NEC POWERMATE P Manual page 89

Potential Medical Conditions
Computers are used everywhere. More and more people sit in front of computers for longer
periods 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 computer in the manner
described in the section on "Arrange your Equipment". Please note that precautions
can be taken in order to prevent physical discomfort (see section on "Reducing the
Risk of Injuries").
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
computer 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 of RSI 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 RSI-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.
Pre-Existing Conditions and Psychosocial Factors
Pre-existing conditions that may cause or make some people more susceptible to
musculoskeletal disorders include the following: hereditary factors, vascular disorders, obesity,
nutritional deficiencies such as Vitamin B deficiency, endocrine disorders such as diabetes,
hormonal imbalances, connective tissue disorders such as arthritis, prior trauma to the hands,
wrists, arms, shoulders, neck, back, or legs, prior musculoskeletal disorders, aging, fluid
retention due to pregnancy, poor physical conditioning, dietary habits and other conditions.
Psychosocial factors associated with these disorders include: workplace stress, poor job
satisfaction, lack of support by management and/or lack of control over one's work.
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