Yes, pounding away at your keyboard or clicking away continuously at that mouse could take a toll on your body in the form of a Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI), a broad term for injuries caused by continuous motion of the joints - mainly those of the fingers, wrists, elbows, shoulders, back, and neck.

While RSI is common among sportsmen, athletes and musicians in the form of tendonitis or bursitis, a majority of RSIs occur in work environments dominated by computers.

Common actions like mouse clicks - needing constant wrist and index finger movements -- and typing that requires repetitive finger movement, are most likely to strain tendons and ligaments, leading to microscopic tearing, pain and swelling. The swelling pinches the median nerve that runs through the narrow carpal tunnel at the wrist, causing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). Soreness, numbness, a tingling feeling and wrist pain are other symptoms.

Unfortunately, this isn't something that will go away after popping a few pills. The healing process for CTS is usually long and frustrating, depending on how serious the condition is. Though a lot of pain relief techniques and cures have been touted, from Yoga to Magneto-therapy, most RSI users do recover after physiotherapy with the very serious cases requiring surgery.

And all this can happen just by using a computer for long hours?

Well, no. The way you use a computer could also make you susceptible to RSI -- a desk that's too high or low; a chair placed at an uncomfortable angle, causing strain on your body; or an awkwardly placed mouse pad causing you to strain your wrist or arm. Over a period of time, a combination of all these factors spells trouble for your body.

In countries like the US, studies have been conducted about the connection between RSI and work-environment. But there are also studies that say there's no direct relation between CTS and computer use.

And for those who do suffer from CTS or any kind of RSI, the Los Angeles RSI support group and RSI Network offer help.

In India however, studies and figures about people afflicted with RSI are hard to come by. Awareness levels about computer-related injuries are low. A random survey of users who spend a lot of time with computers revealed that many aren't even aware of it. Answers ranged from 'huh, what's that?' to a vague idea about it being an ergonomics related problem. Some even thought it was a psychological problem.

But like it or not, computers aren't going to go away. It therefore helps to be aware of possible risks you face, and what you can do about it. Sites like HealthyComputing are valuable resources for tips on safe computer use and information related to RSI.

But the best cure is prevention. 'Ergonomics' is now the buzzword. It may be wise to invest in ergonomic furniture like hands free mice, ergonomic keyboards and input devices designed to reduce pressure on the body, particularly the hands and wrists.

A mouse research study conducted by Dr Alan Hedge, a professor of ergonomics at Cornell University, showed that the 'Whale mouse,' an inch larger than the standard Microsoft mouse, has the ability to reduce wrist strain by keeping the fingers flat rather than curled.

Software companies are also getting in on the act with products like (www.restreminder.com) Rest Reminder and Workpace that run in the background and remind you when it's time to take a break. You can customise settings and set your break timings. If you want to avoid the clicks and drags, software like Activeclick does all the 'mouse dependant' tasks for you, like clicking, selecting and dragging. Voice recognition software ensures that you're off input devices.

Take a break!

No amount of ergonomic gizmos will make much of a difference if you don't take a break from your computer. Try and cut down the time you spend at your PC -- take frequent five-minute rest intervals every hour.

Simple stretching exercises that you can do at your desk help you keep those joints supple and healthy. E-stretch and Harvard's RSI page are great resources for such 'desk aerobics'!

After all, you might not be able to stop using a computer, but you can learn how to use it right.

At your keyboard: Don't bang the keys while typing. Use a light touch instead. Avoid bending your wrists up and down while typing. If you're tired, take a break! Use both hands when typing combinations like 'Shift' or 'Ctrl' with other keys. Don't rest your wrists on the keyboard while typing. Keep hands freely above, with the keyboard tiled downward. Get more information on keyboard positioning, setup and usage here. While you're clicking away: Keep your mouse close to your keyboard. Check mouse settings like click speed to see if you're really comfortable with it. If you scroll long Web pages a lot, a scroll mouse will reduce strain on your wrist. Avoid extensive 'mouse pushing'. Use keyboard shortcuts wherever possible. Use a good mouse pad with a smooth surface that encourages accurate mouse tracking. Avoid lifting or shuffling the mouse repeatedly. More information on mouse usage tips, here.

Eyestrain shouldn't be taken lightly either. Check this story for information on Computer vision Syndrome (CVS) or this article for 'Visual ergonomics'.