Setting Up A Healthy Work Environment; Repetitive Strain Injury (Rsi) - NEC Generation N3000 M760s User Manual

Setting Up a Healthy Work Environment

Warning:
Preface
injury (see "Potential Medical
developing these disorders due to pre-existing conditions or psychosocial factors (see
Existing Conditions and Psychosocial
your computer in the manner described in the
that precautions can be taken in order to prevent physical discomfort (see
Injuries").
Potential Medical Conditions
Computers are everywhere. More and more people sit in front of computers for longer periods of time.
Some nerve, tendon and muscle disorders (musculoskeletal disorders) may be associated with repetitive
activities, improper work environments, and incorrect working habits. Examples of musculoskeletal
disorders that may be associated with certain forms of repetitive activities include: carpal tunnel
syndrome, tendinitis, tenosynovitis, de Quervain's tenosynovitis and trigger finger, as well as other nerve,
tendon and muscle disorders.
Although some studies have shown an association between increasing hours of keyboard use and the
development of some musculoskeletal disorders, it is still unclear whether working at a computer causes
such disorders. Some doctors believe that using the keyboard and mouse may aggravate existing
musculoskeletal disorders.
Note:
contact a doctor if you experience pain, tenderness, swelling, burning, cramping, stiffness,
throbbing, weakness, soreness, tingling and/or numbness in the hands, wrists, arms, shoulders,
neck, back and/or legs.

Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)

Repetitive Strain Injury is caused by a constant tension of the muscles in your arms and by making the
same repetitive movements with fingers, wrist and elbow when controlling the mouse. The symptoms of
RSI are pain and stiffness in neck, shoulders, arms, wrists and hands. Other symptoms are cramps,
tingling and exhaustion in these areas.
From Monks to Video Games Users
Repetitive Strain Injury might seem a modern age disease, caused by the increasing use of computers at
work and at home, but monks already caught it in the Middle Ages. In the 16th century the Italian doctor
Ramazini described the same symptoms among monks writing bibles day in day out in cold and dark
rooms. In later centuries similar symptoms like knitting-, telegrapher-, hairdresser- and violin arms
occurred more often. The latest versions of RSI are caused by minor movements of the thumb when
operating the joystick of a game console.
© 2007-2009, NEC Computers S.A.S. All rights reserved.
prolonged or improper use of a computer workstation may pose a risk of serious
Conditions"). Please note that some people are more susceptible to
Factors"). To reduce your risk of injury, set up and use
"Arrange Your Equipment"
Preface
"Pre-
section. Please note
"Reducing The Risk of
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