Mousing with your other hand

by Jen (May 3, 2007)

A few years ago, I noticed a spot in the middle of my back - just under the shoulder blade, and slightly to the right of my spine - was hurting. A lot. Most of the time. I eventually found the condition online at a chiropractor’s site: the doctor said it was from using the mouse too much.

Sure enough, using the mouse less reduced the pain. I adopted all the keyboard shortcuts I could find. But some weeks when I’m really busy and some of the programs I use really don’t have enough keyboard shortcuts, I really need to be able to mouse. Now not only does the mouse hurt my back; I think my lowest thumb joint must have a touch of early arthritis because it aches like crazy. Even just holding my hand stiffly near the mouse - which I tend to do because I use the blasted thing so frequently -makes it hurt.

Lifehacker to the rescue once again with their "mouse goofy" suggestion. It is, simply: switch hands, probably without switching mouse settings but this may depend on your mouse. Now I’m doing my left-clicking with my left ring and pinky fingers, using my index, middle and ring fingers on my trackball (which is perfectly centered on my mouse) and doing only right-clicks with my thumb. All the stress is off my thumb, and the back pain is already lessening.

I really recommend looking into this stuff if you use the mouse a lot, even if you have no signs of RSI. It doesn’t hurt to take some preventative steps.

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