This game is a pain in the neck!

[Peak Bagger]

A couple of days after I started playing this game, I started getting neck pain. I think I've been playing the game a little too obsessively because the pain just wouldn't go away. I think just the combination of poor posture, with one hand on the mouse and one poised over the space bar for hours on end has caused this consistent neck and shoulder strain. I've taken two days away from the game and the pain has almost gone away. I haven't had this kind of computer-game related issue since I got motion sickness when the original Castle Wolfenstein game first came out.

Anyone else get neck/shoulder strain from FTL?

[mkzzz12]

You can pause with middle click.

[The Black Blade]

""" Join the Last of the Federation. ""'

[anarcher]

Get one of those electric shoulder/neck massager thingies. After using one for 30 minutes, you'll feel a lot better.

[Peak Bagger]

Great suggestions, guys! Pausing with the middle mouse button and focussing on posture really made a difference. Thanks!

[Orange]

Can I ask how old you are? Because let me tell you, I'm almost 38 and gaming for longer sessions is getting harder for me to do. My legs get all stiff and my neck too. I'm sure it only gets worse from here.

I've adopted the method to take frequent breaks to get up and walk around a few minutes.

[Peak Bagger]

I just turned 50 a month ago. I haven't really noticed any other age-related issues. In fact, I've never had back or neck problems in my life and I'm very active (hiking, climbing, mountain biking). So this really took me by surprise. But taking last weekend away from the game and now doing the pausing with the middle mouse button has made a huge difference.

[anarcher]

Also remember you can rebind the keys to whatever.

[TSense]

Originally posted by Peak Bagger:

I just turned 50 a month ago. I haven't really noticed any other age-related issues. In fact, I've never had back or neck problems in my life and I'm very active (hiking, climbing, mountain biking). So this really took me by surprise.

A more active lifestile leads to a stronger system.
If you sit down for 5 years and never get up once your body will become to weak to stand up.

You talk like a more active life would lead to problems

[Peak Bagger]

Sorry, TSense, I wasn't very clear at all. What I meant was that I'm pretty active and haven't had any back/neck issues before, so this was a real wake-up call. When you have a back or neck issue, it can be very limiting to your lifestyle.

Thanks Anarcher, but the middle mouse button was just the ticket. I think I'm set for hundreds more hours! But likely in moderation...

[Orange]

yeah, i used to be very active, but wear and tear from years of athetics, along with some injuries from jiu jitsu led me to a ruptured disc in my neck along with a herniation and a third disc with a bulge. After finally giving in and having neck fusion after about 2.5 years after rupturing the one disc my neck is feeling so much better. My knees on the other hand.....

[Peak Bagger]

Ouch, that sounds like real pain, Sleeper. But at least you've got good stories. I couldn't tell anyone about my neck. "Um, I hurt it playing a video game".