BackWords

Reader Question from Rachel, sent via Facebook Fan Page:

Hey Doc – Any suggestions for something to add to a chair that will raise my body enough so my mousing shoulder doesn’t get numb after a long day at the computer?

Thanks for the question Rachel. While there are several products available to address this problem, the best solution I have found is pretty much free!

First, be sure that you have adjusted the height of your chair so that your thigh is parallel to the floor, and your forearm is parallel to your desktop, leaving your wrist in a neutral position. Place your mouse pad a little wider than the edge of your keyboard, about the same width, either right or left, as your shoulder.

If you have already taken these steps, and you are still having the problem- and here’s the free fix- try placing an average sized phone book under the forearm you mouse with. I have found that this one simple step eliminates the numbness 90% of the time.

If you have tried all of these steps, and you are still having the problem, there are several exercises you can do to further stabilize your neck and shoulder. For these you may want to consult your family doc or physical therapist, as they are pretty specific to the individual involved.

I hope this helps,

Andy