I think I have 'mouse shoulder.'

14 years ago

I've been going to physical therapy twice a week for what I thought was a shoulder injury caused by pulling the lawnmower cord (many times). The PT hasn't been helping.....in fact, my shoulder has been getting steadily worse, to the point where my whole arm often hurts even if I'm sitting quietly.

Yesterday I finally (!) realized that using the computer mouse aggravates it terribly. I started using the mouse this year after avoiding it for a long time because of carpal tunnel issues (and surgery). My hand and wrist seemed to be okay, so I kept using the mouse. It never occurred to me it would damage my shoulder! But apparently there's a condition called "mouse shoulder," and it involves strain to the rotator cuff muscles and inflammation of the tendons. I'm sure yanking on the lawnmower cord wasn't good, but neither is using the mouse.

I've moved the mouse to my left hand, and will discuss the issue with the PT people on Tuesday. I'm guessing their treatment will be the same no matter what the cause, and giving up the mouse will sure help. I hope so!

Anyone else have "mouse shoulder"?

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Comments (7)

bigack
14 years ago
I have mouse wrist and thumb, so far shoulder is ok.
sleeperblues
14 years ago
No, but I have "dog finger". When I first rescued my female poodle she was not trained to walk on a leash, and in fact is a runner so needs to be controlled. She is great on a leash now, but for the first couple years I really fought to maintain control of her and my fingers have paid the price. Hope your shoulder gets better!
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FlamingO in AR
14 years ago
I've been suffering with the same thing, Susan and I've found that less computer time helps a lot as does pulling the mouse onto my leg and keeping it closer.

My shoulder problem is tendonosis (which is much better now than it was a few months ago) along with some neck trouble. I've been going to the chiropractor for a few months and she has helped me tremendously.

Let me know what your PT peeps say, please, will you? Good luck! I tried left-handed mousing but it was just too much trouble.
alisande
Original Author
14 years ago
I'll report back, Flamey. I had an MRI on my shoulder, and it showed a swollen joint and inflamed tendons. Because of the swelling, they couldn't tell if the muscle had torn. A friend told me I should mention the shoulder problem to my chiropractor. Maybe I should do that!

Left-handed mousing is annoying, but it'll do for now. I got used to using my left hand following carpal tunnel surgery. Then I went to a trackball, alternating hands. I miss the scroll wheel with the trackball, but I think I'll go back to it.
oldgardener_2009
14 years ago
It might be ergonomics. I work on the computer every day and when I first started, I had a problem with my right shoulder from using the mouse. I discovered that my keyboard height was wrong.

When I adjusted my keyboard height, my shoulder problem stopped.
sue_va
14 years ago
I guess I have Bookworm shoulder, or rather had.

My right shoulder has always been a tad lower than my left shoulder. I finally figured that out years ago when I started making some of my own clothes. I always had a slight pain in that shoulder.

When I discovered Bookworm, I got very addicted to the game. This Spring I decided to take it off of the PC so I wouldn't be tempted.

After a while I realized my shoulder was hurting less and less. I may never put Bookworm back on.

Strange what these computers can do to us!

Sue
bigack
14 years ago
Oh yeah, I forgot bookworm, that hurts me too, cause I play too long!!

I think I have 'mouse shoulder.'

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bigack

sleeperblues

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I think I have 'mouse shoulder.'

Comments (7)

bigack

sleeperblues

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