Mouse placement, your chair and how hard you grip the mouse affects your muscles.
Using a computer's mouse may lead to pain in your wrist, forearm, elbow and even back, causing you discomfort even when you are not sitting at the computer. How you position and use your mouse may lead to muscle spasms, which you may correct by changing your habits or using an alternative device.
Mouse Positioning
Having to reach for your computer's mouse on a regular basis can lead to problems with your arm and back. The repetitive movement of reaching for your mouse dozens, if not hundreds, of times a day puts an extra amount of stress on your arm and back, leading to muscle fatigue and spasms. Reaching for the mouse leads to you leaning forward in your chair, which puts extra stress on your back muscles. Ideally, you should sit reclined back slightly instead of leaning forward. Reaching forward to use the mouse also causes you to lean on your elbow, wrist or other part of your arm, stressing your arm muscles over time.
Proper Chair
Investing in a good office chair will help you avoid muscle spasms in your arm and back after using your computer's mouse for extended periods of time. Chairs that have adjustable armrests allow you to rest your elbow, no matter the height of the desk, helping your arm muscles to not become overly stressed. A chair with lumbar support and the ability to recline back slightly helps your back relax as you work, keeping you from leaning forward in the chair.
Mouse Usage
Using your computer's mouse in certain ways will lead to muscle problems with your arm. Instead of gripping the mouse tightly with your hand, rest your hand lightly on the mouse. Many modern computer mice come with a textured or rubberized surface, making using the mouse without apply much pressure with your hand manageable. If possible, use your mouse with your other hand for a few days until the muscle spasms and any related pain disappear.
Mouse Alternatives
You may further reduce muscle pain and the risk of future spasms by investing in a mouse alternative. Trackballs only require you to use your fingers to move the roller ball. The action of moving the roller ball with your finger places less stress on your arm muscles, according to Dr. John S. Gillick, of the Center for Occupational and Environmental Medicine in San Diego. Using a touchpad instead of a mouse or a trackball also does not require you to grip while using the computer, also helping reduce any stress placed on your arm muscles.
