repetitive computer strain
Occupational Overuse Syndrome (OOS) or repetitive strain injury (RSI) can affect the hands, neck, back and eyes and often occurs as a result of prolonged computer use. Also sometimes know as carpal tunnel syndrome, it RSI can cause numbness and/or pain in the hands and wrists due to compression of the median nerve, which runs down the arm to the fingers. The pain can be extremely severe, extending all the way to the neck. It can often occur more frequently in people who have a a genetic predisposition, possibly suffering from thyroid problems, diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.
Carpal tunnel syndrome may be caused by extended periods of short, repetitive movement such as typing. Without enough rest and alternative exercises, the continuous motions can irritate the flexor tendons that travel with the median nerve to the hand through the "carpal tunnel" ,an area in the wrist surrounded by bones and a transverse ligament. The inflamed tendons squeeze the nerve against the ligament.
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