3 Tips to Avoid a Stiff Back While Gaming
Do you play video games? If your answer is ‘no’, you might be surprised to find that you are in the minority of all Australians! No longer are video games considered niche, juvenile or nerdy. In fact, over 67% of Australians play video games, with the average gamer being 34 years old.
Gaming is such a prevalent hobby and interest that people are spending over an average of 7 hours per week playing video games. It is not a surprise then to hear that many gamers are coming out of their long gaming sessions feeling sore and tight.
One of the most common complaints is that of a stiff back. Stiff backs and back pain can often lead to soreness, pain and muscle spasms. Being heavily immersed in the world of your current video game will do that to you!
So how can we enjoy long hours of gaming while avoiding that stiff, painful back that comes afterwards? Don’t worry, we’ve got a couple of tips to help you out!
Tip 1 – Adjust your monitor or screen
The way your gaming rig is setup can have significant impacts on your overall health and comfort. While yes, your setup needs to look as aesthetically pleasing as possible, it’s important to make sure it allows for comfortable gaming as well! One way to do this is by adjusting your screens.
Why does this matter? If your monitor is placed in an awkward or non-optimal position you’ll find yourself straining yourself to play games. You may end up straining your neck or hunching over which causes back pain.
So what are some things to remember when adjusting your screens? A general rule of thumb is to place your monitor at least an arm’s length away from you (further if your monitor is bigger) and placing the top line of the screen at or slightly below eye level.
Tip 2 – Take a Break
Taking a break is typically something preached yet often ignored. After all, you’re so close to beating that boss or you’re in the middle of a long multiplayer match. But pressing PAUSE and taking a break does wonders for not only back pain but for your entire body.
In the same way that office workers are recommended to stand up for their health, avid gamers should do the same. The best way to take a break is to get up from your desk or couch and take a minute or two to stretch or do some quick physical activity (like walking to the kitchen to get a drink). This prevents a stiff back and tightness in your core muscles, and also gives you the opportunity to loosen up.
You can also take a quick break without getting up. Take time every so often to roll your shoulders and relax your eyes. This will keep your body relaxed and prevent eye strain.
Tip 3 – Invest in a Gaming or Ergonomic Chair
For those who do the majority of their gaming at a desk, investing in a high quality chair can give you serious returns in terms of health and comfort. A typical well-made chair may cost you upwards of $600 but they are designed with your comfort in mind. Most of them feature ergonomic designs, adjustable heights and arm rests and the ability to recline the back of the chair.
What does it mean for a chair to feature ergonomic design? Ergonomic design means that the chair is specifically made to improve back posture, give ample support to the lumbar spine and prevent common ailments such as stiff backs or neck pain.
Add in the fact that they are also very durable and usually aesthetically pleasing and you have a gaming chair worth the investment!
Enjoy Pain-Free Gaming Now!
No matter how short or how long your gaming sessions are, you should never come out of them feeling the pain of a stiff back! And now you don’t have to with these 3 tips!
If you haven’t got a chair designed specifically for gaming comfort, now is the best time to do so with the upcoming release of the new Predator Gaming Chair x OSIM series!
The world’s first ever massage gaming chair, you can experience the most comfortable gaming experience ever. With ergonomic design and OSIM’s patented V-Hand Technology, which simulates the hands of a masseuse, you’ll be able to level up both your comfort and gaming. Check out our store and order now!
