CANS stands for the complaints formerly known as RSI. These are complaints of neck, upper back, shoulder, arm, elbow, wrist, hand or a combination of these. These complaints usually lead to impairment in daily work.
How does it happen?
Often, problems arise from prolonged static loading of the neck and shoulders combined with dynamic loading of the wrist and hands. Additional cause may be stress-induced muscle tension.
How do I know I am affected?
There are several signals that set off alarm bells. Pain, tingling, stiffness and loss of strength are signals that should not be ignored. If ignored, these symptoms will often worsen and the recovery phase will take longer. In case of signs, contact your department's prevention officer immediately.
How can I prevent it?
You can minimise the risk of these symptoms by not sitting at your computer screen for too long at a time. Take regular breaks and try to do something else for ten minutes and move away from the workplace. Handle stress consciously, try to prevent it and discuss it with your manager. In addition, make sure you have a well-set workplace. Watch this video to see how to adjust your workplace. Not quite there? Then contact your department's prevention officer. The prevention officer can help you and, if necessary, arrange a workplace investigation. In extreme cases, you will be referred to the occupational health physician.
How do I get rid of it?
If the occupational health physician has determined that your complaints fall under CANS, the doctor's advice must be followed. If you are being treated by a specialist other than the occupational health physician, report this to the occupational health physician.