How do you know if you’re addicted to gaming? Gaming addiction doesn’t only have mental and social consequences; it can have physical effects, too. To find out more about the physical effects of gaming addiction, including carpal tunnel syndrome, back and neck problems, and lower levels of testosterone, keep reading to learn about some of the symptoms of gaming and how to deal with them effectively by going to gaming rehab centre near you
Lack of Activity
The more time we spend sitting down, whether it’s behind a screen or in front of a TV, not only reduces our overall activity level, but also negatively impacts our health. There are numerous studies linking lack of exercise to chronic illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes. Studies show that spending less than six hours per week watching television can be detrimental to your health.
Anxiety and Depression
Research has found a link between gaming addiction and anxiety, stress, and depression. Excessive gaming causes a drop in serotonin levels (the chemical responsible for regulating your mood), which can lead to feelings of unhappiness or anxiety. It may also mean that you’re less able to deal with problems in your everyday life. This could take its toll on physical health over time, as well as mental health.
Neck, Shoulder, and Back Pain
Prolonged gaming sessions can place a strain on your neck, shoulders, and back. Even if you maintain proper posture, sitting in one position for too long can lead to joint pain and muscle tightness. To avoid feeling sore after an extended gaming session, get up regularly to walk around and stretch out your muscles. If you develop pain in your joints, take time off from gaming until they feel better again.
Digestive Issues
Video games can mean hours of staring at a screen, eating quick meals, and sitting on your bum. All that inactivity can lead to digestive issues like gas and bloating. If you’re experiencing these symptoms while gaming, it might be time to introduce some new routines into your everyday life. Take a walk outside every hour or two to boost circulation and let your body stretch its legs—the brain will thank you for it! Also remember to eat real food regularly.
Eye Strain
Video games and other forms of entertainment continue to get more sophisticated, which means that visual resolution is getting better and graphics are becoming more immersive. Unfortunately, it also means that your eyes have to work harder. Gamers who play for hours at a time over extended periods will suffer from eye strain. Eye strain can lead to headaches, blurred vision and dry eyes, among other symptoms.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
The medical name for wrist pain caused by excessive gaming is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. This occurs when your median nerve is compressed as it passes through a narrow tunnel in your wrist; it’s caused by repetitive motion, and is common among people who work at computer keyboards. But recent studies have shown that gamers are more prone to carpal tunnel syndrome than those working at office jobs—and it’s not entirely clear why.
Decreased Blood Flow
Game addiction may cause blood vessels to constrict, depriving muscles and organs of oxygen-rich blood. Reduced oxygen can lead to headaches, back pain, dizziness and cramps. If left untreated, it can even lead to heart problems like chest pain or irregular heartbeat. Regularly feeling any of these symptoms means you should seek help for your gaming addiction at a luxury rehab as soon as possible.
