The information in this section of Carnegie Mellon's RSI Web site is divided into the following sections, which you can jump to by clicking the section title:

Minor Symptoms

If you believe you are developing minor symptoms of RSI, act early. The earlier you do something about your discomfort, the more likely you are to avoid any serious injury. The first time you notice tension or pain in your wrists, back, neck or shoulders, take time to stretch. Take frequent breaks. Vary your work routine. Intermittently work on computer-related word processing and other activities throughout the day.

You should also get help to implement an ergonomic workstation setup to avoid RSI. Some steps you can take to create an ergonomic setup include:

  • Ask a friend to check your posture at your workstation.
  • Ask for a professional to evaluate your station. The campus provides this service at no cost.
  • Medicate yourself with aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Ibuprofen and Aleve to help relieve pain.

Prolonged or Serious Symptoms

If you still feel pain after two weeks, and you’ve been stretching, taking breaks, working at an ergonomic workstation and taking pain relievers, you need to see a doctor. You should see a doctor also if you experience numbness, tingling or shooting pains. Enrolled students at Carnegie Mellon can seek care at Health Services in Morewood Gardens.

Symptoms Following Treatment

You may see little or no progress with the treatment plan your doctor prescribes. If this is the case, schedule another appointment and ask questions. You can ask for a referral to see a specialist. You can also get referrals for occupational or physical therapists.

Carnegie Mellon Employee Coverage

As an employee of Carnegie Mellon University, your health plan may cover RSI. Consult the employee benefits Web page for further information, or contact your Human Resources liaison. The Web page address is:

http://www.cmu.edu/ba/hr/documents/benefits/overview/body.htm