Friday, January 18, 2013

Repetitive motion injuries: The perils of daily grind

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No one is immune to the strains of daily routines and activities. Commuting to and from work, working overtime, and running errands here and there can take their toll on the body, resulting to a condition known as repetitive motion injuries. Also known as repetitive strain injury or cumulative trauma disorder, repetitive motion injury (RMI) develops from the microscopic tears in the tissue which the body is unable to repair immediately.


Neurosurgeons, like Dr. Lisa Guyot and Dr. Aria Sabit, note that these muscular conditions are among the most common injuries in the US, and they are exacerbated by the strains of daily activities. Incorrect posture, twisting of the arm, muscle fatigue, trauma, and systemic diseases, in addition to repetitive motions, can lead to RMI. The pain can be debilitating enough that people could find it hard to perform their tasks well, affecting their productivity at work.


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The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) asserts that the disorder usually affects athletic people and those who play musical instruments. NINDS adds that people who perform carpentry, gardening, and computer work, as well as assembly line tasks, and meatpacking and sewing duties are also more vulnerable to RMI.


Generally, people with the disorder are advised to minimize or stop performing tasks which cause the symptoms. It is recommended that they take a break from their daily activities to give the body enough time to heal the affected areas. They’re also advised to perform warm-up and stretching exercises, and take painkillers or use splints to manage symptoms.


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Dr. Aria Sabit had been in the news for successfully treating a patient who had been suffering from repetitive motion injuries for 10 years. Learn more about the miracle surgery on Facebook.