Important Message from The Joint Chiropractic regarding COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) - Read More

Chiropractic Provides a 1UP for Gaming Injuries

By Chris Brown

Through video games, we can all shoot the game-winning shot or lead a SEAL team into enemy territory, seemingly without risk of injury or death. But hours of screen time and excited gameplay are not without their physical consequences. Gaming injuries from overuse or sedentary lifestyle are increasing exponentially as a whopping 66 percent of the general U.S. population now classify themselves as gamers. Medicine must adapt to a shifting prevalence of conditions that alternative medical practices, such as chiropractic, are already particularly adept at treating.

Common Gaming Injuries

Overuse and sedentary issues are the primary causes that send gamers to the hospital and chiropractor's office. To avoid injury, it is recommended that gamers take occasional breaks to move about and stretch their wrists. However, games are so engaging that players often play through the initial symptoms of conditions leading to increasingly common ailments of:

  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Tendinitis
  • Tennis elbow
  • Postural problems causing back, neck, or shoulder pain
  • Sedentary complications like blood clots or heart issues
  • Eye strain

A particularly concerning condition is an overuse injury seen commonly enough to be nicknamed "gamer's thumb." This condition, known medically as De Quervain's tenosynovitis, starts as pain at the base of thumb and wrist, but can progress to permanent hand weakness and disability. It is caused when the membrane around the thumb joint becomes inflamed from overuse and starts impacting the nerves throughout the hand and upper arm.

How Chiropractic Can Put You Back on the Digital Field

A 2012 De Quervain's tenosynovitis case study showed chiropractic relieving the symptoms of a 32-year old female and bringing back functionality. In the study, the patient had experienced gamer's thumb for approximately four months. After eight weeks of chiropractic treatment, her pain had subsided from a peak rating of 8/10 pain to 2/10 pain with daily activities. After an additional four weeks of at-home exercises (as prescribed by the chiropractor) her pain with functional activities dropped to a 0/10. In a six-month follow-up, pain had not returned. This is highly encouraging for chiropractic's ability to resolve the increasingly common gamer's thumb injury.

Additionally, chiropractic is effective at relieving many of the other conditions associated with long-term gaming, such as tennis elbow, postural related pain, and carpal tunnel syndrome.

If hours of gaming have left you in pain, come visit The Joint Chiropractic before it worsens. The Joint is open for walk-in patients with wrist, hand, back, or any musculoskeletal injuries during extended night and weekend hours. No insurance is required for affordable treatment, so don't let complicated coverages keep you from the relief you deserve.

To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Cleveland, Tenn.

Story Link

Story Link

Story Link

Story Link

Download your offer today and save!

$29 New Patient Special, Consultation | Exam | Adjustment

Offer valued at $45. Valid for new patients only. See clinic for chiropractor(s)' name and license info. Clinics managed and/or owned by franchisee or Prof. Corps. Restrictions may apply to Medicare eligible patients. Individual results may vary.