Chiropractic and RSI

RSI is not a new disease or a so-called “fashion phenomenon”, but has certainly existed since the Middle Ages. Monks who copied entire books already complained about painful elbows, hands and wrists, the so-called writer's cramp. Nowadays this condition is called Repetitive Strain Injury Syndrome in full and the best translation for this is: injury due to repeated repetition of the same movement.

Pain in the elbows? Different forms of RSI. RSI is a collective name for a number of conditions, such as:

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome                                                                               
The nerves that come under pressure from overload run through the wrist. A pinch of the nerve runs through the tunnel of the wrist. The result is pain that can mainly be felt in the wrist, hand and fingers.

Tennis elbow
Don't be mistaken! A tennis elbow is not always related to tennis. The cause is overloading the forearm by repeatedly using the muscle groups on the outside of the arm. The  pain  is mainly felt on the outside of the  elbow  and often radiates to the forearm.

Mouse arm
The mouse arm is a combination of the carpal tunnel syndrome and the tennis elbow. The cause is not only the intensive use of a computer mouse, but also the posture that someone has while working especially behind the computer. The pain is mainly felt in the forearm, wrist, hand and fingers.

Golfer’s elbow
Just like with the tennis elbow, the golfer’s elbow is not always related to golf. Overload of the muscle groups on the inside of the arm is the cause. The pain is felt on the inside of the elbow and often radiates to the forearm.

RSI causes

RSI is caused by repeating the same movements over and over as well as sitting or standing in a certain position for too long. Constant pulling of the muscle attachments causes them to become irritated and inflammation can develop. This puts pressure on the muscles, nerves and blood vessels. A blood vessel that is under pressure cannot supply enough oxygen, resulting in the build-up of waste products. In addition to repeatedly stressing the same muscle groups, other factors also play a major role in the development of RSI. A stressful workload, repetition of daily work, few breaks, poor working conditions and stress. The (work) posture is also very important.

RSI symptoms

RSI is common among certain professional groups such as secretaries, hairdressers, computer programmers, musicians, cashiers and writers (writer's cramp). People with these professions fall within the risk group, but in principle it can affect anyone. We distinguish three phases at RSI.

Early stage RSI
Initially, the patient feels a sensation of tingling, stiffness, or numbness in the neck, shoulder, arm, wrist, hand, or fingers. The complaints occur during or immediately after work, but also disappear, in whole or in part, after sufficient rest.

RSI in the advanced phase
There is no longer a relationship with performing certain tasks and the pain can occur at any time. Daily work is less successful and in some cases loss of strength may occur.

RSI in the advanced phase
In this phase, persistent pain is characteristic, which often makes it impossible to work. There is a definite loss of strength in the arms and hands. Sleeping is often difficult and many patients describe the pain as excruciating at this stage.

Chiropractic

Chiropractic is a practice that has been around for more than 100 years. Treatment focuses on disorders that affect the functioning of the musculoskeletal system and the relationship with the nervous system. A chiropractor examines the spine for blockages. Through a thorough examination and targeted treatment, the chiropractor locates and corrects these blockages. This restores the flow of nerves and allows the body to heal itself again.

The first visit

• Intake                        
  A patient questionnaire is filled in followed by a discussion with the chiropractor in order to establish a thorough case history.
• Examination              
  Chiropractic tests
  Neurological test
  Orthopaedic test
• X-ray, MRI, IDXA, ultrasound     
  Whichever is indicated necessary
• Diagnosis                       
  Given by the Chiropractor
• Treatment                      
  Nearly always already on the first visit

The chiropractic treatment in RSI

Chiropractors treat the strained muscle groups through pressure point therapy to help them relax again. This reduces the accumulated metabolic waste in the muscle. Once the muscles are relaxed, the tensile force of the tendon of the muscle in question on the attachment decreases. This makes it less irritated and reduces pain. Furthermore, in a mouse arm, for example, the limited movement of the wrist and elbow joint is treated by manipulation (chiropractic treatment). This will restore normal freedom of movement. When the desired treatment outcome has been achieved, the chiropractor will recommend that you return regularly for control treatments. Proper maintenance of the spine reduces the risk of repetitions and maintains optimal freedom of movement for the patient.

The most frequently asked questions

Can I still continue to do my job?
Yes, if you ensure that the desk set-up is good and you continue to do the prescribed exercises regularly.

Why do I have to come back when I feel well?
You can also ask the question, "Why do I have to go to the dentist for regular check-ups, even if I don't have a toothache?" By checking and optimizing the spine, you feel a lot more supple and fitter helping you to prevent complaints of pain.

Prevent RSI

• Alternate work and work posture as much as possible.
• Take a break regularly. Take a short break every 20 minutes and move the arms and hands to keep the blood flowing.
• Avoid stress and excessive workload.
• If you are working with a computer, make sure the monitor is right in front of you and at the correct height.
• Adapted (office) furniture is recommended.
• In the case of a mouse arm, it is recommended to use the computer mouse with the other hand as well.
• Never sleep on the stomach. The neck muscles and cervical vertebrae are then placed under great pressure.
• Consult a chiropractor regularly to check the spine.

Relieve pain

For acute complaints, such as pain in your elbows, use a cold compression to reduce the inflammatory process in the elbow and wrist. Cold compression can be created with a cloth wrapped around a plastic bag with ice cubes. Place this on the sensitive spot like  a tennis elbow on the outside of the elbow (no longer than 15 minutes, max. 3 times a day).

Finally
Make sure your children do not get RSI complaints. Inform them of this preventive advice. If you suffer from RSI yourself, consult a chiropractor in time and do not wait too long to treat this condition.

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