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I see some of my coworkers hurting their arms with the type of work we do. It's quite repetitive but it has to be done. How can I protect myself? I can't afford to stop working.

Repetitive stress injuries are new to the medical community, meaning that - for the most part - they didn't exist decades ago. Now, with our technology, we can do things with certain motions but as those motions are repeated again hundreds or thousands of times each day, every day, the body is ripe for injury.

First, you need to see that your work area is ergonomically correct and safe for you. That means that your work station should be accommodating your body, your body shouldn't be accommodating the work station.

Second, you need to listen to your body. You need to take frequent breaks from the repetitive motions. The breaks can be just 30 seconds long, but they break the constant string of motion and redirect the movement in your body. If you are typing nonstop, take your hands off your keyboard and flex them. Rotate your wrists around, move your fingers around, and so on.

Finally, if you feel pain, pressure, or stress in your body, you need to listen to it. Get checked by a doctor to ensure that you aren't damaging your body. He or she may be able to help you make acfcommodations at work to lessen the chances of UEDs.

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