What are repetitive stress injuries primarily caused by?

Repetitive stress injuries, often referred to as repetitive strain injuries or RSIs, are primarily caused by repetitive motion or overuse of muscles, tendons, and nerves. These injuries occur when a particular activity is performed repeatedly over an extended period, leading to wear and tear on specific parts of the body. Common examples include conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, and bursitis.

The mechanism behind these injuries involves the physical stress that repetitive motions put on the body's soft tissues, combined with inadequate rest or recovery time. Over time, this can result in inflammation, pain, and decreased functionality in the affected areas. This context highlights the importance of ergonomic practices and rest breaks in environments where repetitive tasks are common, emphasizing preventative measures to reduce the occurrence of these injuries.

Other options might address factors that contribute to workplace injuries or health problems, but they do not specifically encapsulate the primary cause of repetitive stress injuries as accurately as the notion of repetitive motion or overuse does.