Gaming is a passion for billions of people – and the most engrossing titles can leave you transfixed in front of your TV or PC monitor for hours at a time.
This is no bad thing in isolation – but the physical fallout can be dire, and we’re not talking about repetitive strain injuries caused by button mashing, or eye strain caused by intense staring at your on-screen enemies.
Spine health is a serious topic worth tackling in this context – so sit back and find out what you can do to avoid unnecessarily injuring your body’s literal backbone as we unfold a few tips worth following.
Aiming for Improved Posture
The first step to maintaining spine health during those captivating game marathons starts with your posture. It’s something that professional gamers suffer with – as research has found that 42% experience some form of discomfort in this area. Here’s how you can counteract the effects:
- Sit Upright: Ensure your back is aligned with the back of your chair to support your spine properly. Avoid slouching or leaning forward.
- Monitor Height and Distance: Position your monitor so that the top of the screen is at or slightly below eye level. It should be about an arm’s length away, reducing strain on your neck.
- Keep Feet Flat: Your feet should rest flat on the floor, with a 90-degree angle at both hips and knees.
Incorporating these habits is part of preserving your body’s integrity so you can keep gaming effectively for years to come without sacrificing your health. Of course, the good news is that even if you do end up with chronic issues in this area, the rise of minimally invasive spine procedures makes surgical intervention both accessible and safe, says nu-spine.com. It’s just best to prevent this as much as possible through mindful posture management.
Choosing the Right Gear
Selecting the right equipment is as crucial as adopting a good posture. Here’s what you need for optimal support:
- Ergonomic Chair: Invest in a chair that offers lumbar support, adjustable armrests, and seat height. These features ensure your spine maintains its natural curve. There are a range of models at different price points – from $1,500 high end examples from the likes of Logitech, to more modestly priced yet still just as well-respected chairs from Secret Lab.
- Appropriate Desk: Opt for a desk that complements your height and seating preference. Consider an adjustable standing desk to alternate between sitting and standing positions. Brands like Uplift and Flexispot often receive rave reviews – but be sure to check the specs and compare the dimensions against your available space before buying.
- Supportive Accessories: Add accessories like a footrest for additional leg support or a wrist rest to keep your arms leveled with your keyboard. There are various models on offer, including well-liked and unfussy examples from Humanscale.
In short, choosing well-designed gear can drastically reduce health risks and enhance your gaming performance by keeping discomfort at bay. And while you might balk at the idea of splashing yet more cash on your gaming setup, keep in mind that an All Home Connections report found that a typical gamer invests over $900 annually in order to keep playing, so small changes that improve spine health are a small price to pay.
Final Thoughts
Even if you’re not currently dealing with discomfort due to long gaming sessions, it’s better to prevent back problems proactively rather than only doing something about it once the dreaded twinges start to take hold. You’ll be able to give yourself a pat on the back in years to come when you aren’t suffering any ill effects from dedicating your time to this hugely popular hobby.
Last Updated: May 2, 2024
