Background Information

There are a number of different terms which describe computer-related health problems:

• RSI - Repetitive Strain Injury
• OOS - Occupational Overuse Syndrome
• CTD - Cumulative Trauma Disorder

Typical symptoms are inflammations, pain and numbness in the afflicted areas. Fatigue, lack of endurance, weakness, tingling or loss of sensation, clumsiness, stiffness, lack of coordination and hypersensitivity are other signs.

The following serious conditions fall under the umbrella term CTD:

• cubital or carpal tunnel syndrome
• tendonitis
• tenosynovitis
• focal dystonia
• etc..

If you suspect that you suffer from any of these conditions make sure that you visit your physician as soon as possible.

There are 4 major causes for CTDs:

• Repetition
• Posture
• Forced Speed
• Stress

CTD prevention and recovery is best approached through a combination of 3 approaches:

• Pacing
• Stretching
• Behavior Modification

Pacing

Your muscles, tendons and joints need time to recover from repetitive activities and static posture. This is not only the case at the end of the work day, but also continually throughout the day. Working on your computer for 3 straight hours without interruption will cause much more damage than working on the computer for 4 hours with regular breaks. You need to learn how to pace yourself.

Stretching

Stretching is one of the most effective and simple ways to prevent and recover from CTD injuries.

Regular stretching breaks increase blood flow to the muscles and tendons, prevent cramped posture and the buildup of tension in the muscles. It strengthens the tendons and relaxes the body.

It also has stress relieving qualities.

Behavior Modification

The emergence of painful conditions is usually due to incorrect posture and faulty keyboarding and mousing techniques.

While pacing and stretching can relief symptoms, without behavior modification the symptoms will reappear. Advice on correct posture, technique and workspace setup is therefore of paramount importance.

MacBreakZ combines all three of these approaches.

Windows Version

Check out ergonomix for Windows 95/98/NT/2000/XP.

Quick User Survey

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Books on RSI

If you want to find out more about RSI or stretching, check out our list of recommended reading.

RSI Background

This link provides background information about preventing and recovering from RSI.

Injury Prevention

Find out how MacBreakZ can help you prevent Repetitive Strain Injury.

Recovery from RSI

If you are already injured read the disclaimer below carefully, then learn how to start recovering.

Disclaimer

The techniques, ideas, and suggestions in this product are not intended as a substitute for proper medical advice! Consult your physician or health care professional before performing any new exercise or exercise technique, particularly if you are pregnant or nursing, or if you are elderly, or if you have any chronic or recurring conditions. Any application of the techniques, ideas, and suggestions in this document is at the reader's sole discretion and risk.

The author and publisher of this product and their employers make no warranty of any kind in regard to the content of this product, including, but not limited to, any implied warranties of merchantability, or fitness for any particular purpose. The author and publisher of this document and their employers are not liable or responsible to any person or entity for any errors contained in this product, or for any special, incidental, or consequential damage caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly by the information contained in this document.