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I've had problems with my upper back and shoulder area for years. I've had a gradually worsening problem with a muscle that cramps or seizes. The muscular lockups have been at times spread into the shoulder, the other side of my back, etc. I've been in physical therapy, on various meds, ergo chairs, keyboards, workstations, track balls, etc, all to no effect. Various treatments could decrease the problem but not eliminate it.

I think I've finally found the problem and it's so annoyingly simple... I've turned down my mouse acceleration. I've slowed down my mouse speed. I'm one of those people who have their mouse accelleration turned all the way up. The only thing that moved was my wrist... the rest of my arm and shoulder stayed locked in position. Over time, this becomes a Really Bad Thing.

The earliest I can recall having this problem was before my oldest daughter was born and she just turned seven. I think this has been going on for nearly a decade now. In that time I've seen doctors, PTs, chiropractors, massage therapists, and ergonomic specialists.

Now, instead of keeping my shoulder locked in position, I have to move the mouse to one side of my desk, then pick it up and move it back to the other side and move it a bit more to get the cursor from one side of the screen to the other. And at home I've got dual monitors, so I have to move even more. This constant exercise seems to be just what I needed! And it really hasn't slowed me down on the computer.

And yes, I've tried the left handed track ball as well, but it did no good. I suspect the exercise of picking up the mouse and moving it left and right is playing a major role. :) Isn't this sad?

I'm sharing this in hopes it will help someone else out. High mouse speeds are great in video games (UT anyone?) and they make you slightly more productive, but over time it can cause real problems.

Jared