RSI is the most frustrating thing. Here's my quick story, for anyone who's interested. I've always found it interesting to read other people's RSI stories who do similar things that I do...
In my case, I unfortunately make both my living (software development) and my fun (music) behind a computer. So, if it weren't for the pain, I'd be behind a computer all day.
I'm 30 years old. I eat healthy, mostly vegan food. I work out 4-5 times per week. No drugs or cigarettes. A little wine. You get the idea.
My pain started about six years ago--in my hands. So, I switched computer mice and bought a wrist rest. Then it got worse. Then I switched hands. The pain, numbness, and tingling got worse. I am a drummer, and I was playing about 4 times per week back then.
So, I went to see an ortho doc. After a nerve test, he said it was mild tendinitis. No worry--just take ibuprofen everyday. My primary doc also said that. No problem, except I love coffee. Ibuprofen + coffee = stomach FIRE. Then the pain got worse. I then saw a chiropractor (what a joke). Then, I saw a hand doctor. Another nerve test. No carpal tunnel. So, he said do physical therapy. "Sure, I said."
I went to PT for four weeks. That didn't help. Meanwhile, I tried every ergo device you can imagine. No really. Every single one. Sometimes they would help, but then the pain would just move somewhere else. I found a great mouse (Roller Mouse). But, that ultimately caused me to switch posistions such that now the "strain" is in my upper back and neck. Ah, relatively pain free hands, but tight neck, back and tingling arms. I've also read every single credible web page on these fine internets that talks about RSI.
After excruciating pain, I went to a neurologist. I was convinced there was something really wrong with me. So, he did another nerve test and a MRI. He found nothing. I got a second opinion from a spinal center. That guy said I have stiff muscles and tendons. Yay.
So, I continued suffering. The band called it quits a couple years ago, so no drumming, but I still have the pain. I always suspected the drumming had nothing to do with it. My technique is good and relaxed.
So, I went back to the spinal center for one more MRI. I saw a different doc. Same thing; he saw no problem in the MRI. He recommends more PT. Maybe this time it'll help. Probably not. But, I may try it after the first of the year.
I'm now convinced that there's nothing "seriously" wrong with me. Just severe pain from overuse and repetitive motion. Not life threatening, but quite shitty, because there's nothing I can do about it except stop working, stop/reduce composing, or pound NSAIDS. Unfortunatly, the best one for now is to reduce composing. I can't give up working, and I'm not going to pound NSAIDS.
So, there ya go. Composing music must take a back seat for me, due to RSI.
Too bad we humans haven't evolved into muscle-less computing blobs.
Maybe a couple hundred years from now, mankind will find a true cure for these problems. But, the reality is that because they are not "life threatening", they don't get as much attention in the medical community--rightfully so, probably.
Plus, you know, you can always just "stop whatever it is that you're doing" that causes the problem.
You know, like work and composing.
