The following lists some possible causes of shoulder and upper arm discomfort amongst computer users. Potential corrective actions to consider are also listed.
- Static posture and stress
- For every hour of intensive computer work, take a 5 minute break to stretch, move around and/or perform other job tasks
- Prolonged hunched or elevated shoulder posture while holding the telephone
- Use a telephone headset or handset attachment
- Frequent use of a mouse or other pointing device, especially if an extensive reach to the side or front of the body is required
- Move mouse device close to the body, at about the same height as the keyboard
- Shoulders raised because keyboard too high
- Lower keyboard height (perhaps install an underdesk keyboard/mouse tray) or raise the height of the chair (a footrest may be needed); lower armrests on the chair
- Shoulders slumped because keyboard too low
- Raise the keyboard height or perhaps lower the chair height (within reason)
- Frequent overhead reaches, extended reaches, or leaning to the side
- Place frequently used items within easy reach, close to the body; avoid frequent overhead reaches or reaches requiring twisting of spine
- Hands held actively over the keyboard even during keying breaks – no rest
- Ensure there is space on the surface (2-3″) or use a wrist rest to keep wrists straight when not actively keyboarding
- Elbow and upper arms held away from the body
- Bring chair armrests in closer to the body or do not use them; move the mouse device closer to the body; lower height of keyboard; lower armrests
- Prolonged mouse usage
- Alternate hands (careful! – without addressing the root of the problem, the user may end up with both sides affected); alternate pointing devices; provide arm support; locate device close to body; task variety; keyboard shortcuts; mouse tool to minimize finger usage; forearm supports