The relevance of concepts of hyperalgesia to "RSI"

Abstract

There is continuing debate about work-related neck and upper limb disorders, also commonly referred to as repetition strain injuries (RSI), cervicobrachial disorders and cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs). One focus of the debate concerns the exact nature of the physical basis of the disorders. Health professionals who are involved in this area generally have a working hypothesis about the underlying pathology; some practitioners emphasise trigger points, others muscle fibre changes, others irreversible irritability of nerves and so on. In most cases these hypotheses have not been clearly expounded or discussed, let alone confirmed or refuted.