ABSTRACT
Office workers complain commonly of a number of health problems such as musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), which include upper limb disorders (ULDs/RSI) and backache, as well as eye fatigue, headaches, and stress. Some individuals believe that using desktop computers and mobile devices virtually guarantees that they will experience some form of ill health. That is not necessarily the case. The important factor is not whether people use this equipment, but under what circumstances they use it. There are very simple aspects of the working environment that create quite significant pain and discomfort. However, these simple aspects can be addressed quite easily and can, in almost all cases, be rectified. This chapter discusses specific ULDs, such as tenosynovitis, epicondylitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, ganglions, tendinitis, Dupuytren’s Contracture, vibration white finger, thoracic outlet syndrome, frozen shoulder, osteoarthritis, and cervical spondylosis. It focuses on the causes of these conditions, such as repetition, awkward posture, force, duration of activity, static muscle work, and psychosocial factors, as well as factors outside of the workplace, such as leisure activities, that might have an impact. This chapter also discusses backache, visual fatigue, and stress.
