Workholics must watch out for repetitive strain injury

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One in four computer users worldwide suffers from repetitive strain injury or RSI. And in India, the problem's hitting home at a younger age, with backache and cervical conditions on the rise.

But the most common complaint is carpal tunnel syndrome. When tissues within the carpal tunnel in the wrist squeeze and irritate the median nerve, it causes tingling and numbess of the thumb, index finger and middle finger. But there is more to RSI than carpal tunnel syndrome. Neurosurgeon, Max Healthcare, Dr Bipin Walia told CNBC-TV18, "The areas most affected are the wrists, neck and back."

Take 23-year old Sirish Rao. After a year of regularly putting in 50 hours a week, this young software professional developed cervical spondolysis. Software Engineer, Sirish Rao says, "My doctor said that my condition was seen in 50-60 year old patients, and I was the first 20-year old he had seen with this bad a problem. The problem starting with a nagging pain that would go away soon but then it became constant, so much so I couldn't drive. I used to sleep every night spraying my neck with Reactin (an analgesic spray)."

The constant and repeated use of a particular set of muscles or joints causes more than a little wear and tear. And you will feel it, if you have RSI. But what to do once you have RSI? Well, going in for physiotherapy with a trained professional certainly helps.

But try out a few small changes before it gets to that stage. Like, don't forget to take frequent breaks after every 20-30 minutes.

Prerna Uppal