Awkward positioning, repetitive movements, and forceful movements are all factors that contribute to repetitive strain disorders (also known as repetitive stress disorders, cumulative trauma disorders and musculoskeletal disorders). Check out the following articles for common injuries that can occur from poor posture and ineffective work practices while working on the computer.

Trigger Finger - Repetitive Strain Finger Pain Mouse and keyboard use can cause finger pain. One common cause of finger pain is called trigger finger. Trigger finger is a swelling of the tendons that bend the fingers causing snapping and pain in the fingers. Here are some tips on how to avoid this common finger repetitive strain injury.

DeQuervain's - Repetitive Strain Thumb Pain Mouse use, keyboard activity, use of PDAs and cell-phone texting can all be causes of thumb pain. Here is a description of DeQuervain´´s Tenosynovitis and suggestions for preventing this common cause of thumb pain.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome What exactly is carpal tunnel syndrome? This article goes back to the basics and describes anatomy, cause of injury, occupational risk factors, ergonomic prevention tips.

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome - Carpal Tunnel´s Counterpart Lurking in the shadow of carpal tunnel´s fame is its counterpart, cubital tunnel syndrome. Cubital tunnel is the second most commonly occurring nerve compression of the upper extremity. There are simple modifications that can help relieve the symptoms of this frequently repetitive strain injury.

Avoiding Radial Tunnel Syndrome on the Computer If you are experiencing an aching or burning sensation in the forearm or over the wrist while typing or using the mouse, you may have symptoms of Radial Tunnel Syndrome (RTS). Like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, RTS can impact your ability to compute comfortably.

Epicondylitis - Repetitive Strain Elbow Pain Commonly called tennis or golfer’s elbow, Epicondylitis is pain at either side of the elbow where the finger and wrist muscles originate at the bony bumps of the humerus. Read this article for tips on how to prevent this common injury.

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome in Computer Users Symptoms of thoracic outlet can mimic other syndromes such as carpal tunnel syndrome or cubital tunnel syndrome. Although a common cause is whiplash, poor posture on the computer is also a cause of symptoms. Posture correction can be the key to easing or preventing symptoms of thoracic outlet.

Ergonomics can Help Ease Tension Headaches Up to 20% of chronic headaches may be caused by shoulder or neck tension. Often, this tension is caused by poor posture while sitting at a computer. This article provides tips to help you relieve stress, improve posture, and ease pain while working on the computer.

Marji Hajic is an Occupational Therapist and a Certified Hand Therapist practicing at the Hand Therapy & Occupational Fitness Center in Santa Barbara, California. For more information on hand and upper extremity injuries, prevention and recovery, visit Hand Health Resources.