Weighing the Evidence to Prevent On-the-Job Pain

Persistent pain from repetitive strain injury occurs most frequently among workers who do heavy manual handling tasks.

Neck, shoulder, hand or arm pain can develop in computer users, but the connection between keyboard typing and carpal tunnel syndrome remains controversial.

Companies often report that ergonomic workplace measures lead to fewer days lost from work, though researchers are still seeking rigorous scientific proof that these interventions are effective.

It is a fact of life that job and career can be stressful. But some occupations also take a physical toll: persistent aching, throbbing or tingling in the hand, wrist, elbow, shoulder or neck.