→ Repetitive strain injury: caused by repeated, or constant, muscle activation (such as typing or mousing).
It can often be made worse by poor posture or workstation setup.
Repetitive can mean constant muscle activation in my upper back (from slouching forward).
Or, repetitive can mean clicking a mouse repeatedly hundreds of times a day.
→ Carpal tunnel syndrome: pain in the wrists that is commonly caused by repetitive strain and overuse.
I used to have this pain because I held my wrists in an extended position for long periods of time.
Wrists should be straight and neutral when using a keyboard and mouse, not bent up or down.
Repetitive strain doesn’t only happen when I’m in a poor posture. It can also happen when I have good posture.
That’s why sitting isn’t the only enemy. Working in the exact same position for long periods of time is what I want to avoid (even if I’m in good posture). That’s why I work in multiple positions throughout the day (chair, standing, stool, reclined).
As far as my carpal tunnel syndrome, I used to have a tall, bulky keyboard and mouse that caused me to extend my wrists upward. Holding this position for long periods of time is what caused my carpal tunnel syndrome (not the act of typing).
When I switched to a flat, low profile keyboard and mouse, my wrist pain went away (completely) in a few days. It was eye-opening how a small change (practiced daily) could decrease so much computer-related pain.
If you like this article, my Computer Posture Newsletter should be very helpful for you.
Especially if you’re an athletic office worker, who wants to improve computer posture and increase work productivity.
I write about easy, actionable ways to:
→ Decrease computer-related pain
→ Increase energy
→ Improve mental clarity
→ Decrease muscle tension
→ Improve joint function
Click here to get started.
P.S. It’s always free. And you can unsubscribe anytime. Click here to learn more.
Thanks for your interest in computer posture.
Todd Bowen — Computer Posture Correction and Pain-Free Ergonomics: For Office Workers Who Want to Increase Work Productivity