Five Tips for Reducing or Eliminating Neck Pain Related to Computer Gaming
Are you having neck pain due to gaming on your computer? If so, that hobby-related pain can make it hard to focus and function in other aspects of your life. Luckily, there are many things you can do to minimise and eliminate your computer-gaming neck pain:
1. Invest in a better chair.
If you are sitting in a chair that doesn't support your body, it can lead to neck and back pain. Consider investing in desk chairs that support your lower back and neck -- look for a chair with adjustable height so you can customise it to meet your needs.
Alternatively, you can buy an ergonomic chair on which you basically kneel in a position that alleviates pressure off your spine and neck.
2. Explore different gaming positions.
In many cases, neck pain occurs when you are in the same uncomfortable position for extended periods of time. Don't always game in the same position. Instead of sitting all the time, try standing for a bit, or put your computer on the floor and sit on a low slung chair.
3. Choose the correct monitor height.
Regardless of which position you are in, the position of the monitor is also extremely important. Ideally, you should adjust the monitor so that it is straight across from your face. You don't want to have to bend your head up or down to see it.
If you don't have an adjustable monitor, adjust it by placing stacks of books under it or by moving it to a table or desk that is a different height than the one you normally use.
4. Use a video game controller.
If you are gaming with your mouse and keyboard, it can force your hands, wrists and arms into odd positions. Those positions can translate into pinched nerves or other issues related to neck pain.
Consider protecting your neck by not using your keyboard and mouse to game. Instead, invest in a traditional gaming controller that attaches to one of the USB ports of your CPU.
5. Stretch in between levels.
Instead of playing level after level on your computer games, pause the game in between levels or as needed, get off your chair and do some stretches. Open up your chest and pull your neck backward so your head is tilted up. Also, reach one of your arms out to the side and tilt your neck to the opposite side so that your neck and arm make a diagonal line, hold, and then repeat on the opposite side.
For more tips and ideas on reducing neck pain related to computer gaming, contact a chiropractor, such as those at Coogee Chiropractic.