Pain in the shoulders and arms is often caused by too much upward or extended reaching, i.e., while performing mouse operations, phone usage, etc. Also when using a keyboard that forces the user to work in bent wrist postures.
Activity:
Phone usage is more than 1 hour per day
Solution:
Do not cradle the phone between your shoulder and your neck, use a speakerphone or headset (See our headsets)
Activity:
Your mouse is too high, to the side, or too far away
Solution:
Relocate your mouse on the same horizontal plane as the keyboard and as close to the keyboard as possible. Also consider one of the many alternatives to the standard mouse, i.e. the Rollermouse Station, etc.
Activity:
Your keyboard is too high, low, or far away.
Solution:
The keyboard should be an easy and comfortable reach with the elbows close to your side.
Activity:
You are not maintaining proper posture while sitting at your workstation.
Solution:
Always work with your body in a neutral posture and utilize the support features of the chair. You are leaning forward to view the screen. If you are leaning too far forward properly adjust the chair back and seat pad for comfort and support to allow you to view the monitor with your back, neck and head in a straight and neutral posture.
Resting weight on the elbows can cause stress and damage to tissue and nerves. Instead, use a copy holder or a slant board to review printed material and when writing on paperwork.