Real Life Story 6

Occupational Overuse Syndrome (OOS) Case

Susie, 21, was employed for a year as a receptionst-secretary for a small firm of accountants. About 80% of her time was spent typing. After a few months, she began to have aching hands and arms. Her back became so sore she could not sit for long. During the following months, the pain grew steadily worse, until pins and needles developed, sending searing pain from her fingers to her shoulders. It hurt to write with pens or pencils and was agony to type.

Susie's managers failed to understand what was happening and would not let her take breaks from typing. Susie worked harder to keep up. Finally, she was in so much pain, she could not hold anything she picked up, even a cup of water.

Susie's condition was diagnosed as Occupational Overuse Syndrome (OOS). It develops as a result of continuous hand, arm or trunk movements and is believed to be caused by muscles being held tense or tight for too long.

On the advice of ACC and her doctor, Susie had to take medical retirement as there was no other work her firm could offer. There was a huge sense of loss for Susie as OOS meant she had to give up ballroom dancing and her hobbies of craft work and painting. She found some friends considered her a hypochondriac and social invitations, e.g. to go tramping or kayaking, dried up. This hurt her feelings as she was never consulted.

The drop in Susie's income was considerable and a lot of her money went on doctors' fees. specialists' fees, physiotherapy visits, biofeedback sessions and transport costs.

Three years later, as a result of medical treatment and attending classes in yoga, meditation and massage, Susie is pain-free for most of the time. She works as a sales demonstrator but is unlikely ever to return to keyboarding or clerical work.