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Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
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RSI - Repetitive Stress Injury

Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

Repetitive stress injury (RSI) is caused by repeated or excessive movement of the shoulders and arms.

In order for the shoulder, arms, and hands to move, the muscles of the upper body must contract. Repetitive stress injury occurs when certain movements are made repeatedly, causing:

a diminished blood flow and oxygen supply to the muscles

tightening of the structures of the upper body, which makes them more susceptible to injury

rubbing of tendons against ligaments or bones, which causes inflammation of the tendons

pinched nerves, if tissues are inflamed or if repetitive movements rub the nerve

What are the causes and risks of the injury?

Causes of repetitive stress injury include:

repetitive and excessive use of the muscles of the upper limbs. This includes activities such as typing, sewing, heavy lifting, playing tennis, sawing wood, and using a cash register

poor posture when carrying out the same activities

poorly designed work conditions and work stations

pregnancy

If RSI is not successfully treated, nerve and tissue damage may cause a decrease in feeling and range of motion. There may be chronic pain or soreness in affected area. Disability or loss of employment may also occur.

RSI conditions include:

carpal tunnel syndrome, which causes pain and other symptoms in the hand and wrist

tendinitis, which is an inflammation of the tendons in any part of the body

bursitis, which is an inflammation of the sac that cushions a joint

ganglions, which are cysts that may occur on a tendon

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