RSI: My Arch-Nemesis - Introduction

We are all vaguely aware of a wide range of diseases, illnesses and conditions which could potentially afflict us, but generally we don't pay that much attention to them, thinking of them as things that happen to other people. This was how I used to think of Repetitive Strain Injury. I was vaguely aware that two people I knew had experienced it, but never considered the possibility that it might affect me. In retrospect it feels like I should have seen it coming. I'm writing this in order to warn others about the dangers of RSI - particularly my friends and colleagues in the games industry, who for a number of reasons may have a higher risk of getting RSI than the average person. At the time of writing I am aware of three people at my company who have told me of RSI-like symptoms they have experienced, but have done nothing about it. These people are taking huge risks with their health, happiness and career prospects.

Most peoples' knowledge of RSI extends as far as "If you've got it, your wrists hurt a bit". The reality is a lot more complex. The symptoms can vary greatly from person to person (and even within the same person). Furthermore, some people seem to recover fairly quickly (perhaps after simple changes to their workstation), while some never recover. Most cases are likely to fall between those two extremes.

When people do get RSI, they typically find it very difficult to get information and help. In my experience, and that of many others, the NHS seems to be almost completely useless at dealing with the condition. Many GPs know little or nothing about it. The only viable solution is to research the condition yourself (through books such as It's Not Carpal Tunnel Syndrome) and seek expensive private physiotherapy.

Over the next few days and weeks I will be posting a full account of my experience - at least, as full as is possible given that my problems started over a year ago and I made only limited records of my experiences (what with having RSI).