Wednesday, August 30, 2017

Common video game-related health problems and how to avoid them

A lot of people in the modern world sit in front of a PC or console and play computer games for hours on end. This has led to many health problems that can become dangerous if not addressed quickly. 

One of the most common ones is carpal tunnel syndrome, which occurs when a person has aggravated the major nerve that passes over the carpal bones in my wrist. Most pain management doctors will tell you that it really isn’t a syndrome unless it recurs, but it will lead to your hand being put in a cast and immobilized for a few weeks. 

Image source: youtube.com

Eye strain is another and is a side effect of staring at the monitor screen for many hours in a typical gaming day. Most people that play computer games might need to have specially made glasses, as it’s no secret that continuous eye strain will lead to poor eyesight by the time one reaches his or her middle age.

Other common issues that come with gaming are back pain due to bad posture, as well as the occasional pulled muscle. It’s crucial then that gamers understand the need for the gaming area to be ergonomically designed: with a well-placed desk, a good gaming chair with a backrest, and a monitor that is at eye-level and not positioned too close to the gamer’s eyes. 

Doing basic stretches is an important habit for gamers; they must take regular breaks to stretch their hands and backs. Cock-up splints, which wraps your thumb to for minimal movements, might be recommended by a physical therapist to best relieve stress on one’s Carpal tunnel. 

Finally, physical therapy might be the best way to go if the pain becomes intolerable. Get an ultrasound, electrostimulation, and other alternative methods prescribed by your pain management doctor. 

Image source: wikipedia.org

Pain management physicianDr. Melanie Novak, M.D., specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of various types of pain, including complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), sciatica, joint discomfort, and bursitis, among others. For more on her work and interests, drop by this website.