Scientists from the New York Institute of Technology (USA) surveyed 65 eSports players at 9 universities in the US and Canada in 2019. These people played computer games for 3-10 hours a day. The results recorded 56% of cases of eye strain, 42% of neck and back pain, 36% of wrist pain, and 32% of hand pain.

According to study author Dr Hallie Zwibel, video game players can injure themselves just like any other sport. They also have serious health concerns due to prolonged sitting.

Thumb pain

De Quervain's tenosynovitis is a painful inflammation of the tendons around the thumb. The pain can be persistent and radiate to the forearm. Gamers are at risk of developing this syndrome because they constantly hold the mouse and press the keyboard.

Mild cases usually take several weeks for the tendon to heal. Treatment during this stage includes ice, rest, and over-the-counter pain relievers. People with severe tendonitis may need to wear a brace.

Elbow pain

Pain from the elbow radiates through the forearm and into the fingers. People who frequently use their forearms, wrists, and hands are at risk.

To avoid elbow pain, warm up before sitting at the computer, take breaks. A few minutes of warming up helps stretch your wrists and arms, preventing injury.

Muscle tension

People with muscle strain feel numbness and tingling in their fingers due to repetitive motion, which damages the tendons in their hands. Gamers often feel pain in their index and middle fingers.

To reduce pain, patients can apply the RICE method (rest, ice, compression, elevation of the injured area). When the pain subsides, rest for about 15 minutes every hour, doing some stretching exercises.

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Typing repeatedly can cause the nerves in your wrists to become compressed, causing tingling, numbness, and pain in your arms. If you have frequent arm pain, you should see a doctor, as it may be carpal tunnel syndrome. Your doctor may prescribe a wrist splint, medication, surgery, or physical therapy to treat it.

neck pain

The habit of leaning forward increases the weight of the head, putting pressure on the neck and shoulders, causing pain. Video game players should sit up straight, with their feet placed perpendicular to the floor. Avoid hunching or leaning forward, and do not sit with one leg bent or crossed.

Every few hours, gamers should rest for a few minutes, stand up and stretch. Regular exercise such as walking, running, and stretching the neck is also good for bone and joint health.

Lower back pain

Gamers are prone to back pain due to sitting in the wrong position for a long time. Adjust your sitting posture by keeping your back straight, choosing a suitable chair, and stretching before sitting at the computer. In the first 24 hours after the onset of pain, use a cold pack. Hot compresses are used for chronic, long-lasting pain.

Huyen My (According to Cleveland Clinic )

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