How to Reduce Shoulder / Neck Pain caused by Computer Mouse

The angle at which we hold our arm using a mouse causes shoulder and neck contractions resulting in pain. There is a homemade way to get quick relief. Follow these steps.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Piece of foam core or a light weight board 22" long, 10 inches wide, 1/2" thick.
• Child size flannel blanket or soft toweling. It should be about 3' x 3'. Enough to wrap around board a few times.
• Packing or duct tape.

1. I am a retired licensed massage therapist and now work all day building web sites.
   I found that my shoulder and neck hurt from using the mouse which was located in the usual spot on the desk next to my keyboard. I came up with a very easy remedy. Put the mouse on a board on my lap. This kept my arm at a relaxed angle. I work the mouse from dead center in front of my abdomen at a comfortable angle. No more keeping my arm out at the side which is a strain. Test it with a book on your lap.
2. I started with a book and then improved it by taking a piece of foam core and wrapping an old, small blanket around it and taping it with packing tape. Foam core can be purchased at any art supply or craft store. It can be cut to size with a packing knife or razor. If you have a lightweight board you can use it instead.
3. I keep the tape on the opposite side of the mouse since the mouse won't slide easily over the tape and it looks better. The reason for the flannel or terry cloth is that the mouse doesn't work well over slippery book.
4. The board is big enough that if I have to rest a reference book on my lap I still have plenty of room for the mouse. It is big enough to rest my portable phone also. When the blanket gets dirty I just unwrap and launder it.
5. I hope this brings you relief from shoulder, neck and back computer related problems.

Tips & Warnings

• Tell your friends they will be grateful.
• Get up and stretch at intervals.