Expert Tips to Prevent ‘Gamers’ Neck’ and Stay Healthy
Marin Cristian-Ovidiu, a game developer and the inventor of OnlineGames.io as well as a dedicated gamer himself, walks you through his tried and true methods for avoiding ‘gamers’ neck’.
Image by 11333328 from Pixabay
Marathon gaming sessions are all fun and games – until you can’t move your head the next day. If you try out some of the tips and tricks below, you will find that you can stay comfortable for longer while gaming (and have less anxiety about the future of your spine!).
Marin Cristian-Ovidiu, a game developer and the inventor of OnlineGames.io as well as a dedicated gamer himself, walks you through his tried and true methods for avoiding ‘gamers’ neck’.
Frequently Get Up and Walk Around
‘One of the fastest ways to relieve neck pain is to pause your game, stand up, and walk around for a little while,’ advises Marin. ‘This allows your body to move around and gets you out of the same position you have likely been sitting in for hours.’ The longer you are sitting with your neck bent, the likelier it is that it will get sore.
Invest in a Good Gaming Chair
Poor posture during gaming sessions can lead to back and neck issues like frequent headaches, reduced spinal mobility, and more. Marin says, ‘If you are a dedicated gamer, then it’s worth it to invest in an ergonomic gaming chair to reduce these symptoms and promote overall lumbar health.’
Check Your Posture Every 30 Minutes
If you are planning to have a gaming session that will last several hours, you need to make sure to take posture break checks throughout. ‘The best way to remember is to set timers on your phone for every 30 minutes to remind yourself to straighten up,’ Marin says. ‘If you’re playing with friends, you can all set timers and remind each other.’
Stretch Before and After Gameplay
A good ritual to get into to avoid ‘gamers’ neck’ is to have a stretching session before you sit down to play video games and after you are finished for the day. This will ensure that your neck and spinal cord stay limber and stretched out and will be less likely to get stiff and start hurting. And if you’re playing a competitive game, a little focus session beforehand could get your brain into the right mood to win!
Participate in Active Hobbies Outside of Gaming
Although gaming is an exciting and time-consuming hobby, it is good to find other activities you love, particularly things that require you to get outside and be active, like sports or hiking. Marin says, ‘Getting out there and doing some healthy exercise will strengthen your neck and back muscles, making it less likely that you’ll develop the dreaded ‘gamers’ neck.’
