Performing the same movement repetitively, over and over again generally results in a repetitive strain, eventually resulting in constant pain either in a muscle, tendon, or nerve; which is likely to worsen over time. Most people are unaware that when work-related activity causes a repetitive stress injury (RSI), they are likely to be eligible for Las Vegas workers’ compensation if such a condition prevents them from doing their job. The RSI-related compensation claims are increasing by the day.
According to the data compiled by the U.S National Library of Medicine, constant stress to the soft structures of the body cause repetitive strain injuries.
What Are RSI and What Are the Symptoms?
Injuries such as motion injuries, overuse injuries, occupational overuse syndrome, regional muscular disorder, motion injuries are all part of the ambit of repetitive stress injuries. The majority of the workers are more likely to ignore repetitive stress injuries since they develop slowly and do not show any symptoms in the initial phases. However, a catastrophic event can also cause an RSI.
Repeatedly performing in the same activity, again and again, may cause permanent or temporary damage to the nerves, tendons, muscles, and ligaments of an industrial employee. Pain or tenderness, tingling or discomfort, stiffness, cramp, throbbing, and weakness, are all considered red flags for the disease. RSIs commonly affect the upper body, such as:
- Wrists or hands
- Neck and shoulders
- Elbows and forearms
- Knees
- Lower back
Carpal tunnel syndrome is probably the most common RSI. Despite the nature of the job one might have, they may nevertheless, become a victim of this disease. It happens when the median nerve placed in the wrist along the forearm to the hand, faces compression caused by tendons and ligaments being inflamed or swollen. Workers who perform the same task repetitively on an assembly line or who work on keyboards at their job are more prone to this disease.
Women are three times more likely to catch this syndrome as compared to men. Individuals having a smaller tunnel panel in their wrists are also a common victim of the said disease. This syndrome can be caused by a trauma or an injury, thyroid disease, or diabetes. Pregnancy can also cause the disease to worsen.
Common Causes of an RSI:
RSI can be developed by several different occupational or non-occupational conditions. They are caused by microscopic tears in the tissue of tendons or muscles. Swelling and pain ensue when the human body does not get enough time to mend these tears.
A common factor that exists in all RSIs is repetitive motion. These small muscle tears do not get adequate time to heal due to performing in the same job over and over again. A common example is using a computer daily without appropriate workplace protection, such as a chair that encourages straight posture. Excessively using power tools or a jackhammer routinely may cause RSI due to the severe vibrations associated with such equipment. Severe exposure to cold weather may also trigger the disease.
Other common causes of this syndrome include:
- Remaining in the same posture for prolonged hours
- Maintaining an awkward pose for an extended period, such as standing with your arms over your head
- Constant use of technology
- Unhealthy work environments
- Fatigue
- Lifting heavy objects
- Pain and stress
- Too much swimming, golfing, other sports activity, particularly racket sports
- Assembly line tasks
- Excessive use of a tool such as a screwdriver
- Playing a musical ornament
- Scrubbing toilets or counters or mopping floors
What Are the Symptoms of a Repetitive Strain Injury?
The wrists and hands are commonly more susceptible to repetitive use injuries. However, you may still be doubtful whether the pain you are suffering is being caused by RSIs in the workplace or something else. The symptoms of such injury include:
- Tingling
- Numbing
- Burning
- Pain
- Aching
- Cramping
- Throbbing
- Loss of smell
- Tenderness
- Weakness in muscles
Various parts of your body may feel other similar symptoms. If possible, try to pause your rut so that you can determine the actual cause of your symptoms. You are more likely to be a victim in that case your symptoms return once you go back to perform your job. This is where you should consult a doctor.
Can I Use Las Vegas Workers’ Compensation To Treat RSI?
The answer is yes. Workers’ compensation covers more than just deadly disasters. The lawyers at our firm are fully equipped with the required ammunition to fight your case. In this way, you will be able to utilize your Las Vegas workers’ compensation to treat RSI.