We all can probably admit we spend more time in front of our computers than we would like…before we know it we have been staring at the screen for 4 hours with no breaks. If we spend a majority of our time here it should be pretty dang comfortable and ergonomic to prevent problems in the future. One of the best (and easiest) changes can be switching to an ergonomic mouse. So how it can contribute to a healthier and more comfortable experience?
Think of a mouse turned on its side, that’s an ergonomic mouse (also know as a vertical mouse) Ergonomic mice are specifically designed to promote natural hand and forearm positions. This places the bones, muscles, ligaments and nerves in a more anatomical position to prevent overstretching, irritation and reduce unnecessary strain.Â
Tendonitis can be caused, or worsened by mouse use. This can cause pain all the way up the forearm to the outside of the elbow. Repetitive lifting of the wrist and fingers off a traditional mouse makes you work against gravity. Because your palm is facing down on a traditional mouse, gravity is pushing down on the top of your hand all dang day. (P.S. gravity weight 8lbs! That’s like doing an 8 pound wrist curl every time you lift your hand off the mouse. No kidding it can cause tendonitis!) An ergonomic mouse turns your hand sideways. This way you can lift your hands and fingers off the mouse without the resistance of gravity.
Carpal Tunnel is a common condition that can be caused by many factors, with one of those factors being pressure on the median nerve on the palm side of the wrist where it passes through the carpal tunnel. This condition can cause burning pain, tingling and numbness in your thumb, index and middle finger. It is worse by prolonged desk work due to the positioning and pressure on your wrist when we use a traditional mouse and keyboard. The design of ergonomic mice encourages a more neutral wrist and forearm position and turns your hand sideways to prevent compression to the carpal tunnel.
Finally, turning your hand sideways can actually improve posture and positioning all the way up to your shoulder! It encourages forearm rotation and shoulder external rotation which means sitting up taller and keeping your shoulders back! The body is all connected and can cause a chain reaction of positioning….so let's make that chain reaction a good one!
Incorporating an ergonomic mouse into your work setup is a small change that can make a significant impact on your overall well-being. Click here for my go to ergo mouse. The benefits, ranging from reduced strain and discomfort to enhanced productivity, make it a worthwhile investment for anyone who spends substantial time working on a computer (side note these make GREAT gifts!) Embrace comfort, prioritize your health, and make the switch to an ergonomic mouse – your hands will thank you for it.
