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Potential Medical Conditions
Computers are used increasingly everywhere, with more and more people sitting in front of
computers for a longer period 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.
WARNING
Prolonged or improper use of a computer workstation may pose a risk of serious
injury. To reduce your risk of injury, set up and use your notebook in the proper
manner described. Please note that precautions can be taken in order to prevent
physical discomfort.
For more information, please refer to:
Setting Up a Healthy Work
Environment
→
Reducing the Risk of Injuries
in this Electronic User Guide.
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
notebook 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
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 are pain and stiffness in neck, shoulders, arms, wrists and hands. Other
symptoms are cramps, tingling and exhaustion in these areas.
The Three Stages of Repetitive Strain Injury
Real Repetitive Strain Injury pain implies that the problems have persisted for a longer period
of time, normally for a minimum of three months. The development can be divided into three
stages:
•
Stiffness, numbness, irritation, sometimes in combination with light or sharp pains. These
problems disappear, but return when similar work is done.
•
The problems do not disappear overnight. Continuous light pain, also after a period of rest.
After a longer period of rest (holidays) the pain does go away, but returns easily when
similar work is done.
•
Continuous pain often combined with reduced strength and less accurate control. At work,
the pain intensifies. When rested, the pain remains.
