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How to relieve shoulder pain from sitting at a desk

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SHOULDER PAIN is a common complaint among people who spend long hours sitting at a desk.

This discomfort can significantly affect your productivity and overall well-being. Understanding the causes and implementing effective strategies can help alleviate shoulder pain.

In this page, we'll explore how certain habits, such as reaching for your keyboard and improper arm positioning, can contribute to shoulder pain, and provide practical tips to prevent and relieve it.

Working

Understanding the Problem

Reaching for Your Keyboard

When you reach for your keyboard by rolling your shoulders forward, you compress the nerves that run through your shoulders.

This compression can lead to pain not only in the shoulder but also down the arm.

When you reach for your keyboard by rolling your shoulders forward, you compress the nerves that run through your shoulders.

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The forward roll of the shoulders puts strain on the muscles and joints, exacerbating the problem.

This position also causes a tightening of the chest muscles and overstretches the upper back muscles, leading to imbalances and further discomfort.

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Head and Arm Positioning

Having your arms positioned too high while typing or using the mouse increases muscle tension in your shoulders.

This elevated position can cause the muscles to work harder than necessary, leading to fatigue and pain.

Prolonged muscle tension restricts blood flow and can lead to inflammation, contributing to chronic pain conditions.

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Ergonomic desk setup

Tips to relieve shoulder pain

Adjust your desk or chair

With your elbows at a 90-degree angle, the height of your forearms determines your desk height. If the desk is not adjustable, adjust the height of your chair to achieve this.

Sit as close to the desk as possible.

Adjust the height so your feet are flat on the floor or a foot support and your knees are at a 90-degree angle.


Monitor Height and Distance

Position your monitor so that eye level is 2-3" below the top of the screen.

The screen should be about an arm's length away from you to avoid straining your neck and shoulders.

Positioning your keyboard and mouse

Place your keyboard and mouse at a height where your forearms are parallel to the floor.

Keep the keyboard close enough so you don't need to reach for it. 

Your shoulders should remain relaxed, not rolled forward.

Use a keyboard tray if necessary to achieve the correct height and distance.

Take Regular Breaks

Follow the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away.

Stand up, stretch, and move
around every hour to prevent stiffness and improve circulation.

Stretching & Strengthening Exercises

Shoulder stretches

Roll your shoulders backward and
forward several times to release tension.

Neck Stretches

Gently tilt your head towards each
shoulder, holding for 15-20 seconds.

Chest stretches

Interlace your fingers behind your back and gently lift your arms to stretch the chest and shoulders.

Shoulder Strengthening

Incorporate exercises like rows and scapular squeezes to strengthen the muscles around your shoulder blades, improving posture and reducing pain.

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mind-posture

mind your posture

Sit back in your chair with your back straight and shoulders relaxed.

Avoid slouching or leaning forward. Imagine a string pulling the top of your head towards the ceiling to help maintain an upright position.

Shoulder pain from sitting at a desk is often a result of poor ergonomics and posture.

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By making simple adjustments to your workspace, taking regular breaks, and incorporating stretches and strengthening exercises into your routine, you can significantly reduce discomfort and improve your overall well-being.

Remember, the key is to maintain a neutral and relaxed position for your shoulders and arms, preventing nerve compression and muscle tension. 

Take these steps today to create a more comfortable and productive work environment.

FREE POSTURE CONSULT

Schedule a complimentary 1-on-1 video call and discuss with one of our posture specialists.

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Here's What Anthros Owners with Shoulder Pain are Saying

Customer reviews

495 reviews
90%
7%
2%
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1%
I’ve been using the Anthros chair for a while now, and I’m really impressed overall. The pelvic support is what stands out to me the most; …
I’ve been using the Anthros chair for a while now, and I’m really impressed overall. The pelvic support is what stands out to me the most; …
I've got a bad lower back and am on the path to a 5 disc fusion. I've been through every imaginable desk chair and always end up with pain.…
Yes, if your wondering if this is a good chair the answer is yes.
If you have poor posture or back pain or just want a comfy seat while wo…
This is by far the best office chair I've ever used. I can't tell you how many times I would choose this chair over the Aeron. I wish this …
This is by far the best office chair I've ever used. I can't tell you how many times I would choose this chair over the Aeron. I wish this …
Comfort
PoorExcellent
Back Support
PoorExcellent
Received an incentive for this review
No (145) · Yes (5)
7 days ago
 
K.F

I love this chair as every time I sit on it I feel like my whole spine and posture is aligned so effortlessly. I look forward to sitting in my chair everyday! The customer service and the team at Anthros is really just superb, they are very accommodating and patient with my requests and they always reply in a timely manner. Really thank you so much. I very rarely write reviews but the whole experience was just so pleasant I just cant pass up on doing so.

Received an incentive for this reviewNo
Did you complete your free posture consultation with one of our licensed therapists? Yes
Comfort
PoorExcellent
Back Support
PoorExcellent
 
7 days ago
 
Patricia S.
Verified buyer

My previous office chair was a Herman Miller. It was a good chair. Right out if the box my Anthros chair exceeded my expectation for all day comfort. I was very aware that at the end of the work day (sometimes 10-11 hours) my body is not tired and hurting. If you are looking for an new office chair, the Anthros chair is worth every cent. Your body will thank you!

Received an incentive for this reviewNo
Did you complete your free posture consultation with one of our licensed therapists? No
Comfort
PoorExcellent
Back Support
PoorExcellent
 
7 days ago
 
H Z.
Verified buyer

I work from home and spend most of my waking hours at my computer — both for work and after hours. My previous chair offered virtually no back support and forced my legs into a closed position. Being 5' tall with a curvier build, my upper back never made contact with the backrest unless I was actively leaning back, which meant I was essentially unsupported for the majority of the day. When I work, I prefer to sit upright with my feet flat on the floor and my knees apart. Finding a chair that actually accommodates that posture at my height has been a long search. I've had the Anthros for almost two months now and log roughly 14 hours a day in it. It has been a game changer. The pelvic and upper back support keeps me sitting fully upright without any effort — I'm not fighting the chair to maintain my posture, the chair is doing that work for me. Even after hours without remembering to take a break, I feel no numbness or discomfort in my seat. The seat edge design is generous enough that there's zero pressure on the sides or underside of my legs, which was a constant issue with my previous chair. The dual-back system was key to getting the fit right for my body. I have the pelvic adjustment nearly all the way back, which allowed me to bring the upper back support further forward — exactly where I needed it. That independent adjustability is what sets this chair apart. For what it's worth, I didn't experience any discomfort during the adjustment period, but everyone's different there. I do have armrests on my chair, though I rarely use them except when getting out of the chair. They stay locked well and don't rotate on their own, which is good. The one thing I'd flag is that they feel a bit short even fully extended — something to keep in mind if armrest height matters to you. I haven't used the tilt functionality at all. Sitting fully upright is the sweet spot for me, and the chair supports that perfectly without needing to recline. I was also pleasantly surprised that it doesn't trap heat. For a chair with this much cushioning and support, I expected it to run warm, but it hasn't been an issue. With my upper back fully supported, I genuinely do not miss not having a headrest. That surprised me — I thought it would feel like something was missing, but it doesn't. The price is steep, no question. But given that I'm essentially living in this chair, investing in something that actually supports my body properly was the right call. I'm no longer sore at the end of the day, and that alone makes it worth it.

Received an incentive for this reviewNo
Did you complete your free posture consultation with one of our licensed therapists? No
Comfort
PoorExcellent
Back Support
PoorExcellent
 
9 days ago
 
Beverly R.
Verified buyer

Let me tell you. This chair is a game changer. I am a Counselor, and I work from home 60+ hours a week. I sit in my Anthros every day, all day long, 6 days a week. I used to have weekly visits to the chiropractor, and now I only go PRN. I love it. It is worth every penny I paid, and then some. Actually, I am saving so much not going to the chiropractor, it should pay for itself within 2 years. A word of advice: Get the foot support. It takes the pressure off of the back of your knees from sitting all day. I didn't get it, and I was able to email them for a link to purchase it after.

Received an incentive for this reviewNo
Did you complete your free posture consultation with one of our licensed therapists? No
Comfort
PoorExcellent
Back Support
PoorExcellent
 
11 days ago
 
Julie

Great customer service, the personal online therapists was great and very helpful in getting my chair setup properly!

Received an incentive for this reviewNo
Did you complete your free posture consultation with one of our licensed therapists? Yes
Comfort
PoorExcellent
Back Support
PoorExcellent