Reducing RSI - To go beyond is as wrong as to fall short

There is a good google blog post on reducing RSI were Dr. Taraneh Razavi states "There is a Chinese saying that "To go beyond is as wrong as to fall short." In other words, how long can you tap on that keyboard or sit in that chair before you hurt yourself"

Here are the tips from the Blog:

• Breaks should be taken every 30-45 minutes for at least 5 minutes. If you need assistance there are free downloadable timers that will help remind you to do so.
• Stretch your arms, hands, neck, and back during breaks. This yoga site demonstrates some exercises. Other sites are listed below.
• Maintain posture alignment. Don't slouch on the couch with the laptop.
• Work stations should be reviewed initially and with each office move. Adjust your chair, monitor, keyboard, mouse, laptop. Alternate keyboards and mice periodically.
• Shift your gaze from the computer screen to the distance. And don't forget to blink!
• Limit non-essential computer use. This may be heresy -- but do give the surfing, gaming, emailing, and text messaging a rest.
• If pain occurs or persists, see your doctor, who may recommend wrist brace, ice packs, anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen, cortisone injections, physical therapy, and most importantly, rest to allow healing. Don't procrastinate in addressing your symptoms -- the sooner you tend to them, the better off you are.

As a person that is on computer more then 10 hours a day I dont have much problems with RSI type of symptoms as majority of time I am actually reading. I go from my office, meeting rooms to now sitting on the floor when at home. At home I need something to be supporting my back otherwise it gets sore.


The only times I have had hand pains are from playing games eg days of 4 hour stand in Age of Empire or FPS. I also have had problems if my mouse is not working normally and pimples on my nose and face probably from the radiation.

One thing that hasnt happened since using a notebook is after around 10 hours straight in front of a 17 inch screen and getting tired, I start thinking in different accents where my favourite was jamaican accent.

In terms of eyes I dont wear glasses even though both my parents were glasses and I believe that is because from an early age I have been exercising my eyes.