Two people faced with the same computer ergonomics are unlikely to develop the same conditions. One might suffer in dreadful pain while the other has no symptoms whatsoever. Or alternatively one might be plagued with back pain and the other with wrist and hand pain.
RSI Body Map
A very rough place for the layman to start is to assume that the problem is where the pain is felt and the RSI body map below will help you. The links will take you to information on that particular condition.
Be aware that pain can be “referred“. Put simply, where you feel the pain is not always the source. A neck problem can give you elbow pain or numbness in your fingers, arm etc. In this case, the nerve relaying information from your fingers to your brain is aggravated or obstructed along the way.
Rotator Cuff Syndrome
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Elbow
Wrist, Hand, Fingers & Thumb
Tendonitis and
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Diagnosis
Diagnosis should always be done by medical professionals but being aware of the different conditions can give you insights into why you have pain.
Trapped of nerves and referred pain
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome and Cervical Osteoarthritis often show with referred pain which of course keeps doctors and patients alike guessing for longer in determining a diagnosis.
MRI scans and nerve conduction tests may be used to try to pin point where the cause of the problem might be.