Upper-extremity and neck disorders associated with keyboard and mouse use

Abstract

Musculoskeletal disorders are frequently related to computer use in the workplace. The aim of this chapter is to provide an overview of the evidence in the literature concerning the putative association between neck, shoulder, and upper-limb disorders and occupational exposure to use of a computer and its devices. We searched the scientific literature via PubMed, using specific search strategies, including substrings tailored to retrieve papers about: (1) occupational etiology; (2) computer use; and (3) different upper-limb disorders. We intended to include, in our evaluation, systematic reviews and relevant, informative papers published later on. We were able to retrieve 11 systematic reviews and 11 informative studies regarding neck, shoulder, and upper-limb disorders. There is limited/insufficient and/or inconsistent evidence indicating that computer work may be associated to neck, shoulder, or distal arm complaints. There is sufficient evidence indicating no association between carpal tunnel syndrome and computer work. There are no studies regarding the use of computers and some neck, shoulder, and upper-limb diseases, such as tennis elbow and trigger finger. Applying the general principles of ergonomics to computer work is probably the correct strategy to pursue, with the aim of maintaining office workers' well-being.

Keywords: carpal tunnel syndrome; computer use; musculoskeletal disorders; neck and shoulder disorders; occupational exposures; office work; upper-limb disorders; work-related disorders.