Shoulder Pain

Understanding and Managing Shoulder Pain at Your Workstation

Shoulder pain is one of the most common ergonomic complaints among office workers. Often starting gradually, it can quickly become a persistent, throbbing ache that worsens by the end of each day or week. Fortunately, small changes to your workstation setup can make a significant difference.

Causes of Shoulder Pain at the Computer

There are two main ergonomic reasons for shoulder pain at the workstation: mouse positioning and lack of arm support.

1. Mouse Positioned Too Far from the Body

Most standard keyboards are wide and include a numeric keypad, which forces the computer mouse further from your body. This position causes your arm to stretch outward, placing your shoulder in an unnatural position for extended periods. Over time, this posture fatigues and inflames the shoulder muscles, leading to pain.

2. Lack of Arm Support

Some workstations lack proper arm support, causing shoulder and arm muscles to work harder to hold up your arm. Without a supportive surface, these muscles can become overused and strained, especially in workspaces with small desks or chairs without armrests.

Solutions for Shoulder Pain Relief

To relieve shoulder pain, adjust your setup to bring your mouse closer to your body and add support for your arms.

Ergonomic Keyboards

Switching to a compact ergonomic keyboard can help bring the mouse closer, reducing unnecessary reaching. These keyboards eliminate the integrated numeric keypad, allowing a more natural arm position and relaxed shoulder posture.

  • Compact Keyboard: With a compact design and included numeric keypad, this keyboard is ideal for those who frequently input numerical data. Its slim profile allows your mouse to be positioned within easy reach.

  • Ergo Keyboard Combo: This setup includes a compact keyboard with a separate wireless numeric keypad. Use the numeric keypad only when needed to bring your mouse even closer, reducing shoulder strain.

Arm Supports

Adding arm support can reduce muscle strain by providing a resting surface for your forearm.

  • Ergonomic Arm Rest Arm: With two pivoting joints, this arm rest moves with your arm to allow free movement and support, helping alleviate shoulder tension.

Final Thoughts

Simple ergonomic adjustments can greatly reduce shoulder pain and improve comfort. By rethinking your mouse positioning and adding supportive equipment, you can work more comfortably and avoid future shoulder strain.