Disclaimer: I am not a doctor. The following is my personal experience and should not be taken as medical advice. What worked for me may not work for everyone.
A few years ago, I went through a period of intense discomfort and pain in my arms and hands. As a computer engineer whose livelihood depended on typing, I was afraid this would spell disaster for my career. I tried everything from changing my mouse and keyboard to fixing my posture and investing in ergonomic equipment, but nothing seemed to alleviate the pain.
The pain was relentless, even keeping me awake at night and making simple tasks like driving unbearable. That’s when I was diagnosed with RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury). I decided to take a step back from typing and temporarily put my career on hold. I explored other activities that did not involve strenuous use of my hands.
At one point, I was convinced that I would be plagued by this pain forever. However, fast forward to today, and not only have I overcome RSI, but I also make a living through writing. I have published numerous ebooks, regularly write blog posts, and even create text-based courses. So, how did I solve the problem?
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor. The following is what worked for me. Results may vary.
The solution to my RSI pain came to me in a moment of revelation. After months of suffering, I realized that the pain was being caused by my own mind. It was a mechanism designed to prevent me from continuing activities that triggered the pain. The more I worried about having RSI, the worse the pain became.
Instead of falling into that trap, I challenged my mind. I said to myself, “I know what you’re doing. I understand your trick. I don’t have RSI. You’re just trying to deceive me into believing that I do. I won’t be fooled.”
To my surprise, the moment I verbalized this affirmation, the pain started to subside. Whenever I felt the pain, I reminded myself of this realization, and gradually, the pain vanished.
As an engineer, this may sound like pure speculation or nonsense. I understand the skepticism. However, I urge you to consider this approach. Your arms and hands are not physically damaged or injured. The pain is likely a manifestation of underlying emotions related to your work, such as frustration, feelings of uselessness, or the perception of tasks being too difficult.
While this method may not be a universal solution, I highly recommend reading a book called “The Mindbody Prescription” by John E. Sarno. It delves into the concept of psychosomatic influences on health, including RSI. This book was a game-changer for me and saved my computer programming career.
Even though some people may dismiss this idea as pseudoscience, there are numerous testimonials of individuals who have experienced relief from RSI using this approach. Changing jobs, reading the book, and addressing the psychological aspects have helped many overcome their RSI symptoms.
Again, I want to emphasize that I am not a doctor, and this is not medical advice. My intention is to share my personal experience and the resources that helped me. It’s crucial to remember that ergonomic equipment and proper posture can still play a significant role in preventing and managing RSI. If you are experiencing chronic pain, it’s imperative to consult a healthcare professional to rule out any physical causes.
Tags: RSI, Repetitive Strain Injury, ergonomics, mindbody connection, psychosomatic influences