The Wacom tablet and repetitive stress injury

CH
Posted By
crunch.hardtack
May 12, 2005
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1808
Replies
10
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Closed
Anyone else have shoulder problems after using a tablet for years? I’ve been using a Wacom for about 12 years, and just in the last 2 years or so the muscles just below my shoulder blade in the upper back/shoulder have become tight and knotted. I’ve tried many different postures and positions, but nothing seems to help. Using the mouse is also uncomfortable, but my left shoulder (I’m left-handed) is much worse.
Also, does anyone have experience with the healthcare system in relation to this kind of problem? I’m sure I’m going to have to see a doctor eventually, but I’d like to research this as much as I can first.

Thanks in advance.

CH
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K
KatWoman
May 12, 2005
Make sure to use a chair with adjustable arms, do not reach out over empty space. Stretch often.
Take aspirin.
I’m afraid this KNOT is a computer artist’s occupational injury…. Doctor will give you pills, unless you have good insurance in which case you will have tests, whatever therapy your insurance approves, and give you pain pills. Go to a massage therapist, it’s cheaper and safer.

wrote in message
Anyone else have shoulder problems after using a tablet for years? I’ve been using a Wacom for about 12 years, and just in the last 2 years or so the muscles just below my shoulder blade in the upper back/shoulder have become tight and knotted. I’ve tried many different postures and positions, but nothing seems to help. Using the mouse is also uncomfortable, but my left shoulder (I’m left-handed) is much worse.
Also, does anyone have experience with the healthcare system in relation to this kind of problem? I’m sure I’m going to have to see a doctor eventually, but I’d like to research this as much as I can first.

Thanks in advance.

CH
J
JJS
May 12, 2005
wrote in message
Anyone else have shoulder problems after using a tablet for years? I’ve been using a Wacom for about 12 years, and just in the last 2 years or so the muscles just below my shoulder blade in the upper back/shoulder have become tight and knotted.

Is it a periodical pain, or does it last all the time? Note that pain in the upper back can be what is called "referred pain" from an internal organ, often the liver.
CH
crunch.hardtack
May 12, 2005
It is permanent pain while I am using the tablet. I also have had "flare-ups" where it hurt even when sitting on the couch watching TV. It’s definitely related to using the tablet or mouse.
BTW, KatWoman — my girlfriend is a certified massage therapist and her massages, while great, don’t seem to help for more than a couple hours. But your advice is sound (I’ve already been trying to stretch, take breaks, etc.
I’ve tried resting my arm on the armrest and it actually seems to inflame the problem.
Not good. 🙁
I may be rapidly approaching the end of my graphic design career…
J
JJS
May 12, 2005
wrote in message

I may be rapidly approaching the end of my graphic design career…

For heaven’s sake, see an MD. The problem can be so many things, some of which can be fixed. You might be pleasantly surprised.
MM
Mister Max
May 12, 2005
posted:

Anyone else have shoulder problems after using a tablet for years?

You might shift some of the load to your right side by putting your mouse on the right side of your work surface and using your right hand. I use two mouses/mice, one for each hand, to avoid RSI.

Btw, I think I hear you implying that you’d give up your career before you would see a doctor.

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K
KatWoman
May 12, 2005
BTW, KatWoman — my girlfriend is a certified massage therapist LOL a lucky man….

don’t give up before you explore more options….

wrote in message
It is permanent pain while I am using the tablet. I also have had "flare-ups" where it hurt even when sitting on the couch watching TV. It’s definitely related to using the tablet or mouse.
BTW, KatWoman — my girlfriend is a certified massage therapist and her massages, while great, don’t seem to help for more than a couple hours. But your advice is sound (I’ve already been trying to stretch, take breaks, etc.
I’ve tried resting my arm on the armrest and it actually seems to inflame the problem.
Not good. 🙁
I may be rapidly approaching the end of my graphic design career…
CH
crunch.hardtack
May 12, 2005
Mister Max – Of course I wouldn’t change careers before seeing a doctor. I’m just trying to see if other people have had the same shoulder issue and if they have had success in healing it. I use the mouse (with my right hand) for some things, but for Photoshop work I just can’t. It’s too awkward and slow compared to the tablet. Thnx
B
bogus
May 13, 2005
I started to get pains in my shoulder and arm. I ended up taking the arm off my chair and bolting on a piece of wood. I put the Wacom tablet on that. It is very comfortable for me now and unless I work for an extended period on a rush job I am pain free. Good support is crucial.

dp

wrote:

Mister Max – Of course I wouldn’t change careers before seeing a doctor. I’m just trying to see if other people have had the same shoulder issue and if they have had success in healing it. I use the mouse (with my right hand) for some things, but for Photoshop work I just can’t. It’s too awkward and slow compared to the tablet. Thnx
LA
Loren Amelang
May 13, 2005
On 12 May 2005 12:55:49 -0700, wrote:

Anyone else have shoulder problems after using a tablet for years? I’ve been using a Wacom for about 12 years, and just in the last 2 years or so the muscles just below my shoulder blade in the upper back/shoulder have become tight and knotted. I’ve tried many different postures and positions, but nothing seems to help. Using the mouse is also uncomfortable, but my left shoulder (I’m left-handed) is much worse.

Have you tried a different pen? There are all manner of alternative and third-party pens for Wacom. I only use the slick, skinny pen that came with my Tablet PC occasionally, but if I was using it full time I know I’d be hurting. I’d imagine a more comfortable pen, or a range of them to shift among, might help a lot.

Loren
WO
Wizard of Draws
May 14, 2005
On 5/12/05 3:55 PM, in article
,
"" spewed:

Anyone else have shoulder problems after using a tablet for years? I’ve been using a Wacom for about 12 years, and just in the last 2 years or so the muscles just below my shoulder blade in the upper back/shoulder have become tight and knotted. I’ve tried many different postures and positions, but nothing seems to help. Using the mouse is also uncomfortable, but my left shoulder (I’m left-handed) is much worse.
Also, does anyone have experience with the healthcare system in relation to this kind of problem? I’m sure I’m going to have to see a doctor eventually, but I’d like to research this as much as I can first.

Thanks in advance.

CH
I’ve been using one for quite some time without problems. I’d suspect your chair and/or posture. I’m right-handed and I also put a second (soft) mousepad under my left elbow so that it has a good pad to rest on. It was starting to aggravate me a bit from the bare desk, but not anymore. Good luck.
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