Repetitive Strain Injury

“Repetitive strain injury” was coined by a doctor in Australia in the 1980s.  People with pain during hand use (e.g. typing) were told they were injuring their hands.  

This is tricky, because we know that humans are can become ill based on ideas alone.  The idea that "hurts equals harm" created an epidemic of illness in Australia that has influenced much of the world.  To this day many people with arms that are healthy in every measurable way are disabled by pain with hand use. 

The epidemic in Australia decreased sharply when the courts of that country found no evidence of injury due to hand use and determined that the illness referred to as “repetitive strain injury” did not merit compensation.