Finding ways to occupy your time during social distancing can be tough. For kids and teens that often means spending hours gaming, but all that time playing could end up being a real pain in the neck.

Neck pain isn’t the only complaint from gamers. Chiropractors see shoulder issues, tendinitis, cubital tunnel syndrome of the elbow, a lot of wrist issues, and of course the thumb in and of itself.

Here are a few tips to prevent injuries at home:

1.   Don’t let your kids lay down and look up at the TV; it puts strain on the neck. Instead have them sit on a couch or chair so they are level with the TV or gaming console.

2.   For those of us working from home, make sure the upper third of your laptop or computer screen is level with your eyes. You’ll be looking slightly downward, but this will help to prevent the tension that builds up in your neck.

3.   Stretch once an hour.

Limiting time in front of the gaming system is always a good idea. Exercise and physical activity provide both mental and physical health benefits. Enjoy activities that get the whole family moving.

Here are some activities you can enjoy as a family:

1.   Go for a walk or bike ride in the neighborhood

2.   Play classic movement games such as duck, duck, goose, hide-and-seek and follow-the-leader

3.   Stream family friendly workouts

4.   Take a hike in a local park

5.   Roller-skate or roller-blade

6.   Go on a scavenger hunt (inside or out)

Fortunately, kids often respond pretty quickly to the chiropractic adjustments. Typically, improvement can be seen right away and after a few adjustments your child will feel as good as new.

Posted in Chiropractic Care

Leave a Comment