• Upper limb disorders such as Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) tenosynovitis and carpal tunnel syndrome - by far the most important as it can quickly lead to permanent incapacity
• Back and neck pain and discomfort
• Tension stress headaches and related ailments

The basis for this illness concept is the idea that one can overuse a tool, such as a computer keyboard or musical instrument in a way that causes tissue damage leading to pain.
The following complaints are typical in patients that might receive a diagnosis of RSI:

• Pain in the arm (typically diffuse--i.e. spread over many areas).
• The pain is worse with activity.
• Weakness, lack of endurance.

• Maintaining an unnatural or unhealthy posture while using the computer
• Inadequate lower back support
• Sitting in the same position for an extended period of time
• An ergonomically poor workstation set up