Burning pain in the neck and shoulder

Do you suffer from "Mouse Shoulder?"
We have all heard of Tennis Elbow, Jumpers Knee, etc..., but Mouse Shoulder?
This is a term I coined after noticing a very common trend of neck, shoulder and upper back pain (usually a burning pain) from people who use computers a lot at work and home. While using a keyboard can lead to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, I have found that using the mouse can lead to the above symptoms. Most cases involve female patients, but I do see some male patients with similar complaints. Mouse Shoulder usually develops when computer users have the mouse out in front too far, the right arm has to reach forward to use the mouse. This motion causes the shoulder to move forward in the socket and rotate inward. The pectoralis (large chest muscle that brings the arm across the body) is very powerful and will shorten with repetitive reaching forward. As the pectoralis shortens and the shouder moves forward, the muscles along the scapula (shoulder blade) become stressed, as do the muscles from the shoulder blade to the neck become stressed. Over time, these stressed muscled develop scar tissue adhesions (think gristle), which further stress these muscles and lead to the burning pain. Left uncorrected, this will lead to rotator cuff damage, arm weakness, numbness and arthritic changes.

What to do; first give me or your local chiropractor a call for an evaluation. Secondly, make sure your elbow stays next to your side while using your mouse, don't reach forward. Thirdly, take a break every 30-45 minutes and do some shoulder blade squeezing exercises (put hands behind head and pull elbows back while squeezing shoulder blades together). Ice at the end of the day and heating it up in the morning should help.

I am seeing more and more of this condition, so spread the word and keep your fellow co-workers healthy and happy.