Solutions For Repetitive Stress Wrist Pain, or Mighty Mouse Syndrome

Maybe you do on line research that takes hours, mouse though extensive databases or have to spend extended periods of time doing electronic filing.

Those kinds of tasks for most people, while tedious at best are not painful. Unfortunately for many people, extended periods of mouse use can mean anything from a nagging ache to excruciating pain. There are solutions for the “Mighty Mouse Syndrome”

My Story. Not an uncommon one:

I used to suffer from extended periods of using my computer mouse. So much so in fact, I dubbed the pain I would endure, the “Mighty Mouse Syndrome”. Silly how using a little thing like a computer mouse could in a short period of time, make me feel like it was breaking my arm. Now that is a mighty mouse.

The cause of my pain was of course not the mouse. Like many other people plagued with “Mighty Mouse Syndrome”, I had suffered a fairly sever back/neck injury. In my case it was in a motorcycle accident about 10 years ago. For other folks it may have been a car accident, sports accident, work related injury or just about any injury that leaves a person with spinal alignment issues. For others, it can simply be tendonitis brought on by repetitive stress.

Is this all about a little wrist pain? Well actually, if it was just wrist pain, I probably wouldn't be writing this article. In my case the pain started in my wrist after as little as 10 or fifteen minutes of mousing. By 30 minutes, the pain moved into my forearm, then shoulder and neck. Bottom line I was good for about an hour max before I had to either take a break to head for the medicine cabinet, the Shiatsu Massager and stretching exercises or all three.

Problem was I had gotten myself into a position where my livelihood was dependent on doing the long and drawn out Internet research I was doing, and I had no choice but to do it. Believe me when I say “Grin and bare it” was no longer an option.

I had to find some relief from wrist, arm, shoulder, and neck pain or find another way to make a living.

So, I was forced to do some extensive research on what it was going to take, to be able to do extended periods of mousing without having to endure the pain.

My findings, common sense & opinions

So, it was back to the Internet. Yes I end up researching for hours at a time for several days looking for a solution. Ironically enough causing myself more pain to find out how to relieve the painful situation that kind of research causes me. But again, I had no choice.

When you GOOGLE “Mouse Wrist Pain”, “Arm Wrist Pain” etc. you can find a ton of pretty amazing stuff. If you are suffering from “Mighty Mouse Syndrome”, I invite you to check it out. But how do you know what or who to believe? Well, plain old common sense should tell you a lot.

I’m not going to get into exercises here as there are plenty of places on line like where you can find good solid information on exercises, appropriate for wrist pain and all the rest.

I boiled it all down to what made common sense to me. I used the following criteria for my research:

1) Positioning the mouse to reduce stress was paramount.
2) That would require an apparatus or appliance (Platform).
3) The platform had to be portable. (Home and office use.)
4) The platform had to be highly adjustable. (Yes I’m picky.)
5) The platform had to be durable. (I’m a power user.)
6) Cost would be a consideration. (At least in my case).
7) It had to be guaranteed. (No workee, no payee!)

Positioning the Mouse: Does this make sense to you?

When using a computer mouse, position the mouse on a surface that is close to your body.

Why?
When you can mouse with your arm in close to your body, you don't have to reach forward to use the mouse or bend your arm out to the side of your body.

Repetitive awkward arm positions are associated with neck, shoulder, elbow, and wrist pain. As well, reaching forward takes your back away from the support provided by your chair back. Talk about bad posture.

I don’t own a $1,500 ergonomic work station. Do You? And can't afford one, yet :o)

With most average work stations, having the mouse close to your body means having some kind of platform for the mouse to set on. Common sense would then dictate if you wanted the mouse positioned so your arm is close in to your body, the platform would be attached to your chair arm.

I didn’t want a mouse platform that was rigid.

Why?
I learned a long time ago, in more cases than not the, “1 Size Fits All”, label was never true in my case. After all, we are all different. Therefore, adjustability would be an absolute requirement.

Durable and long lasting

Considering the amount of use the platform would get, the mouse platform had to be very durable.

Why?
Simple! I’m what is considered a “Power User” and I’d want it to last for years.

It has to be guaranteed. (Preferably for life.)

Why?
Because I want my money back if I don’t like it. Period! If it breaks through no fault of my own, I also want it replaced or my money back.

A Hunting We Will Go

So the hunt was on. I knew what I wanted and the features it would have to have to meet my criteria.

My Findings

Eventually, after searching though a myriad of products ranging from an $800 chair with a mouse platform that was adjustable built onto the chair arm, down to a $37 platform that was not adjustable at all, I found what I consider as perfect for me. It met all the criteria I mentioned above. I actually tested 4 platforms. I still own one.

Now I can mouse for hours, strain and stress free. Naturally, I do have to do the exercises I’ve learned that suit me. And, I do them regularly.

So you don’t have to put up with the pain of Mighty Mouse Syndrome. There are products out there that can help you. There is plenty of information available on exercises that will help with your particular situation.

If you can afford the best, by all means, get the best, (With a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee that is.)

Even if the extent of your pain is only an occasional ache, burning sensation or cramp, don’t put off doing the things you need to, to avoid what can turn into a very painful situation.

Don’t be like me and wait until it was painful just to find what I needed. Take a look around now before it becomes a pain, to find out how to relieve the pain.

Article Source: http://www.articles.ask-me-about.com

Mike Claggett is the copy writer and Web Master for The Ergo Nav, Incredible Adjustable Mouse Platform web site www.ErgoNav.com