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Dealing with neck pain as a gamer

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Parodoxx
Profile Joined May 2010
United States549 Posts
April 06 2011 04:10 GMT
#1
Hey I would like to start by saying that i'm not overweight and I would not consider myself out of shape but I find myself with lower back pain and especially neck pain when I play computer games. These sessions of playing dont have to last 3 or 4 hours long for pain to start kicking in but can happen in about 30min or so.

I was wondering How many ppl have a similar issue and does anyone have a way to stop the pain be it from dietary changes or a neck exercise of sorts.

Poll: How many people suffer from neck pain well playing starcraft?

I dont have pain (83)
 
37%

I have frequent pain (82)
 
36%

I have pain sometimes but its to random to place into a catagory (62)
 
27%

227 total votes

Your vote: How many people suffer from neck pain well playing starcraft?

(Vote): I dont have pain
(Vote): I have frequent pain
(Vote): I have pain sometimes but its to random to place into a catagory

Hadron.
Profile Joined November 2010
Norway104 Posts
Last Edited: 2011-04-06 04:15:49
April 06 2011 04:15 GMT
#2
I used to crack my neck quite often, but overdoing it strains the muscles and gives you that really annoying feeling in your neck. I can't recall the name for it but I guess that everyone has had it at some point.

My back also aches a bit sometimes, as we are gamers we probably hunch a lot but I read that you should do back excercises to make it stronger. This is a topic with much information due to many people working behind computers so you could just search google.

Edit: Go see a doctor and ask him/her
Blisse
Profile Blog Joined July 2010
Canada3710 Posts
April 06 2011 04:20 GMT
#3
No neck pain. Though I get cold even when I'm wearing several layers. Can't explain it.

Posture is everything. Sit properly and nothing will go wrong.
There is no one like you in the universe.
professorjoak
Profile Joined July 2008
318 Posts
April 06 2011 04:28 GMT
#4
First you should check your keyboard/mouse/monitor placement to make sure you aren't encouraging some awkward angle. The problem with games is that they get so immersive that you can ignore "this kind of hurts" stimuli long enough that you start developing problems. It sucks to say this, but try taking a 4-5 day break from games and see if your neck feels better.
"The different branches of Arithmetic -- Ambition, Distraction, Uglification, and Derision." --Lewis Carroll
HuggyBear
Profile Joined November 2010
Australia377 Posts
April 06 2011 04:29 GMT
#5
Proper posture would usually fix this
"Sleeping with SeLeCT is Standard. Once you've slept with Day9 everything else is just ..." - CatZ
KonohaFlash
Profile Joined July 2010
Canada1590 Posts
April 06 2011 04:30 GMT
#6
On April 06 2011 13:15 Hadron. wrote:
I used to crack my neck quite often, but overdoing it strains the muscles and gives you that really annoying feeling in your neck. I can't recall the name for it but I guess that everyone has had it at some point.

My back also aches a bit sometimes, as we are gamers we probably hunch a lot but I read that you should do back excercises to make it stronger. This is a topic with much information due to many people working behind computers so you could just search google.

Edit: Go see a doctor and ask him/her


Man, Cold sweats are the worst.
FinestHour
Profile Joined August 2010
United States18466 Posts
April 06 2011 04:30 GMT
#7
What kind of chair do you use? Do you use a headrest of any kind? How badly are you slouching when you play? Like about what kind of angle is your body making when u are seated.
thug life.                                                       MVP/ex-
Kenderson
Profile Joined October 2010
Canada280 Posts
April 06 2011 04:30 GMT
#8
I get neck/back pain sometimes but it's because of my chair. I'm too tall for it so I have to sit in somewhat awkward positions to rest my head on the head rest.
"Faced with what is right, to leave it undone shows a lack of courage." -Confucious
meep
Profile Blog Joined August 2009
United States1699 Posts
April 06 2011 04:31 GMT
#9
Monitor placement is a huge deal, I run two monitors at once and at times I would forget I would be looking at my second monitor (which is about 45 degrees to the right from the direction I normally face) for an extremely long time (reading something, etc). Afterwards,my neck would hurt like crazy. So that may be one factor.
閑静 しずか (ノ・_・)ノ
Wonderballs
Profile Joined April 2010
Canada253 Posts
April 06 2011 04:35 GMT
#10
On April 06 2011 13:30 Kenderson wrote:
I get neck/back pain sometimes but it's because of my chair. I'm too tall for it so I have to sit in somewhat awkward positions to rest my head on the head rest.


I've never had a chair with a comfortable head rest. I thought it was a "surprise acceleration" cushion. AKA non-inflatable rear mounted airbag.

Anyways; it hurts some part of my body to try to "rest" my head on the headrest of any computer chair i've ever been in.

(Also my new Leopold Cherry brown is tiiiiits)
I thought Jesus would come back before Starcraft 2.
ryan1894
Profile Joined October 2010
Australia264 Posts
April 06 2011 04:43 GMT
#11
Try lifting the monitor so the top of the monitor is in line with your eyes when you sit up straight.
Helped a tonne for me.

Also having a keyboard tray or something for keyboard/mouse although if you use low-sens this may not be possible with excessively big mousepad.
munchmunch
Profile Joined October 2010
Canada789 Posts
April 06 2011 04:47 GMT
#12
I do elastic band exercises. It seemed silly at first, but the exercises are amazing for loosening up my neck and shoulder muscles and stopping neck pain and headaches. The best exercise for me is the "tricep extension" mentioned in the link. I can't find a youtube video of the particular exercise, but it you want to see examples of similar exercises, search for "resistance band workout".
Aelip
Profile Joined November 2010
Denmark321 Posts
April 06 2011 04:48 GMT
#13
Proper monitor placement and a proper chair, and i get no pains at all. I used to have problems but it's good now.
Rayte
Profile Joined September 2010
Norway30 Posts
April 06 2011 05:25 GMT
#14
Make sure your shoulders are relaxed and not lifted, could bring alot of problems if you sit with them lifted. I advise you to hang a note on the side of your monitor that says; ''Relax my shoulders''. It's really easy to forget, and it's hard to notice if you sit with them lifted. Hopefully this might help you out.
Aequos
Profile Joined October 2010
Canada606 Posts
April 06 2011 05:29 GMT
#15
My shoulder used to cramp on the left side, at the base of the neck, due to the position I had my keyboard/mouse at (my left hand was almost horizontal from the shoulder, while my right arm was about hip level when sitting).

As such, I'd recommend moving your keyboard around and seeing if it helps at all.
I first realized Immortals were reincarnated Dragoons when I saw them dancing helplessly behind my Stalkers.
betaV1.25
Profile Joined April 2010
425 Posts
April 06 2011 05:35 GMT
#16
I am in constant neck pain, ever since i was like 14 or something (i am 33 now). Sometimes you get pain regardeless of your position during gaming... because it is caused by something else. If you have pain, go see a doctor before it gets out of hand.
Golgotha
Profile Blog Joined January 2011
Korea (South)8418 Posts
April 06 2011 05:38 GMT
#17
working out is the best solution. work out your back and neck. fixed me 100 percent
miicah
Profile Joined February 2011
Australia2470 Posts
April 06 2011 05:42 GMT
#18
You could have very tight hip flexors and hamstrings. Can you touch your toes?

I used to get lower back pain and my physio sorted it out by working my hammies/glutes/hip flexors.
@miicah88
Ropid
Profile Joined March 2009
Germany3557 Posts
April 06 2011 05:42 GMT
#19
When I work out, I am 100 % fine, never any back pain. If I stop working out for one or two weeks or so, it comes back again.
"My goal is to replace my soul with coffee and become immortal."
Clearout
Profile Blog Joined April 2010
Norway1060 Posts
April 06 2011 05:44 GMT
#20
I sit in a sort of squatting position infront of my computer all day and should by all means either be a hunchback or be have a neck stiff as a log. Strangely though I don't have any neck or back issues. Maybe I'm a strange one but if you're playing on a laptop, try sitting on a sofa with it on a low table. Might help you, or might just be worse (as it is for a friend of mine).
really?
ZeromuS
Profile Blog Joined October 2010
Canada13405 Posts
April 06 2011 06:14 GMT
#21
been told its due to weak back muscles which leads to your neck muscles holding your head up instead of the upper back. Working the lower back and upper back helps but physio is what i need to get it to be 100% better.
StrategyRTS forever | @ZeromuS_plays | www.twitch.tv/Zeromus_
peekn
Profile Blog Joined June 2010
United States1152 Posts
April 06 2011 06:22 GMT
#22
I have a feeling that some slouching is the cause of your problems, tighten up that posture and things should start looking up!!
DJEtterStyle
Profile Blog Joined October 2003
United States2766 Posts
Last Edited: 2011-04-06 06:36:40
April 06 2011 06:35 GMT
#23
Not to worry, gentlemen. I have the solution. It involves leaning back on a comfortable couch or recliner and playing games on an Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3 instead of hunching over a desk.
xZiGGY
Profile Joined August 2010
United Kingdom801 Posts
April 06 2011 06:37 GMT
#24
On April 06 2011 14:44 Clearout wrote:
I sit in a sort of squatting position infront of my computer all day and should by all means either be a hunchback or be have a neck stiff as a log. Strangely though I don't have any neck or back issues.


Give it 20 years, it's like some [lame analogy of things taking a long time and doing damage slowly or blah]
Meh.
nitdkim
Profile Blog Joined March 2010
1264 Posts
April 06 2011 06:44 GMT
#25
i suggest just changing the monitor height to make it so that it is parallel and your eye level is at middle of the monitor. :/
PM me if you want random korean images translated.
Ryndika
Profile Blog Joined August 2010
1489 Posts
Last Edited: 2011-04-06 08:17:56
April 06 2011 08:17 GMT
#26
I wish I didnt have so tall desktop I have now in home. It feels pretty awkward and I can hardly make position for my legs because my chair is set so high. Leads me to different kind of pains and I've been trying to make somekind of do-it-yourself playground with chairs and pillows.

Sometimes my shoulders get stuck and I really cant move them normally, it feels very weird but I'm able to fix it by moving my hands around. At those times I think I should take breaks more often. ^^

Didn't day9 do somekind of video of positioning yourself and hardware? Anyone else found it nearly impossible? Like having your mousehand at the edge of the table just feels so weird. My hand is like 60cm away from the edge of table, next to the monitor.
as useful as teasalt
Vei
Profile Joined March 2010
United States2845 Posts
April 06 2011 08:18 GMT
#27
Game with proper posture and start working out. these are bad ailments to have so young in life man, don't tolerate it. Be sure your traps are strong enough, your back muscles, your core, your delts..
www.justin.tv/veisc2 ~ 720p + commentary
utyske
Profile Blog Joined December 2010
Denmark185 Posts
April 06 2011 08:28 GMT
#28
If I'm not carefull, I get pain in my neck and right arm, when playing SC2.

I've been a gamer for a lot of years, am 36 y/o now, and I've found that I just have to spend a couple of hours in the gym every week, and it's fine.

Just getting warmed up, and using my muscles in another way than usual, is all it takes for me, and losing a couple of pounds, is just a bonus. :D
He's not the fastest zergling in the control group - Day9
Clawlock
Profile Joined March 2011
Australia29 Posts
April 06 2011 11:07 GMT
#29
I used to suffer terrible RSI in my shoulders and now I'm a huge advocate of ergonomics and stretching to PREVENT muscle strain. If you're feeling the pain it's not too late but fixing it does take time and commitment.

How you sit and face your monitor are huge factors. Sitting ergononically means having all joints at right angles: elbows, hips, knees, ankles. Everything else should be parallel: head, torso, shins, upper arms & thighs, lower arms.

Learning proper stretches always helps and should be done each hour or continual sitting.

If you are having major issues, e.g. pain and strain without prolonged sitting / prolonged movement then see a physiotherapist who can diagnose the issue and offer appropriate short term/long terms solutions.
I tried building a carrier once. It's still making..
couches
Profile Joined November 2010
618 Posts
Last Edited: 2011-04-06 12:26:36
April 06 2011 12:25 GMT
#30
See a doctor if it's regular pain.

In the mean time focus on good posture and maybe get a better chair. If you are hunched over a lot with your head shifted forward maybe you need glasses to see the monitor better. Or your chair is too tall/monitor too low.
The KY
Profile Blog Joined October 2010
United Kingdom6252 Posts
April 06 2011 12:32 GMT
#31
My worst issue is the lack of a desk in my tiny room. I play SC2 on a laptop on my bed, and the funny angle makes my wrist hurt like fuck. Sad face.
Narwhal
Profile Joined September 2009
United Kingdom314 Posts
April 06 2011 12:33 GMT
#32
I haven't had regular pains, I did have one extremely bad case of neck cramp which was the most painful thing I have ever experienced ; more so than braking my arm. which lasted for 3 days.

The problem came from staying awake for long hours playing/surfing/watching on the internet. I still do these but I am conscious of it and regularly move my neck(head) around.
When I die, I want to go peacefully like my Grandfather did, in his sleep -- not screaming, like the passengers in his car.
dreamsmasher
Profile Joined November 2010
816 Posts
April 06 2011 12:40 GMT
#33
you should frequently stretch throughout the day and try to pay attention to your posture. sitting in traditional chairs is actually really terrible for your lower back muscles since they give them no support, so try not to lean back in your chair so much.

sitting on an exercise ball is also really good/yoga stretching.
Maynarde
Profile Joined September 2010
Australia1286 Posts
April 06 2011 12:42 GMT
#34
You gotta not hunch forward and have a chair with good back support. Then you'll rarely get neck / back pain. Also don't lean too far back.
CommentatorAustralian SC2 Caster | Twitter: @MaynardeSC2 | Twitch: twitch.tv/maynarde
SYNC_qx
Profile Joined October 2010
Germany197 Posts
April 06 2011 12:42 GMT
#35
I usually jsut get this while wearing a headset..
ChiefMag
Profile Joined July 2015
1 Post
July 13 2015 10:33 GMT
#36
Hi

I have been playing on my laptop in my bed the last couple of days. Since I have my mouse on the bed and the laptop on my feet they are at different height. This makes my left neck hurt not only when I'm playing but all the time. Is this something serious, cuz im only 14 years old... Im gonna follow the tip with not gaming for a few days though. Also gonna start game at a table so they're at the same height, not creating any awkward positions.
HornyHerring
Profile Joined March 2011
Papua New Guinea1059 Posts
July 13 2015 11:02 GMT
#37
On July 13 2015 19:33 ChiefMag wrote:
Hi

I have been playing on my laptop in my bed the last couple of days. Since I have my mouse on the bed and the laptop on my feet they are at different height. This makes my left neck hurt not only when I'm playing but all the time. Is this something serious, cuz im only 14 years old... Im gonna follow the tip with not gaming for a few days though. Also gonna start game at a table so they're at the same height, not creating any awkward positions.
Left neck? Dude, you've got two necks?! Forget the pain, this shit is a serious medical condition, you should get yourself checked!

In all seriousness - being in uncomfortable position for too long will always cause pain. Since you're young and your body is still developing I would suggest switching to a healthier and more stable position. The pain will go away.
oh, hai
Luoson
Profile Joined May 2010
New Zealand153 Posts
Last Edited: 2015-07-26 13:13:47
July 26 2015 13:13 GMT
#38
Get a better chair, get a "corner table" where your arms and wrists are flat. Not saying this will solve everyone's problem problem but the amount of people i see with square tables with their wrists hanging off the edge is unbelievable and this DOES count towards future issues.
Cascade
Profile Blog Joined March 2006
Australia5405 Posts
July 26 2015 13:21 GMT
#39
Google search on ergonomic desk setup. Probably worth the effort to set up your desk properly if you are going to spend a lot of time at it.
OtherWorld
Profile Blog Joined October 2013
France17333 Posts
Last Edited: 2015-07-26 15:09:43
July 26 2015 15:09 GMT
#40
Or just do neck workout to get dem neck muscles stronger and more resistant
Used Sigs - New Sigs - Cheap Sigs - Buy the Best Cheap Sig near You at www.cheapsigforsale.com
tpro17
Profile Joined June 2017
1 Post
June 19 2017 21:00 GMT
#41
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