Upper limb disorder

ULD Upper Limb Disorder

RSI Repetitive Strain Injury

WRULD Work Related Upper Limb Disorder

OOS Occupational Overuse Syndrome

CTD Cumulative Trauma Disorder

OCD Occupational Cervico-brachial Disorder

Each of the above terms refers to the same condition. The first three are used in the

UK. OOS in Australia, CTD in the USA and OCD in Japan.

Some of these terms are now less commonly used eg RSI as there may be no strain involved and no sign of injury. Equally the symptoms may not have been caused by your work or occupation (WRULD/OOS) but may affect how you are able to carry out your work. The favoured term in the UK is currently ULD.

ULD covers symptoms experienced in the neck, shoulder, arm, forearm, elbow, wrist, fingers and thumb. Symptoms may include tenderness, ache, pain, stiffness, weakness, tingling and numbness.

Risk factors include computer use and assembly work. Risk is increased if repetitive or forceful movements are allied with a poor posture.

Changing your way of working can considerably relieve symptoms. Try to avoid repeated actions and uncomfortable or sustained positions. Decrease the use of force. It is important to work with your physio and employer to identify and change conditions that may have lead to or exacerbated your condition. One size of equipment does not fit all and individuals have different needs related to their body size, age, abilities and health.

Addressing environmental factors like ambient temperature, lighting, reflections, glare and vibration will help. Psycho social issues are important too- there is a physiological reaction to a perceived lack of control or excessive work demands or fear of losing your job. Good communication between workers and management can ensure that problems are picked up early and addressed.

Your employer needs to encourage regular short and frequent pauses in intensive work. Lightweight, low vibration tools are vital. Rotation of high risk tasks between employees reduces overall risk. Display Screen Equipment Regulations of 1992/2002 require employers to train employees in correct use of display screen equipment (DSE), provide suitable furniture and periodic assessments if DSE are used for more than one hour daily. This may include adjustable chairs, platforms and foot rests. If equipment is provided specifically for you, make sure you use it correctly.

Physiotherapy is an effective treatment for this condition, the earlier the better.

Try and seek treatment before your symptoms have become too challenging. Your physio can work with you to get you back to work as soon as possible, with moderate changes to your duties where appropriate. The risk factors that lead to your symptoms can be identified in order to prevent a recurrence.

Do not suffer in silence but let us help you restore yourself to health.