Why Shoulder Pain Is on the Rise at Work — And What You Can Do About It
If you’ve noticed more people complaining about shoulder pain at work — it’s not just you. We’re seeing a clear increase in shoulder discomfort across the board. And it’s no coincidence.
With more time spent on screens, static postures, and awkward desk setups, our shoulders are bearing the brunt of modern work life.
Why the Shoulder Is So Vulnerable
The shoulder isn’t just one joint — it’s a complex group of five joints known as the shoulder girdle, supported by over 20 muscles. This system gives us a huge range of motion… but it also means more room for strain.
Every time you reach, scroll, type, or click — those muscles are at work. And while movement is good, repeating the same position without variation or support leads to what’s known as Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI).
Shoulder strain is one of the most under-recognised RSIs — often misdiagnosed as stress or “just how you slept.”
The Real Culprit: Static Load
One of the biggest problems? Static load — the strain your muscles experience when holding a fixed position for long periods.
We now spend an average of 6 hours and 40 minutes a day on internet-connected screens. That’s double what it was 20 years ago.
And even if you’re not lifting anything heavy, simply holding your mouse too far away or in a poor position can trigger fatigue and inflammation.
Imagine holding a pint of milk with your arm stretched in front of you. Feels fine at first… but wait a few minutes. That burn you feel? That’s static load.
Now imagine doing the same thing for 8 hours a day, with a badly positioned mouse.
How Poor Mouse Design Makes It Worse
Traditional mice — especially small, flat ones — force you into an unnatural posture:
Over-gripping
Wrist pronation
Shoulder internal rotation
Forward head posture
This all leads to:
Muscle fatigue
Neck, shoulder, and arm pain
Increased risk of frozen shoulder or tendonitis
What You Can Do: Quick Wins for Shoulder Relief
To reduce or prevent shoulder pain at your desk:
Sit back in your chair or stand upright (if using a sit-stand desk)
Keep arms bent and supported comfortably
Avoid reaching too far for your mouse or keyboard
Use an ergonomic mouse that fits your hand
Break regularly and move your shoulders through full ranges of motion
Need a Better Mouse? Try the Contour Unimouse
If you want to protect your shoulders and improve posture, the Contour Unimouse is a great upgrade.
It offers:
Adjustable angle and thumb support
Relaxed, neutral hand positioning
Left- and right-handed options (wired and cordless)
Works well at seated or standing desks
Already in pain? Pairing the Unimouse with an Ergorest arm support can dramatically reduce shoulder strain by offloading the weight entirely.
Free Advice from the DSE Team
You don’t have to figure this out alone.
Our team offers free ergonomic advice to help you set up your workspace the right way — whether that’s choosing a better mouse, adjusting your chair, or managing shoulder pain.
Small changes really do make a big difference.
Don’t wait until discomfort becomes injury.
👉 Contact the DSE team today and let’s take the pain out of your working day.