Important Message from The Joint Chiropractic regarding COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) - Read More

Getting Caught in a Mouse Trap

By Sara Butler

If you sit at a computer for several hours a day, then you may just be susceptible to something called “mouse shoulder.” If you’ve never heard of mouse shoulder, then it’s time sit up and start paying attention, because too much computer use can put you right in its tracks! Here’s what you need to know about mouse shoulder and how your chiropractor can help you to avoid it!

What is Mouse Shoulder Anyway?

Mouse shoulder is the term people use to describe a condition of the shoulder and neck in people who use computers for long periods of time. It is characterized by pain on one side of the neck that spreads to the shoulder that may feel like a deep aching or burning sensation.

Mouse shoulder often develops over a period of several months, but once it sets in it can start to bother you after only an hour or less of mouse use.

How do you Get It?

Your shoulder attaches to your shoulder blade through a series of muscles that also attaches to your skull, neck, ribcage, and spine. When you hold your mouse with your arm held away from your body, these muscles contract in order to add support to your outstretched arm. When you sit like this for several hours then it eventually becomes a problem.

What Can You Do?

There are several approaches your chiropractor can take to help treat a case of mouse shoulder. First and foremost, they will make sure your shoulder, neck, and spine are free from joint dysfunction and restriction. That should create a good foundation for you to begin to change your work habits that caused the mouse shoulder in the first place.

You should try to:

  • Switch the side you use the mouth with – become ambimoustrous!
  • Use a trackball mouse
  • Bring the mouse closer to you
  • Make sure to stretch and exercise
  • Get up regularly from your desk, about once an hour, to move around
  • Try a massage
  • Use a resistance band to build strength in your upper back muscles
  • Practice good posture

You need to think about the way in which you hold yourself at work every day. Seeing your chiropractor regularly can certainly help, but you have to take the initiative to make changes in order to help the condition get better.

If you have questions about mouse shoulder, just speak to your chiropractor about it the next time you’re at The Joint.

To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic.

Story Link

Download your offer today and save!

$29 New Patient Special, Consultation | Exam | Adjustment

Offer valued at $45. Valid for new patients only. See clinic for chiropractor(s)' name and license info. Clinics managed and/or owned by franchisee or Prof. Corps. Restrictions may apply to Medicare eligible patients. Individual results may vary.