Common Injuries from Computer and Video Game Use in Children and How to Prevent Them

Children and adolescents often sustain physical injuries from sports and play. However, the popularity of computers and video games has led to a new type of pain and discomfort in kids, similar to those experienced by adults who sit at desks all day. Preventing injuries caused by excessive screen time can help alleviate immediate pain and reduce the risk of long-term damage.

According to chiropractors, postural stresses and lack of movement are the main culprits behind these musculoskeletal issues. Common health problems experienced by gamers may include:

  • Eyestrain
  • Wrist, arm, or elbow strain
  • Hand or thumb strain
  • Classic carpal tunnel syndrome

Neck and upper back pain

Chiropractors are concerned about the passive nature of gaming, despite the existence of gaming systems that encourage movement. The main reason is that joints require movement to maintain their health. This means that movement is essential for providing the necessary nutrition to the joints.

Long hours of sitting in front of a screen with poor posture and minimal movement can negatively impact young spines, causing changes to the normal S curve and potentially leading to pain and long-term issues. Chiropractic care can address these postural stresses and lack of gaming-related movement and help prevent further damage.

Injuries Caused by Poor Posture Due to Excessive Computer Use and Gaming

Prolonged use of computers and video games can lead to joint and muscle problems, such as neck and back pain, arm and shoulder pain, and headaches. These injuries are often caused or worsened by poor posture, sitting for extended periods, and inadequate desk or workstation design.

Sitting for extended periods can harm our bodies. Although it may not require as much physical effort as standing, it can cause physical fatigue and lead to aches and pains in various body parts.

When we sit, we hold certain body parts steady, which can restrict blood flow to our bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. This can cause stiffness and eventually lead to pain. In addition, poorly designed workstations can stress our joints and muscles, exacerbating the problem.

It is important to take breaks and stretch regularly while sitting and ensure that workstations are set up ergonomically to reduce the risk of physical strain and injury.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve is compressed at the wrist, making it the most prevalent nerve compression injury and the most expensive and common repetitive strain injury. Both excessive gaming and prolonged computer use can cause this condition. Symptoms typically 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

If you or your child are experiencing symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, there is a good chance it is caused by prolonged computer use at work or excessive gaming. Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common and costly repetitive strain injury (RSI) type.

Tips for Preventing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome during Gaming

Until recently, pain related to carpal tunnel syndrome was typically managed by taking painkillers or steroids, wearing wrist supports, or undergoing surgery. However, these solutions are not always ideal. Pain medication can have side effects, wrist braces can impede dexterity during gaming, and surgery is often expensive and carries some risks.

Chiropractic care has been discovered as a safe, cost-effective, and highly efficient remedy for carpal tunnel syndrome. Chiropractors employ spinal adjustments and manipulation to realign the spines with abnormal S curvature. These approaches are non-invasive yet extremely effective in treating musculoskeletal conditions caused by excessive computer use and gaming.

Conclusion

Children's computer and video game use can lead to various injuries and health problems, including neck and back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and posture-related issues. However, there are preventive measures that parents can take to minimize the risk of these injuries, such as encouraging regular breaks and stretches, setting up a proper workstation, and seeking chiropractic care.

Abundant Health Chiropractic is a highly recommended chiropractic clinic specializing in treating musculoskeletal problems caused by excessive computer and video game use.

Their safe, effective, and non-invasive techniques can help children and adolescents alleviate pain and promote faster healing, allowing them to continue enjoying their favorite games without compromising their health.

Source URL: https://abundanthealthstl.com/

 

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