Tingling arms/hand RSI

[Scarlett]

Whenever I use the computer mouse I get tingling in my shoulder, arm and wrist. I try and avoid it but it is very hard as I need it for my work. Now even if I hold my wrist/ arm in a certain way or put my arm on my pillow in bed at night, the tingling comes back, first just a little, but then gets stronger and stronger. I am worried about how I can get rid of it. Any thoughts?

[firewatch]

sounds like you may have a trapped nerve get an ergonomic mouse and wrist rest and reffer yourself for physio, I have dequervons tenosinovitis in my left wrist and get tingly probs if i use the mouse to much. plus remember to take regular breaksx

[Buenchico]

Start here and click through the links ('Symptoms', 'Causes', etc) for lots of information:
http://www.nhs.uk/con...ges/Introduction.aspx

Are you using a wrist support when you use your mouse? (If you do a lot of work on your computer it should be regarded as essential):
http://www.amazon.co....RD/ref=pd_cp_office_1

Chris

[Scarlett]

Thanks- I've bought the mouse mat. Not sure about ergonomic mouse as I did try one where your hand goes on its side but I found it very hard to do fine movements like you can when using a normal mouse. I was using my wrist and arm to try and do small movements, rather than my hand, which actually made the tension in my wrist worse! Anyone tried the joystick type?

[Sqad]

The significant part of your post is the absence of pain, which rules out RSI as a realistic diagnosis. It does indeed indicate a irritation of a nerve root in the neck which needs further investigation.
I would suggest that you see your GP as X-Rays of your neck and probably blood tests to exclude an underactive thyroid will be necessary.

Treatment will be based upon the cause.

[Eve]

If it's RSI/carpal tunnel syndrome or similar (get it checked out if isn't stopping) have you had (or done yourself) a proper desk assessment?

I've made quite a few changes to my working practices since I got some problems like a bit of RSI type pain, tennis elbow (osteopath got the swelling down) and the inflammation with my arthritis.

My ex suffered very badly with RSI and it taught me to get a handle on things as early as possible and up my prevention tactics especially as I type huge amounts and at a very fast speed for most of the working day (then on laptop in the evenings). Once it takes hold badly it can be very hard to get rid of without stopping the problematic activity.

I have a wrist rest (was dubious at first but I love it!), use wrist supports, have a document holder for copy typing so I don't have to twist (I can stay sitting up straight and just move my head).

I also make sure my chair properly supports my back and my screen is at eye level so I'm not twisting my body or hunching over.

I often go for massages to help with back/shoulder/neck pain and they do my arms and hands as well and I notice a big different in how much they relax after massage (compared to how tight they were before).

I also try to have movement breaks and try to check my posture as I still end up hunching a bit (my shoulders feel like they have dropped inches after a massage).

One of the osteopaths I used to say showed me something. He said to stand normally and move my lower arms round in circles (like winding a cog with a handle?). He then said to stand up properly, decent posture, standing up straight, shoulders back etc... and to try it again. Spoke for itself for me!

You could also minimise the use of the mouse by learning as many shortcut keys as possible and adding your own.

You can also get wrist supports with splints in for further support.

With something like RSI though, rest by stopping the cause is the best way of helping it.

[Eve]

Oh...should have probably waited for the sqad verdict before typing an essay :)

[Sqad]

Jenna.......don't be silly....your post is just as relevant as mine.

[boxtops]

There are some good diagrams in here about the posture we should adopt when using the computer http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg36.pdf

[LoftyLottie]

I think Sqad is right and it comes from the neck. I have cervical spondolitis(osis) never sure which one is right and have it in both arms and wrists. I wake up with dead hands in the morning. Get it checked out. It's not uncommon, all part of the dreaded osteoarthritis in my case!!

[LoftyLottie]

Jenna's post is still very relevant, because posture and correct sitting position, computer position etc. can all aggravate it.

[scotman]

Have you tried using your mouse with your other hand for a while? If I am using mouse a lot when working I swap over every month. Also at home I have the option of using a graphic tablet & pen. This is a lot less stress than a mouse. Wacom make the best ones but other types are available.