Why Is Shoulder Pain on the Rise in the Workplace?
If you’ve noticed more employees reporting shoulder discomfort, you’re not alone — and it’s not just coincidence. The way we work has evolved, and with it, the physical demands on our bodies. One area taking the brunt of the change? The shoulder.
Understanding the Shoulder: The Body’s Most Complex Joint
The shoulder is the most complex joint in the human body — or rather, a group of five interconnected joints that work together as the shoulder girdle. These joints are supported and moved by over 20 muscles, all coordinating to provide a huge range of motion in the shoulder, neck, back, chest, and arms.
Every time we reach, push, pull, lift, carry or scroll, we place strain on this system. Normally, this is a healthy kind of strain — it builds strength and maintains flexibility. But problems arise when the same movement or posture is repeated or held for long periods without variation or support. This is how Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI) develop.
While conditions like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome or Tennis Elbow are well-known RSIs, shoulder-related strain is often overlooked or misdiagnosed. When someone develops pain, inflammation or even a frozen shoulder, the cause is rarely linked to workstation setup. It’s more often blamed on how we slept or general stress. While these may be contributing factors, they are rarely the root cause.
The Real Culprit: Static Load
So what is to blame? One major factor is static load — the strain placed on muscles and joints when we hold a position for long periods without movement. Throughout the day we are spending an increasing amount of time reading and navigating on our devices, in a fixed position. Whether this be the work computer or our Smartphones. Recent studies show that the average person spends about 6 hours and 40 minutes daily on internet-connected screens, encompassing both computers and smartphones, with the majority of this time spent reading and scrolling. This compares to an average of approximately 3 hours per day twenty years ago.
We are all becoming more aware of the issues with Smartphones with conditions such as Text Neck, but there is less of an understanding of the issues and risks at the desk. To illustrate the problem at the desk: imagine holding a pint of milk with your arm stretched in front of you. Initially, several muscles activate to get the arm into position. Then, a whole network of other muscles — across the chest, back, and shoulder — kick in to keep it there. You’re not moving, but those muscles are working hard. Eventually, they fatigue, and you’re forced to lower your arm.
Now imagine doing something similar — all day, every day — with a computer mouse. Even though the mouse is resting on a desk, if it’s positioned too far away from the body, your muscles are still under constant, low-level tension. The more extended or rotated your arm is, the greater the static load, especially if you're gripping tightly or using a small standard mouse that doesn't fit your hand, or your desk height is wrong for you.
Over time, this static strain builds up, leading to:
Muscle fatigue
Tension and stiffness
Inflammation
Pain in the shoulder, neck, arm or hand
How the Standard Mouse Makes Things Worse
Using a small, traditional mouse — especially one smaller than the palm of your hand — increases the risk of pain by encouraging:
Over-gripping
Pronation of the wrist and forearm
Internal rotation of the shoulder
Forward head posture, especially if screen height is poor
This unnatural positioning pulls the shoulder forward and loads the neck, upper back and rotator cuff muscles, creating the perfect storm for discomfort.
The Solution: Better Posture, Better Support, Better Tools
If you’re looking to reduce or prevent shoulder pain at your desk, here’s where to start:
- Sit fully back in your chair or stand upright if using a sit-stand desk
- Keep your arms bent and relaxed, supported “naturally and comfortably” by armrests or the desk
- Avoid leaning and reaching forwards to use your mouse or keyboard
- Use a properly fitting ergonomic mouse
- Break frequently and gently move the shoulders through a full range of movements.
Need a Mouse That Does More? Try the Contour Unimouse
If you're not in pain but want to improve your posture, the Contour Unimouse is a fantastic upgrade from a standard mouse. Available in left- or right-handed versions (including cordless), it features:
Adjustable angle and thumb support
A design that promotes a natural, relaxed hand position
Compatibility with both seated and standing workstations
For those already experiencing shoulder, arm, or neck pain, the Unimouse is a major improvement — but it might not be the perfect solution for everyone. If your shoulder is particularly restricted, pairing a suitable mouse with an Ergorest arm support can make a dramatic difference by offloading strain from the shoulder entirely.
Free Advice from the DSE Team
The good news? You don’t have to figure it out alone.
Our DSE team offers free advice and support to help you create the right ergonomic setup — from finding the best mouse, to adjusting your screen, chair, or desk height. Small changes really can have a big impact on your comfort and long-term health.
Don't wait for pain to become a problem. Reach out to the DSE team today and discover how better ergonomics can support a better working day.
Don’t put up with the pain — reach out to the DSE team and take a step towards a more comfortable, healthier way of working.
