How to Prevent Common Computer and Video Game Injuries in Children
Most children and adolescents regularly experience physical injuries from ordinary play and sports. However, with the increasing popularity of computer and video games, some kids are now feeling the same kind of pains and aches that adults get from sitting behind their desks all day. Taking steps to prevent computer and video game injuries can ease pain today and possibly minimize the risk of long-term damage.
Chiropractors believe that common musculoskeletal problems caused by excessive gaming in front of a screen result mainly from postural stresses and lack of movement. Some of the common health problems experienced by gamers include:
- Eyestrain
- Wrist, arm or elbow strain
- Hand or thumb strain
- Classic carpal tunnel syndrome
Neck and upper back pain
While there are gaming systems that encourage movement, the inactive reality of gaming is a major concern for chiropractors. The reason is simply that joints must move to remain healthy. In other words, joints get nutrition through movement.
Subjecting young spines to poor postural positions for long periods with minimal or no movement at all can lead to changes in the normal S curve of the spine. This can result, in some cases, in pain as well as potentially long-lasting problems. Chiropractic care can help to offset the postural stresses and lack of movement linked to gaming.
Posture-Related Injuries from Excessive Computer Use and Gaming
Neck and back pain, arm and shoulder pain, and headaches are common injuries associated with prolonged computer and video game use. Such joint and muscle complications can be caused or worsened by bad posture, sitting for long periods of time, and poor desk or workstation design.
While sitting does not require a lot of muscular effort compared to standing, it still subjects the body to immense physical fatigue because you need to hold certain parts of the body steady for prolonged periods of time. This restricts the circulation of blood to the bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons, at times leading to stiffness and ultimately pain. Workstations that are not set up properly can subject the body to even greater stress on the joints and muscles.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is normally the result of compression of the median nerve as it passes through the wrist. In fact, it is the most common nerve compression injury and it is the most costly and common repetitive strain injury. It can be caused by both excessive gaming and prolonged computer use. Typical symptoms usually include:
- Night pain
- Weakness in grasping
- Index and thumb finger pinching, and other thumb movements
- Clumsiness, like dropping things and awkward hand movements
- Paresthesias or abnormal sensations such as numbness or tingling in the thumb, middle, and index fingers
Given that carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common and costly repetitive strain injury (RSI), there’s a high likelihood that you or your child are experiencing the problem due to prolonged computer use at work or excessive gaming. You may need to consult our family chiropractor at Arise Family Chiropractic in Cumming, GA for advice on how to prevent computer and video game injuries.
How to Prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome While Gaming
Until recently, the main solution for dealing with pain related to carpal tunnel syndrome was to take some pain-numbing medications or steroids, wear comfortable wrist support for gaming, or undergo surgery. However, these options are not always optimal. Drugs can make your mind fuzzy while wrist and hand braces can impede dexterity while gaming. On the other hand, surgery is costly and sometimes can leave you worse off than before.
Fortunately, chiropractic care has been found to be a safe, inexpensive, and highly-effective solution to carpal tunnel pain. Chiropractors use techniques such as spinal adjustments and manipulation to realign spines with abnormal S curvature. These techniques are not invasive yet they are highly effective in dealing with a broad range of musculoskeletal problems caused by excessive gaming and computer use. Chiropractors also use spinal adjustments and manipulations to treat musculoskeletal problems that cause back, shoulder, and neck pain caused by physical injuries. Further, chiropractors can prescribe certain forms of exercise as a solution.
How to Prevent Other Injuries from Computer Use and Excessive Gaming
Excessive gaming and computer use can wreak havoc on your wrists and hands, as well as on other parts of your body like the joints and muscles of the neck and back due to lack of movement and poor posture. Chiropractic care can help to treat these problems, but you can also prevent computer and video game injuries by:
- Sitting at an adjustable desk that is specially designed for computer use
- Having the computer screen at eye level or slightly lower
- Ensuring your keyboard is at a height that allows your elbows to rest comfortably at your sides
- Ensuring your forearms are nearly parallel to the floor and at the same level as the keyboard
- Using an ergonomic chair that is specially designed to prevent the spine from losing its natural curve while sitting
- Adjusting your chair such that your feet are always resting flat on the floor, or using a footstool
- Using an ergonomic keyboard that ensures your wrists and hands are in a natural position
- Taking frequent short breaks and doing stretching exercises while working or gaming
Health Risks from Excessive Gaming
Playing video and computer games for too long and without the proper furniture and posture may lead to health complications such as:
- Obesity
- Overuse injuries of the hand (carpal tunnel syndrome)
- Joint and muscle problems
- Eyestrain
Behavioral problems like aggressive behavior
As a parent, you can minimize the risk of your child developing such health complications by encouraging your child to:
- Take frequent breaks
- Pursue other interests, hobbies, and activities, especially physical activities like sports
- Sit at least one meter away from the screen
- Set sensible time limits on game playing (a maximum of 2 hours per day)
- Getting the right furniture that suits your child’s height
- Getting the right keyboard and mouse
Talking to children about the risk of excessive computer and video gaming is a good idea. If you are a resident of Cumming, GA and your child has been using computers and video games for some time now, it is advisable to make an appointment with our family chiropractor today for further advice on how to treat and prevent computer and video game injuries in children.