OOS Medical Info and Diagrams

Defining the Injuries:

Occupational Overuse Syndrome is a term used to cover various conditions usually caused by - yes, you guessed it! - overuse! This term covers many different injuries, some of which are in this table:

HAND and FOREARM Intersection syndrome DeQuervain's tenosynovitis Carpal tunnel syndrome Guyon's canal syndrome Pronator teres syndrome Trigger finger Trigger thumb Tenosynovitis/tendonitis	ELBOW Tennis Elbow: Epicondylitis (tennis elbow) Radial tunnel syndrome Cubital tunnel syndrome
SHOULDER Bicipital tendonitis (pain over anterior shoulder) Thoracic outlet syndrome Impingement syndrome Rotator cuff injury	UPPER SPINE Cervical disc herniation Chiari malformation syndrome Supraspinatus tendonitis

Diffuse OOS:

This is a condition we have mentioned above which results from prolonged or excessive strain on the upper body, and thereby resulting in an ongoing condition which does not easily resolve nor heal by itself. There are various theories about Diffuse OOS. However, the stages above are the typical stages which can lead to Diffuse OOS (diffuse meaning it tends to travel - before you know it, it's up your arms and into your back and neck, and then you're lucky if it stops there!)
The term "Diffuse OOS" has been laid aside by a lot of practitioners and ACC, in favour of "chronic pain syndrome" or something similar. In our opinion this tends to diminish and cloud the nature of the condition so we continue to call it "Diffuse OOS".

Diagnosis (allopathic):

As well as medical examination, the type of work the person is involved in, the actions performed, pressure from supervisors to work harder and faster, hours per day at a high-risk task (not just keying), plus the ergonomic arrangements (or not) will all give clues as to which muscles etc are affected and why. You need to find a practitioner, whether it be a GP, osteopath or physio who properly understands OOS conditions and is interested in your health (not just their chequebook), or they can make your injury worse.

Treatments:

Stretching? The stage of injury vs recovery is important when giving consideration to how you are treated. For example, never stretch if you have active, painful trigger points. In fact, never stretch to the point of pain. ("No pain, no gain" is incorrect in the treatment of OOS.) Here's an article on how to stretch - (when trigger points have been reduced and your condition is very stable. Get a good physio/osteopath).

Rest In the worst stages, rest and relaxation of the arms is absolutely critical and may be the only treatment which will really help. Some of us have found that, contrary to many physios' opinions, a splint/sling can be a good idea when the ache is very deep/sharp. Especially if even letting your arms "relax" at your sides is worsening the pain. Also, a cervical collar can rest the neck muscles if you're having difficulty holding up your head. Sounds daft but true! In our experience, rest is the most helpful treatment, together with warm/cold packs (ask your practitioner which to use) in the early stages. If rest is not given at that time, and if the injured person is not informed on how to rest the hand/s and arms, nor given adequate personal/home support, then a chronic condition is in the making.

Importantly, remember that you are the one who can best gauge what works best for you. When you do decide to try a new treatment, be wise and don't overdo it.

Biofeedback, an aid to relaxation therapy and measuring muscle response to activity. Website about biofeedback

Herbs, vitamins and pharmaceutical drugs have a mixed response. If you are in severe 24hour pain, sleep may not come easily. There are different medicines available from your doctor, or you can try one of the alternative medicines. However, the relief of pain is a necessity in order to be able to sleep. A good doctor will understand this. For medicinal treatment, please consult a naturopath and/or doctor as appropriate, so that you are taking correct dosages, and can be informed about contraindications and possible side-effects. The following is a list of some common ones which some people have found useful:

VITAMINS Vitamin B complex, with choline Vitamin C Vitamin E Vitamin A

HOMEOPATHIC/HERBAL Magnesium tablets Rhus Tox, a homeopathic sprain remedy Epsom salts, good in the bath Anti-Flamme cream, (contains arnica)

ALLOPATHIC (conventional medicine) Gabapentin Info here.   Lumps pain and depression together. Depression is, of course, an understandable result of chronic pain. Venlafaxine Amitriptyline

We would like to hear from you if you have had particular relief from any one type of treatment. It could be massage, deep needling, relaxation therapy, acupuncture, spinal manipulation, homeopathy, naturopathy, physiotherapy, pharmaceuticals or a combination of treatments. Please tell us! If you do decide to email us, we need to know the area which has been affected and how long you've had OOS as well. Personal information is not and never will be divulged by us to ANYONE. That is an absolute promise.

Fibromyalgia, Myofascial Pain Syndrome and Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy!

(Note: It's possible for OOS to become a fibromyalgia condition. Fibromyalgia means "pain in the fibrous tissues and muscles".)

Devin Starlanyl: Do you have Fibromyalgia or Myofascial Pain Syndrome? Get some info at Devin Starlanyl's website.

A good newsgroup to join if you have fibromyalgia is
alt.med.fibromyalgia
It's excellent and international (although mainly American of course).

The Bones Doctor: This practitioner is in America. If you know of anyone who agrees with this treatment, please email us as we want to compile a list of treatment providers like Richard. This page has great info about the myofascia and trigger points!

Also see Devin Starlanyl's website at left.

Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy is a much debated disorder. But when you have this, you are in deep pain.

RSD Hope, one of the best RSD websites.

Mensana Clinic: Tries to make some sense of it.

MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS and THERAPISTS - who they are and what they do-

2 - We would like you to help us compile a list of questions:

3 - We would also like to hear of relief from treatment you've received.