Trouble-Shooting Guide for Shoulder / Upper Arm Discomfort

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 relative to seated / standing posture
    • Lower keyboard height by raising the height of the chair (a footrest may be needed); lower armrests on the chair or consider installing a keyboard tray.
  • Shoulders slumped because keyboard too low
    • Raise the keyboard height or lower the chair height (within reason).
  • Frequent overhead / 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 the spine.
  • Hands bent, held actively over the keyboard or resting on keyboard surfaces when not typing.
    • Ensure there is space on the surface (2-3″) or use a wrist rest to keep wrists straight when not actively typing.
  • 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.