FROM computers, to tablets to mobile phones - an increase in reliance on modern technology is putting our health at risk, experts say.

Spend long hours at a desk and computer or caught up playing your favourite video game? Ever experience mysterious pain in your wrist or elbow? You could be one of thousands of people suffering from RSI - repetitive strain issues.

RSI is on the rise and for many it's down to increasing hours typing on computers, bent over mobile phones and tablets or sat on the coach 'gaming'.

The latest Health and Safety Executive (HSE) figures indicate the problem - which mainly causes pain, stiffness, numbness or weakness in the arms, hands, shoulders and back - affects 730 working people in every 100,000, compared to fewer than 600 per 100,000 in 2011.

Other research suggests the problem could be even more widespread, with a survey by pain relief brand Mentholatum finding one in five adults have suffered from RSI.

According to University of Bolton Specialist Services and Safety Manager, Graham Kearsley, it's no surprise cases of RSI are on the increase as people are increasingly caught up in the world of computers.

He said: "It can affect habitual user, someone who spends an hour or more on a computer a day or relies on computers as part of their job. At the university it is only cleaners, caretakers and the gardeners, with their physical activities, who are not habitual users. Everyone else is.

"In the last six months I've had three people referred to me for who I've had to carry out risk assessments and made modifications on their work place to help them.

"There is a greater reliance on computers as part of our jobs. Email, for example, 15 years ago was a recognised means of communication, now it is an essential part of business life.

"People now go away from work and slouch over a mobile phone or play video games hunched over, which also causes problems.

"RSI is not recognised as a medical condition but is classed as an upper limb disorder instead. In the Health and Safety world it is known as WRULD - work related upper limb disorder.

"The regulations on WRULD have been in place since 1992 but it takes a few years for the idea to bed in and for people to realise what causes RSI and to take on board the preventative measures."

Various factors have the potential to cause upper limb disorders, according to the HSE, including repetitive work, uncomfortable working postures, sustained or excessive force, carrying out tasks for long periods without suitable rest breaks, or a poor working environment - and, experts stress, RSI can lead to permanent disabilities, so needs tackling at an early stage.

Sitting slouched at a desk with repeated use of the keyboard and mouse for hours without changing position or taking a break creates pressure on the small muscles of the lower arm and hand, as well as shoulders and lower back.

There are many different names for RSI, and it's sometimes called tenosynovitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, tennis or golf elbow, bursitis or housemaid's knee.

It is more common in older adults, 24 percent of 41 to 63 year olds, compared to one in six 18 to 30 year olds.

The HSE also found the construction and manufacturing sectors have the highest incidence of work-related upper limb disorders, and health workers also have a high incidence of WRULD.

Wrists are the most common trouble spots, with the joint most likely to be affected, followed by fingers, forearms and thumbs, and warning signs include pain or tenderness, stiffness, tingling or numbness, cramp, weakness and throbbing.

"The guidance is to take 10 minutes ever hour to do something completely different," Graham added.

"Some people think going on lunch or taking a call away from a desk is a enough, but it's not. Listen to your body. If your arm is aching or your shoulder is aching take a break.

"Another big thing is posture, we are not all ballerinas or have great core strength, most people probably slump down at the desk when it's best to have your back up right and and arms and legs at a 90 degree angle to your body.

"Everyone thinks Health and Safety is just telling them what they already know but these things don't always sink in but if you don't do something about it, it will only get worse and cause a lot more muscular problems as you get older."

For more information on RSI, visit www.rsiaction.org.uk.