The following recommendations make my top ten list for avoiding carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis and other computer-related strains and pains.

1. Don’t squeeze the mouse too hard. Keep a loose grip.
   
   • Pain-Free Mousing
   
   
2. Don’t swivel the wrist while using the mouse. Move through the shoulder and elbow.
   
   • Neutral Position - Fingers, Wrist & Forearm
   
   
3. Keep the wrists neutral. Or try going vertical.
   
   • The Evoluent Vertical Mouse - A Product Review
   
   
4. Don’t reach up or outward for the mouse. Keep it on the same level as the keyboard and keep it in close.
   
   • Ergonomic Mouse Platforms & Mousing Tips
   
   
5. Don’t rest your wrists on the wrist rest. This places pressure directly over the carpal tunnel and isolates finger movement causing too much strain on small muscles.
   
   • Wrist Rests - Proper Use & Function
   
   
6. Type lightly. Keep the fingers relaxed. Float over the keyboard.
   
   • Typing Style - Repetitive Injuries are NOT just about the Keyboard
   
   
7. Open the elbows slightly greater than 90 degrees. Use an under-the-desk keyboard tray to position the keyboard at the correct height. Or, if you need to raise the chair seat, make sure your feet are properly supported.
   
   • The Elbow & Repetitive Strain Injuries
   
   
8. Avoid the rounded shoulder and forward head posture. Sit properly with the ears, shoulders and elbows in vertical alignment.
   
   • Neutral Position - Elbow, Shoulders, Neck
   
   
9. Place the monitor at eye level so you don’t strain the neck and shoulder muscles by looking down at the screen.


10. Don’t use bifocals. Peering under the lens can cause awkward head positioning and promote neck strain. Obtain special glasses for use only on the computer that are prescribed for the distance between your eyes and the monitor.
    
    • The Neck & Repetitive Strain Injuries
    
    

Marji Hajic is an Occupational Therapist and a Certified Hand Therapist practicing in Santa Barbara, California. For more information on hand and upper extremity injuries, prevention and recovery, visit Hand Health Resources.