a consultation today