According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor:

Of the 5.7 million nonfatal injuries and illnesses reported in 2000, 5.3 million were injuries. The remainders of these private industry cases (362,500 cases) were work related illnesses. Sixty seven percent (241,800 cases) of the workplace illnesses were disorders associated with repeated trauma, such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

What are Repetitive Motion Disorders ?

Repetitive motion disorders (RMD) are a variety of muscular conditions that result from repeated motions performed in the course of normal work or other daily activities. RMD may be caused by overexertion, incorrect posture, muscle fatigue, compression of nerves or tissue, too many uninterrupted repetitions of an activity or motion, or friction caused by an unnatural or awkward motion such as twisting the arm or wrist. Over time, these conditions can cause temporary or permanent damage to the soft tissues in the body, such as the muscles, nerves, tendons, and ligaments. RMD can occur in the hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, neck, back, hips, knees, feet, legs, and ankles, however, the hands and arms are most often affected. Generally, RMD affect individuals who perform repetitive tasks such as assembly line work, meatpacking, sewing, playing musical instruments, and computer work.

Repetitive motion leads to the longest work absences !

“Repetitive motion, such as typing, using computer mouse, grasping tools and scanning groceries, resulted in the longest absences from work among the leading events and exposures in 2000 - a median of 19 days” - according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor.

Synonyms for Repetitive Motion Disorders (RMD) include: Cumulative Trauma Disorder (CTD), Repetitive Motion Injuries (RMI), Occupational Overuse Syndrome (OOS), Repetitive Motion Syndrome (RMS), Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI) and work - related musculoskeletal disorders.

Symptoms of these disorders may include pain, fatigue, tingling or numbness, visible swelling or redness of the affected area, and loss of flexibility and strength. For some individuals, there may be no visible sign of injury although they may find it hard to perform easy tasks, because sometimes it takes months or years before symptoms appear.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Leads All Other Causes of Lost Workdays:

Preventing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:

The cause of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is very complex. A wrist support such as the ZSOLT™ Massaging Mouse Pad may help reduce the risk of CTS. However, one must follow the proper, recommended ergonomic practices to ensure positive results.

The following are some tips on how to adjust your workstation to fit you and how to maintain proper posture while computing.

1. Sit with your lower back against the chair and your feet flat on the floor or on a footrest. Your trunk and the upper legs should form an angle between 90° and 115°.

2. Adjust your desk and chair so that your elbows are bent at right angle (90°) or slightly higher and your forearms are approximately parallel to the floor. Elbows should be kept at sides.

3. Place your mouse on a surface close to and at the same height as the keyboard.

4. Keep your wrist in a neutral position (straight). You can help keep your wrist neutral by using a wrist rest like the ZSOLT ™ Massaging Mouse Pad placed at the same height as the keyboard.

5. Avoid bending your wrist up or down.

6. Avoid twisting motions (turning your wrist left and right).

7. Position your monitor directly in front of you, approximately an arm’s length away, with the top of the screen slightly below eye level. Tip the monitor back at an angle similar to that used when reading a book.

8. Use a document holder to position work at eye level.

9. Adjust your lighting and monitor to prevent glare or use an anti-glare filter.

10. Use adjustable tables and chairs to correctly position the keyboard or monitor.

11. Pay attention to the ergonomics of your workstation:
• Use a wrist pad to rest your wrist on, rather than resting them on the desk or the keyboard. This type of pad runs along the width of your mouse or your keyboard
• Consider an ergonomic chair with arm rests.

12. Take a break or switch tasks on a regular basis:
• Take a one minute break every 20 minutes, or at least a five minute break every hour. Get up about every hour and briefly stretch yourself.
• Vary your activities, if possible. (For example by reading a report or attending a meeting)

13. Use only the force of effort needed for a certain task:
• Don't pound on the keys
• Hold the mouse lightly

14. Keep your arms and hands warm

15. Keep in shape through stretching, exercising and diet. For instance, simple at-your-desk exercises, such as stretching your fingers, rotating your wrist and shaking out your hands can help.