DOCTOR ISSUES WARNING OVER TO COMMUNITY ON 'NERD NECK'
When we say that "nerd neck" is a real thing, we mean it. After the term is over, you might realize right away that you suffer from it without even realizing it. The condition's official name, forward head posture, or FHP, is much more common than an attack on all geeks. However, video gamers in particular suffer from it to the extent that a scientific paper titled "Addressing the physical health risks related to excessive video gaming" was published last year.
The above paper, which has been peer-reviewed was published on the News Medical website back in September 2024. The problem of "nerd neck," also known as "gamer neck," is something that many people experience when they play video games. You might wonder how. Leaning your neck forward for extended periods can "cause it to become unnaturally positioned," according to the paper. According to Emre Aksu, a representative for the online gaming website 1337 Games, "Because of the abnormal posture, gamer neck can also cause neck and back pain, along with neck stiffness, and these issues may linger even after switching off your game." It's not just for gaming, though. According to Healthline, slouching in general, sleeping with too many pillows, driving with a heavy bag on your back, and driving hunched over can all contribute to it.
Nerd neck symptoms
Firstly, it's not something to be ashamed of. It can be "difficult to control your posture while engrossed in a game," as Aksu states. However, he goes on to say: "Paying attention to how you sit could help avoid problems." According to Aksu, playing in a "specialized ergonomic gaming chair with a straight, high back will encourage correct posture and allow you to sit comfortably" is one way to prevent nerd neck before it starts. If you suffer from nerd neck, which manifests as headaches, back pain, tight neck muscles, chronic pain, and in more severe cases, slipped discs, you might want to do this.
How to fix nerd neck
In an attempt to assist his followers who may be affected, Dr Hwu (@hpforgamers) has shared a post on TikTok about the problem. To realign your back and spine, the first exercise for nerd neck is the "towel chin tuck," which involves placing a towel behind your head and tucking your chin down. The second is known as "towel elevations," in which you use both hands to hold a towel above your head. You must maintain good posture when lifting over your head.