Don't Play Around With Lower Back Pain: 4 Ways To Enjoy Video Gaming Without Bodily Sacrifice

The average video game enthusiast in the United States has been playing for around 13 years, which can take a serious toll on the body. Younger players spending a lot of time on their favorite devices may actually be thwarting normal development with all their twisted and tortured positions. Despite all the fun games offer, they may be the cause of a number of your aches and pain, including those in your lower back. This is nothing to play around with and should be taken very seriously, whether you're young or older, a casual gamer or die-hard video addict.

1. Change Your Position

You're probably in the habit of tensing up in the same position while playing, and that's going to wreak havoc all over your body. For example, if your head is always lowered with your chin close to your chest, you could easily strain your levator scapulae muscle, which is designed to support your head. That strain may cause you to sit or walk in a crooked way, leading to more complications. As much as you like to get into your games, it's crucial that you're aware of your physical position and how it may affect your health, both short and long-term.

2. Change Your Gaming Chair

Some chairs are simply better than others for gaming, but better still, some chairs are designed specifically for gamers. If you're that heavily into playing, invest in a seating arrangement that will support your body in the various positions holding controls and other devices puts you in. You need lower back support, head and neck support, and a way to situate your legs that won't pull on your spine or lower back muscles, intensifying your lower back pain.

3. Stretch Your Lower Back Muscles

Every so often, get up, separate yourself from your gear, and give your muscles a good stretch. This should work to prevent stiffness and even soreness or injury, but if you find yourself in too much discomfort, you may need to take a break from gaming or take a ride to see a professional lower back pain specialist.

4. Talk to a Chiropractor

Chiropractors are experts in how your body is structured and how what you do in life affects it, above and beyond a traditional physician who might offer you a prescription and recommend bed rest. Painkillers are addictive and come with many other unwanted side-effects; however, a chiropractor physically treats your ailments through adjustments and manipulation.

Especially where the lower back is concerned, strong, but gentle and knowledgeable hands are needed to minimize nerve irritation, restore range of motion, and decrease the inflammation that's likely leading to your pain. Also, a chiropractor can advise you on how to improve your gaming-related pain, with special exercises and specific chair types. Listen up so you can continue to play the games you love without risking your physical well being.

Nothing is worth the chronic, unbearable sentence of lower back pain, so click pause, upgrade your gaming environment, and start a chat with a chiropractor. Your body will thank you.

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