computer work and chronic shoulder pain?

Question

Hi, i have had constant , chronic pain in my shoulder, i type at work for 8 hours daily and i can barly work most of the time because as im typing the pain gets a "pressure" to it, im not sure what this is but does anyone have any suggestions on how i can make my time typing less excrusiating or hard on my shoulder, its in my right shoulder so its very dominant for me.. its nonstop! At times it feels like someone is stretching and twisting the muscles between my elbow and shoulder.. ouch.. id like any advice on this.. does anyone know if arm or wrist bands would help..im at my wits end here.. i have been to the drs and they cant find nothing wrong with it on x rays or anything.. thoughts please?

Answer 1

Seems like you need an ergonomic assessment of your work station. Hopefully your work will provide you with such. You seem to be experiencing tendinitis in the shoulder from overuse/poor postural positioning. If your doctor cannot find anything wrong and properly diagnose you then he/she should send you too an orthopedic doctor. You need a proper diagnosis to get the appropriate treatment. Physical therapy could help, especially with giving you pointers on your posture at work.

Answer 2

The symptoms you are describing suggest biceps tendonitis. There are 2 heads, or sections, of the bicep muscle on the front of your arm. The long head of the biceps actually attaches in the shoulder just above shoulder joint. Diagnosis is based on clinical symptoms including the location of your pain. If the pain is located over the front of the shoulder, and pain increases when you lift your arm overhead or hold objects with a bent elbow, it suggests biceps tendonitis because the bicep helps flex or bend the elbow as well as flex the shoulder. the treatment starts with ice and rest as well as advil or tylenol for pain. If rest does not help decrease pain, therapy with an athletic trainer or physical therapist is a good option to help control pain and increase strength. If this is still bothering you, a second opinion with a sports medicine physician would be a good idea. Sports medicine physicians are trained and skilled in recognizing injuries to muscles and joints. Consult the link below for additional information on biceps tendonitis. In the end, no one on the internet is going to be able to give you a definitive diagnosis because we cannot see or evaluate your shoulder. The best we can do is an educated guess. Good luck and don't settle for pain.

Answer 3

I wish I had this 2 years ago when I damaged my rotator cuff while showing off. This is very detailed and really gives you the techniques you need to sort out your own shoulder issues and a lot more info such as preventing further injuries. If you have a shoulder keeping you awake at night you'll know it's no laughing matter.

Stop Shoulder Pain Permanently?

Answer 4

You need to make sure your worktable is at the right height for you, not just a generic one. If it is too low, it will cause one type of pain, if it is too high a different one. You might consult an occupational medicine specialist to advise you on the correct height. He could also give you some exercises you can do every hour or so for just a couple of minutes that would relieve the muscle strain.

Answer 5

You have repetitive strain injury - like carpal tunnel only in the shoulder. The space that you are working in, the heights and angles of things are not ergonomicly suited to your body - like ill fitting shoes, and just as painful. There are adjustable chairs, and wrist rests, You need to stretch every 15 to 20 minutes. You really need your work area evaluated, or you will suffer permanant damage.
http://eeshop.unl.edu/rsi.html
This will help you persuade your boss:
http://www.workplacefairness.org
Ergonomic Chairs:
http://www.relaxtheback.com/
stretches you can do:
http://www.rsiwarrior.com/stretches.html
To evaluate your area:
http://209.85.165.104/search?q=cache:RP_pFZiFJz4J:www.cdc.gov/od/ohs/PDFFILES/evalcheck.pdf+ergonomic+evaluations&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=2&gl=us&client=firefox-a
These things are neccessary for you, and you mayb be able to insist on them under the American's With Disabilities Act of 1990 if a doctor diagnoses you with it. An MRI will help.
My best to you, take this seriously, and find a physiatrist (type of doctor), and he will know.
Keep in touch.

Answer 6

You need to do some online research about ergonomic exercises to do at your desk. You also need to review your desk and talk to your supervisor about ergonomics, seeing if they have better resources for you. Most offices are pretty concerned about this stuff now. Your keyboard is either too high or too low, probably, and you need to see about getting it repositioned. Also, if you slump, your posture isn't helping things. Good posture is essential to good muscular health when you have a job sitting around for that long.

Answer 7

Hon, I hope not but sounds like my arthritus. They do make a wristband that helps !