Computer Caused?
 

I believe my condition was caused by the computer - overuse.

How many others believe that their condition was also caused by overuse of the computer?

It most certainly contributed to mine! 12-14 hour days on it certainly put me in a place where it made me vulnerable. Then carrying heavy bags constantly on that arm did the rest.

Iam confused about the cause of mine, i fell down some stairs awkwardly about 6 months prior to my symptoms....suffering no bad pain afterwards but my neck did go backwards.

I was working in an office which involed all day long computer use - i think possibly that a combination of the fall and the computer caused it (my posture wasnt great - used to perch on the edge of my chair a LOT)...im seeing who is think is the only UK TOS specialist in a few weeks so perhaps he'llbe able to give his view on it!

I absolutely think it's because of the computer. That and poor posture at my desk. How many of us sit slumped over when we type? Or don't sit correctly on the chair?

Years and years of that - and I think also switching to an ergonomic keyboard has contributed... Maybe it was just a coincidence - but I got the symptoms months after switching.

I would definitely say computer use contributed to this. 12hr+ days on the computer, not a clue what ergonimcs were.....

from work -
static postures/positions, overuse, repetition, speed, strength and 10 hr workdays x 15 yrs.

My part of the "blame" was my drive to have the best quota numbers and low reject rates.
Got me very good raises but really did a number on me took about 3-4 yrs to get back to a mild chronic stage.

The fact that I have some hypermobility played a part too, but it's not usually noticed or mentioned until after someone is injured with multiple RSI type problems.:(

Absolutely no doubt about it! I was working a temp job where the desk was set up horribly....no keyboard tray or wrist rest, monitor 2 arm lengths away, having to hold the phone between my shoulder and my ear while typing, chair wouldn't fit up under the desk....add to that tight deadlines and cold office!

I am sure my symptoms came from computer use, as I had no other trauma. I'm curious to know.... where did all of your symptoms start? in the neck area, hands, etc?

Mine started in the right shoulder blade area and quickly spread down my entire arm and has now moved up into my neck and is creeping over to the other side.

my first ever symptom was in the right thumb - it completely seazed up and was extremely painful to move. Then 2 months later, excruciating dull aching pain in my right shoulder blade - this stayed with me 24 hours a day for about 3 months and slowly eased to coming and going. Symptoms have progressed and changed from my neck/back feeling very weak through to pain in my arm and some in R hand - coldness in hand/arm/shoulder blade.....little finger tremors now and i can feel a pressure and looks swollen sometimes!...the list could go on......

Yes, my right thumb was one of the first.

They initially thought "Dequervain's." But then, the big surge happened.

Not a single person has emailed me. I am disappointed. Maybe I'll try posting again later...it's a big project.

I totally agree that the info needs to keep being put out there - that RSI can become a nasty chronic TOS or TOS type condition.
The more places it is posted it will be found and read about.

LIKE -
Don't keep working in pain and hoping it will just go away some day.

Make Drs & PTs find answers for you and give real help to you. Or find the ones that will help you.

Educate yourself about your body, how it works, and how best to repair it, before it becomes a painful & chronic condition.

Sorry!! I kind of don't understand the assignment :o Is it: How to help younger people using computers from getting broken like us?
:hug:

Friends,

You got it!

If you want to hear my plans that may involve you if you want it, I need some sort of written agreement not to share the details with anyone. REason? I've already had one site copy me word for word on their site. I don't want my ideas pilfered.

So again, please email me your number or I'll give you mine and we can talk and sign the simple agreement (a lot of new patent law supports this.)

And I have several ideas. Maybe one would be a great fit for you? And it's not consuming - I will be doing the work.

So please contact if you just want to hear what I had in mind, OK? Thanks

computer made it worse
 

Hi everyone
I haven’t been making any posts as I have been really busy. I now have a full-time job and I am doing a course at night school as well.
My theory as to why computers are linked to TOS, it is for the same reason that people who have jobs that require working overhead or working with arms out the front of your body or musicians, etc. They all require sustaining postures involving muscles connecting the scapula to the thoracic spine for long (abnormal) periods of time.
I believe that any thoracic spine injury (particularly one involving a rib) will not resolve as it should if one is on a computer for hour after hour or is involved in a pastime or occupation where continuous scapular stabilisation is required. This unresolved thoracic spine injury will cause irritation around the thoracic spine (like costochondritis but not at the sternum), the scapular stabilising muscles which attach to the spine will react (appearing to be weaker), changing the shoulder girdle posture and leading to pec minor or hyper-abduction syndrome.
The resultant symptoms are pain in upper back, poor posture, heavy arm, neurological symptoms in arm etc.
Historically, the treatments have been to try and strengthen the apparently weak scapular stabilisers, however this has only worsened the thoracic spine problem.
Surgery to “open” the thoracic outlet has largely been ineffective as it does not address the root cause.
Strategies that might help lessen the irritation at the rib /spine “joint”
Taping the shoulder back
Shoulder brace
Not using the affected arm (sling)
Anti inflammatory drugs
Not chest breathing (try not to sit, this causes pressure on the diaphragm)
Do not rest on the rib cage ( impossible I know but the worse we get the more we do it)
Avoid putting on weight (this places more pressure on the diaphragm)
Heat packs on the affected thoracic spine
Hope this might help someone
towelhorse