Neck blamed for R.S.I.

Press, 13 December 1985, Page 26

Neck blamed for R.S.I.

NZPA-AAP Perth A Perth rheumatologist says he believes the cause of repetition strain injury is in the neck. The Australian Medical Association’s spokesman on R. 5.1., Dr John Quintner, said severe and widespread arm pain among Australian keyboard operators was caused by inflammation and lack of mobility of nerve tissue in the neck. He and a manipulative

therapist, Mr Robert Elvey, have surveyed 40 people whose R.S.I. is attributed to work and who have had arm and neck pain for longer than four weeks. Dr Quintner said R.S.I. was no longer a suitable term because the disorder was caused by stretching the neural tissue, not by repetition. The internationally recognised term “occupational cervico-brachial (neck-arm)

disorder” was more suitable, he said. Treatment probably will gently stretch the neck nerve tissue, using methods devised by Mr Elvey. Dr Quintner said international literature supported the theory that known causes of arm pain did not apply to R.S.I. victims.

“People using data processors seem to be sitting with their necks forward

and with the head turned to one side,” he said. “Posture is absolutely vital.”

The protective sheath round the nerve which came out of the neck appeared to be inflamed in R.S.I. victims.

“When that happens people find even simple things such as brushing their teeth, doing the dishes, shopping and hanging out the washing very painful,”