Started new job but RSI affecting me already

ManicMum

Hello

I have recently got a new job in Administration. I have not done this type of work for a few years. In the past, I have had problems with RSI of the shoulder using a computer mouse but over the last few years I have just been using my laptop and therefore just the sensor pad at the front. It hasn't been a problem so wasn't sure with the rest whether the problem had gone away.

I contacted the employer before I started to say about the problem in the past. Not much was said but I just said I'd see how I went. Well, it's only been 2 days but my shoulder is already hurting and hurts when I turn my neck. I don't know what to do. I don't want to leave but can not work like this. I have looked at posture, exercises etc before but nothing works. Just don't know what to do. Do I have any rights? I don't have a contract yet. If I can't do this, I also don't know what I will do in future as this is my area of experience.

anyone? cheers.

esuhl

Do you rest your elbow (or lower arm) on the desk when using a mouse? If not, you're probably straining the muscles in your arm/shoulder/back when your elbow is in the air...

I have RSI too (although it affects the joints in my hand) and I found that switching to a trackball (which I use with my left hand) alleviated the problem. If a trackpad works for you, can you ask your employer to get one for you?

Evilm

Have you done an ergonomic check for your workstation? It could be you are just set up wrong rather than your personal posture. (wrong desk height, keyboard in wrong place etc.)

alunharford

If you find that you get RSI with a mouse, you might want to buy/ask your employer to buy you a usb touchpad - they cost about 40 quid and work just like on a laptop.

attila_

It may be that you're getting used to that working position, like aching after the gym. Could you try working through it a bit longer?

ManicMum

thanks folks for your suggestions. I have a history of this problem so know it's not just a case of getting used to it. I have avoided the mouse for years so almost forgot I had the problem. I have put the mouse in front of my keyboard for now which helps a little bit. I will look at that sensor pad thing as that sounds possibly best option. Ibuprofen and Deep Heat helping a bit!!

theoretica

While your shoulder settles down and you work out the nicest trackpad/ball/joystick/ergonomic mouse (I think there are even some you move with your feet) you may want to use the mouse with your left hand some of the time.

esuhl

In case it helps, this is the trackball I have: Logitech Marble Mouse (seems like they've re-named it the Trackman Marble now, which makes sense seeing as it's not a mouse!)

It's symmetrical, so you can use it with either hand and, unlike a mouse, you don't have to move your arm all over the desk. And your hand/wrist/lower-arm are in a much more natural position (I think -- I'm no expert!)