Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => Aces High General Discussion => Topic started by: pervert on January 14, 2010, 10:27:05 AM
-
I don't know if is should be in this section but was unsure where to post it. Basically after about 2-3 hours playing the game I develop unbearable pain in my neck and lower back and have to log off or I'll suffer the next day for it.
I've tried all sorts of different chairs etc nothing seems to help, just wondering if anyone else has the same problem and what they did to stop it?
:salute
-
Rule #1-Get up about every 20-30 minutes to stretch and move. I do this religiously! It keeps you limber and relaxed. This is supposed to be fun right?
Another suggestion is to really evaluate your flying setup. Is it at a comfortable height? Is it to close to you or too far away? A few inches left, right, up or down can be all the difference in the world as far as comfort.
PS-Are you using rudder pedals? I have a couple of squaddies that regularly complain about a malady called "Rudder Butt". Starts at the bum, and only gets worse the longer they stay in the saddle.
-
That typically happens with me if I have my set-up wrong...primarily if I have the monitor up too high. I have to look up, causing my head to lean back and the back of my neck can only deal with that for a few hours...then I feel like I broke something. Even a slight, very very slight, look up will hurt after a while, make sure you have the monitor at eye-level.
Your joystick base should be level or slightly above the arm-rest of your chair. As with rudder pedals, I would suggest not having your feet on them all the time, unless your actively using them don't keep your feet at that angle, causes all kinds of weird pains. Sitting up straight can help, as long as you don't have bad eyes like me, then it causes eye pains (I have to lean in to see anything even on a 32" TV). Another thing to try is get the most comfy pillow you can find and sit on that, the cushioning on a desk chair wears out fast and that ends up hurting the back/bum pretty back...I have almost worn mine out in 2 months.
And as Waystin said, get up and move, that helps a lot. I do it more often then that because I need constant liquid (dry throat in the winter), but that along with having set up right will help a lot.
Aside from that, it could just be old age. :D
:salute
-
I don't know if is should be in this section but was unsure where to post it. Basically after about 2-3 hours playing the game I develop unbearable pain in my neck and lower back and have to log off or I'll suffer the next day for it.
I've tried all sorts of different chairs etc nothing seems to help, just wondering if anyone else has the same problem and what they did to stop it?
:salute
Maybe your head is too big and putting a strain on the rest of your body. :P
-
DRgreens speaking here, to fix your problem with neck/back pain, logg off for a few hrs a few minutes even. log on later that'll do the trick. by the way i want you to pAY 14.95 for two months to my account for this session. ty DRgreens :rolleyes:
-
Pervert I'd agree about taking a fresh look at your setup. Something isn't right someplace.
Also taking a walk between sorties, anything to break it up.
But if all was as it should be, the pain wouldn't be there.
So something is getting stressed somewhere in the process.
-
How far does your arm stretch to reach your joystick? I have found that it's more comfortable to have the joystick close enough so that you can fly with your elbow bent at a ~80 degree angle. Stretching your arm to reach your joystick can really mess with your neck and spine because you are positioned asymmetrically. Whatever you do with your other hand, you want both of them positioned equidistant from your body.
If you ever see pics where someone has a platform rigged to a chair for their joystick, that is the way to go. I've never found a desk that made flight sims comfortable.
-
I found that drinking large quantities of beer helps.
The numbing quality of the liquid helps to lubricate joints and soften muscle tissue.
The frequent refill - defill trips keep the legs moving.
The times of high bladder pressure, caused by not being able to run to the defill room, provide moments of abdominal and pelvic muscle clenching and rocking back and forth from one butt cheek to the other.
:cheers:
-
I don't know if is should be in this section but was unsure where to post it. Basically after about 2-3 hours playing the game I develop unbearable pain in my neck and lower back and have to log off or I'll suffer the next day for it.
I've tried all sorts of different chairs etc nothing seems to help, just wondering if anyone else has the same problem and what they did to stop it?
:salute
pervet, I suffer from a handful of different injurys my self........ Right Torn rotator cuff ( this is 2nd time around on this injury in 6 yrs ), tore a 16" length span of legiments loose from left side of my spine mide section of my back, have issues with C6, C5 & C4 vertibrae, have nerve damage down my right arm and hand, and 2 surgrys on my right knee...... to get comfortable for the back/neck problem I use a Firm/Stiff Throw Pillow for Lumbar support to push against for my low & mid back sections....... and try not if I can to keep from leaning forward/hunching forward toward the screen....
I try to keep my Throttle & Joystick just far enough out that my arms are slightly bent ... so I am not bunched up close and I am not stretching out far to use the controllers... my adjustable chair sets to where my legs are not bent with knees angled up.... the thighs are level and my rudder pedals are sitting at what feels to be the most comfortable distance
I recently have not played hardly any at all, mainly because of my right shoulder/arm/hand and the nerve damage problem....
but the other things I mentioned regarding sitting position and the firm pillow for lumbar support have and will help releave some neck and back pain
I hope this helps....
and yes try and get up about every 30 minutes to stretch or walk to kitchen and get ya some water, this keep the blood circulating all over :aok
sorry for the long winded reply :salute
-
I don't know if is should be in this section but was unsure where to post it. Basically after about 2-3 hours playing the game I develop unbearable pain in my neck and lower back and have to log off or I'll suffer the next day for it.
I've tried all sorts of different chairs etc nothing seems to help, just wondering if anyone else has the same problem and what they did to stop it?
:salute
be careful how you sit. when i'm in a fight, i tend to "scrunch up" my shoulders, hunch my head over, tighten up in the neck. this combined with me having to look slightly up from that point to see the monitor.....makes for sore neck, and sometimes back.
-
be careful how you sit. when i'm in a fight, i tend to "scrunch up" my shoulders, hunch my head over, tighten up in the neck. this combined with me having to look slightly up from that point to see the monitor.....makes for sore neck, and sometimes back.
Cap gets immursed in-game. He gets nose bleed and sometimes black out. You can tell when he blacks out.. you'll see something like this, "dfALOIEGFI".
-
be careful how you sit. when i'm in a fight, i tend to "scrunch up" my shoulders, hunch my head over, tighten up in the neck. this combined with me having to look slightly up from that point to see the monitor.....makes for sore neck, and sometimes back.
ya thats probably what it is. it doesnt matter what kind of chair it is if you are sitting in it improperly. I use to get this a lot when i drove for work.
-
If you don't want to take a break, Up in a bomber on a reletivly long target and take a break as the a/c is climbing or getting to the desired location !
-
That's all me cap and shuffler fly are bombers.
-
I don't know if is should be in this section but was unsure where to post it. Basically after about 2-3 hours playing the game I develop unbearable pain in my neck and lower back and have to log off or I'll suffer the next day for it.
I've tried all sorts of different chairs etc nothing seems to help, just wondering if anyone else has the same problem and what they did to stop it?
:salute
If you get this any time you sit at the computer for extended periods is most likely your monitor height. The middle of your monitor should be level with your eyes when you look straight ahead.
-
Do you see yourself in this position: Bent towards the screen, shoulders over your ears, hanging your neck like a vulture with your lower jaw pushed forward... :joystick:
Advice #1 Consult a physiotherapist, preferably one who's specialized in chiropractic or osteopathic, they can give you relief in pain and the best advice to prevent it.
Advice #2 Straighten up every once in awhile, why not do it every time while in tower? Stretch your neck upwards like if someone pulled you up grabbing your back hair, simultaneously letting your chin draw back towards your throat. Mount a horizontal bar up in your doorway and hang there.
There seems to be several opinions about the height of the monitor. Most experts I've either met or read their opinions, say that the upper part of the monitor should be level with your eyes. Having to look upwards tenses your neck. They even used to make computer tables with a glass decks, having the monitors under the table...
-
You have Saitek X52,right?
-
Maybe your head is too big and putting a strain on the rest of your body. :P
:rofl
I had that problem in the paste but I adjusted my setup and I get up from my chair more often.
-
This is an excellent book for anyone interested in evaluating and treating musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction.
http://www.amazon.com/Maintaining-Body-Balance-Flexibility-Stability/dp/0443073511/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1263579642&sr=8-5
-
Lower your armrests. If they are too high it will cause that. I had to put an extra cushion on my chair when i played a lot to get my arms lower otherwise i would have the same problem :salute
-
Cap gets immursed in-game. He gets nose bleed and sometimes black out. You can tell when he blacks out.. you'll see something like this, "dfALOIEGFI".
:rofl :rofl :rofl
That's me too for sure Shuffler. I too have horrible back :old: and sometimes neck problems that are aggrevated after long periods of play. The beer advice unfortunately does the trick, but I drive for a living and the quantity of beer I would drink (I would be working to support Miller Brewing Co.) :cheers:
No matter what I do, driving, watching TV, playing game, etc. I have to alternate between walking a bit, and sitting. I do recommend the frequent trip to grab a glass of water and stretch :bolt:
TC, sorry to hear about the discomfort and injuries. My wife uses a Tens Unit (electric shock :O interrupts the nerve signal) and says it takes the edge off her shoulder (rotator cuff repair 10 yrs). Insurance companies say it is voodoo and may not want to pay for it, but if it works and a Dr. approves it, it's worth a try.
Found this awesome lumbar support in the auto section at the local Dollar Tree (yes, it cost a buck). It was my best find for all of 2009.
-
I've had 4 major back surgeries so I can relate. I can recommend 3 things that help:
1. Caffeine
2. Codeine
3. Nicotine
-
I have to be having a LOT of fun to play for more than 2 hours straight. Pretty much just FSO will get me on that long. About an hour is my normal length of time to fly. Some guys in this community can put in 4, 6, or even more. They just get up to use the restroom. I don't know how they do it. :huh
As others have said change your setup, but I would get up at least once an hour and walk around and do something else for 10 minutes.
-
I believe reason we see heart atacks from players in game is Blod cots from sitting to long. sitting for 4 hrs is all the time u need to get blood clots. shouldn't sit more than 2 hrs at a time. get up move around.
-
I believe reason we see heart atacks from players in game is Blod cots from sitting to long. sitting for 4 hrs is all the time u need to get blood clots. shouldn't sit more than 2 hrs at a time. get up move around.
I constantly flex my butt cheeks to provide blood flow. No heart attack and I have the tush of a 20 yr old :D
-
I had the same problem for a bit when I started. One thing I did was get a bigger monitor so that I am not squinting and leaning forward to see targets. For Christmas the wife got me a Home medic Shiatsu chair massager, with heat, that helped the back pain, but gave me another problem, Falling asleep. THe cure for that is Vast quantities of frosty adult beverages, that way I have to get up every hour or so.
-
I had the same problem for a bit when I started. One thing I did was get a bigger monitor so that I am not squinting and leaning forward to see targets. For Christmas the wife got me a Home medic Shiatsu chair massager, with heat, that helped the back pain, but gave me another problem, Falling asleep. THe cure for that is Vast quantities of frosty adult beverages, that way I have to get up every hour or so.
I'm sure many of us have woken up with an imprint of our keyboards on our foreheads
-
I have a herniated disc and I have the same problems, those guys that play for 6 to 8 hours I can guarantee also feel the strain. Like everyone else said take a break if it starts bothering you, the only other fix for backpain is situps...and we all know they are no fun.
-
Like everyone else said take a break if it starts bothering you, the only other fix for backpain is situps...and we all know they are no fun.
I do them daily right after my morning leak. No backpains, and feeling those belly muscles work actually feels, if not fun, at least satisfacting. Add to that some pushups and stretching, not overdoing tho. Some 5 minutes just to wake your body up and get your blood flowing. Much more fun than running only to get back where you started from, IMHO.
-
I constantly flex my butt cheeks to provide blood flow. No heart attack and I have the tush of a 20 yr old :D
Is there any way I can un-read this?
-
Thanks for all the replys and great suggestions the pillow in the lower curve of my back works surprisingly well at straightening me up :aok I have noticed I do hunch over close to the screen and I almost try and look around the corner slightly in the screen 'I know that sounds nuts' when I'm fighting.
I'm trying to break myself out of these bad habits as the last hour online is almost pointless as far as enjoyment is concerned.
TC real sorry to hear about your problems hope it heals up, and you get back to your best, and Shuffler I don't have a big head cheeky git! :D
-
I also have neck shoulder arm pain. I am seeing a neurologist for a diagnosis. I got an MRI and everything. Will know in a few weeks, but I suspect I have screwed myself up by with too much joystick gaming and computer typing/mousing.
-
Right now my rig is set up with a stationary bicycle that I have to pedal to fly, the faster I pedal the faster it climbs, and hitting the brakes slows me down real well too. I dont have a joystick so I made it so the handelbars turn which rolls the aircraft, and the steering stem is loose so you just pull them up or push them down to climb or dive. It works real good too. It took me awhile to set up a guntrigger that I liked. I finally ended up wiring the seat to detect moisture so now I just piss my pants to fire.
Needless to say I am in great shape without any back or neck problems but my thighs do get kinda sore sometimes, and the smell aint that great.
Hope this helps.
(BTW I am glad someone posted this thread as I have learned a few things myself, the back pillow is really nice, thanks gents <S>)
-
Any of you who wear glasses have another issue that will create neck pains. Unless your lens is a single perscription, the bifocal band or computer viewing band is in the lower half of the lens. This means to look at the screen you are angling your head up a tad at all times. That pain in the crick of the neck just above the shoulders. You will need to raise your seat to look slightly down at the screen. The ergonomics officer at one company I worked for explained that holding your elbow up and away from your side for extended periods of time caused the neck pain that runs from the top of your shoulder up under your ear. If you can setup your throttel and stick so your eblows stay at your sides, many problems will dissapere.
I have a plywood "U" attached to the underside of my keyboard tray. This places my throttel and stick bases 10inches back from the edge of the tray just in front of my relaxed elbows. Our joysticks are no where like the control colum in an L19 BirdDog, so you don't need all that much throw.
-
Recaro! Need I say more
(http://www.clublexus.com/forums/attachments/car-chat/115262d1196710340-recaro-office-chair-only-5-grand-ugly-recaro-chair.jpg)
-
I also have neck shoulder arm pain. I am seeing a neurologist for a diagnosis. I got an MRI and everything. Will know in a few weeks, but I suspect I have screwed myself up by with too much joystick gaming and computer typing/mousing.
deep tissue massage.
-
deep tissue massage.
how? all the sheep are gone :cry.
semp
-
I have two bulged disks as well.
I fell and luckily my head broke my fall. I had no feeling below my neck for about 8-10 minutes, couldn't feel anything, couldn't move anything. Paralyzed from neck down. After a few minutes.....i could move a finger then an arm, then was walking again. For a long time I had horrible back pain. I would get up, take two vicodin, go back to bed and wait for the pain to go away then routinely take one every 4 hours. I went to physical therapy, Kinesiology, chiropractor, got an epideral (lasted about 4-5 months) then was in a neurosurgeons office talking about back surgery. I'm 37. As a roll of the dice I tried spinal decompression from a different chiropractor. It was about a month or 6 week program i can't remember. It uses a machine to stretch and relax the body targeting my L4-L5. After the final treatment I never took a painkiller for my back again. I am 99% cured. The back pain was just always there in my life. It was affecting my marriage, job, everything. I swear by this treatment. I would love to get another MRI to look at my before and after disk placements, but I know I feel 99% better so I don't want to pay for it. For those of you with back pain I seriously recommend spinal decompression from a local chiropractor.
-
It sucks I'm 22 and I got run over by a truck on my motorcycle, I'm probably gonna have to deal with this back pain for the rest of my life...look on the bright side though you always have a reason for being so cranky :)
-
Belial, you ARE as tough in real life it seems. How bad was the truck hurt? Glad, to see you are with us brutha. That doesn't mean that I am gonna take it any easier on you when you're flying circles around me. I hope that you are paying attention to the things others have tried. Dealing with the pain is an honest statement, but I try and not surrender to it. My wife reminds me that pain is there for a reason. So, adjusting habits seems a healthy way to go.
Nice chair 5.0 but I would have to detach the arm rests. I have found that these add to my back problems. Instead, I use a lap desk designed for laptop computers and have attached my joystick setup to it. The lumbar support definitely looks to be real comfortable.
Undergoing physical therapy after a long day at work, I once had a muscle spasm so bad that it bulged under the skin and ran across my back as it constricted. The therapist screamed (I think she halfway expected an Alien :t to explode from beneath my skin) and shortly ended my ultrasound session.
-
I also suffer alot from neck/back pain from my days of stunt activity. When I was 17 I had a mishap with my Yamaha YZ250 motocrosser(I am 36 now). Was a highspeed long jump wich resulted in a rather rough landing with a sudden stop. I blacked out (don't know for how long) Came to myself, not able to move anything but my face. After a few minutes a tingling feeling started, like a hand waking from beeing asleep. But this was all over my body..
Luckily I managed to walk again, but have suffered from pain in my lower back ever since, have been undergoing surgery too but the pain in the back is still there, always. So the pillow supporting the lower back is something I use all the time.
Almost broke my neck falling off a snowmobile at high speed once, and since then just turning my head slightly to any side makes alot of pain.
And finally I froze both my knees really bad while motorcycling wintertime, so they got permament damage. They got so damaged that once later my left knee got locked in a 90 degree angle with some broken parts inside the joint just because I crouched down on my knees to play with my kid..
Had to get surgery to get that knee unlocked, and I really have to be carefull when sitting down on my knees now.
For me the best sitting position is straight up with the back, pillow to support my lower back, my monitor I prefer mounted slightly lower. Feels more relaxing to my neck to look slightly "downhill" at my screen.. But that is individual I guess.
-
I don't know if is should be in this section but was unsure where to post it. Basically after about 2-3 hours playing the game I develop unbearable pain in my neck and lower back and have to log off or I'll suffer the next day for it.
I've tried all sorts of different chairs etc nothing seems to help, just wondering if anyone else has the same problem and what they did to stop it?
:salute
Had the same problem. Went and bought a highback leather office chair with matching rolltop desk :D I can sit for hours on end if i want to with no pain. Well except for my legs when I get up. But that's just old age creeping in. :old:
-
I have a nerve problem if i hold my arm streched out with my hand on the throtle my left side of face will go numb.
I can only put hand on throtle if in a dogfight. If the dogfight last long enough Ill end if with a numb face.
Same thing when I drive if I grip the wheel hard for to long.
-
If you get this any time you sit at the computer for extended periods is most likely your monitor height. The middle of your monitor should be level with your eyes when you look straight ahead.
+1 i raised my monitor few years ago neck pain went away
-
+1 i raised my monitor few years ago neck pain went away
How did you raise it? my screen is a flat screen monitor.
-
How did you raise it? my screen is a flat screen monitor.
yellow pages?
-
Good idea! :aok might be able to fit that on, its one of those stupid all in one computer desks so not much room if I want to fit stick and mouse on :joystick:
-
How did you raise it? my screen is a flat screen monitor.
get creative i made a little pedestal to elevate it from a old shelf
-
If you get this any time you sit at the computer for extended periods is most likely your monitor height.
+1 big time.
-
I have a nerve problem if i hold my arm streched out with my hand on the throtle my left side of face will go numb.
I can only put hand on throtle if in a dogfight. If the dogfight last long enough Ill end if with a numb face.
Same thing when I drive if I grip the wheel hard for to long.
I attached a shelf to my chair for the throttle to sit where my hand naturally rests...
(http://479th.jasminemarie.com/images/rig2.jpg)
(http://479th.jasminemarie.com/images/rig3.jpg)
-
If you have a computer chair, you could also try lowering your seat a bit.
-
Waystin is correct about the rudder butt, I take my feet off them when Im not in combat to stretch my legs. Way likes to "got to the garage" every half an hour or so for some extra curricular activities :D
Murdr very cool set up, I saw someone made places for their throttle and stick with pvc pipes, very high speed :)
:salute
-
get creative i made a little pedestal to elevate it from a old shelf
Twin I suck at diy m8 if I tried that my next post would be something like flying without fingers, or how do I remove a nail from my hand :D
-
as for the raising the monitor.... my monitorr ( Dell UltraSharp LCD ) has tilt and slide up/down bracket/stand that came with it......
yes mine is slide up to where sitting level the center of my eyes straight forward is exactly 2.5 inches down from the top of the monitor screen edge ( not talking about the outside bezel, talking about the screen itself )...yes I have used this setup of monitor for years just for the reason of keeping my neck/head level or at a slight downward angle....it works for me....
You know how it feels when your leg goes to sleep, or hand , or arm? well imagine your arm just being dead weight..no numbness or tingling feeling ..you feel nothing ! That is what I experience on a daily/nightly basis never knowing when it is going to pop up......the first 6 months to a year when I 1st tore my rotator cuff it was so scarey I would be freaking out waking up in middle of the night searching for my arm/hand as if it had been removed/blown off etc..... that crap will bring fear and tears until you become accustomed to it
My Doctors tryed to gt me to file disability since 2003..... I struggled and fought it off until 1st week of Last December when my Nuerosurgeon/nuerologist insisted begged pleaded for me to finally go on disability........
I love the game, love trying to help others, etc..... but I have been limited in my ability for awhile and the worst part is the damn depression of it all....
if I can think of any more tips, I'll post them but sometimes those fancy/plush desk chairs are TOO Soft..sometimes a firm chair with a firm to stiff chair back with less lean in it helps ( along with the firm pillow for lumbar support....
the getting up and walking every 30 to 45 minutes to the fridge or kitchen and getting some water truly helps.....
having your controls ( Throttle/stick/pedals/keyboard setting to close to you and your arms being bunched up in close is just as rough onyou as having them to far away to where you stretched out nearly complete for reaching them....
sitting with your chair TOO HIgh will cut off circulation on bottom side of your legs/back of knee due to pinching . having chair too low will cause legs/muscles to stiffen up and ach because they are bent at the knees...so try and have them comfortably setting level....
When I don't fall asleep and dont forget its FSO time.I will endure the 2hrs it sometimes take to fly wih my Damned Squaddies.......
but my medical stuff is what it is........ they wanted to do surgery on me back in 04....... at 120grand and telling me probable 15% chance it would take the pain away vs 50/50 chance paralyzed from neck down .I told em no thank you.....
When I 1st injured my neck/shoulder/rotator cuff & arm/nerve damage the idiots sent me/ordered me to a Chropractor thru the WC ins co..... for 4 months I was being hurt worser than I was originally.before they said , oh we made amistake.you should have went to a orthopedic 1st.....
just got to grin and bear it.....stuff happens.....
sorry for the rant........ but alot of good tips have come from all the posts in this thread......
hopefully alot of you can find some extra comfort from the tips....... :cheers:
-
Twin I suck at diy m8 if I tried that my next post would be something like flying without fingers, or how do I remove a nail from my hand :D
:rofl hmm use a soda crate or small wooden box
-
Oh, I just remembered another thing, that used to give me back pain: Too much sitting! When you sit in the same position for a long time, knees at an angle, your gluteus (or should it be rear thigh muscles) tend to keep their compressed state. When you then stand up, you either have to stand like Dagwood or bow your back. If you try to straighten yourself, the shortened gluteus have to compensate in weaker muscles, which are in your lower back. Ouch! A physiotherapist/manipulator can help with muscular lockups, but the real cure is to stretch the rear thigh muscles. Here's how: Lie on your back, grab your foot with your hand, or use a belt/towel/rope as an extension if needed. Knees should be rather straight. Keep the position for at least half a minute for a leg because the muscles you are stretching are amongst the biggest ones you'll ever have. Look at the picture:
(http://www.telemail.fi/petrin.atk-apu/Stretch.bmp)
-
Having worked in Sports Medicine for many years (prior life) ;) , we used to call it School Teacher Syndrome. Basically, it is muscle and joint soreness from sitting for extended periods with the shoulders hunched forward and head slightly forward or down. Teachers (back in the day) used to suffer from this sort of pain after being hunched over their desk grading papers for too long.
The key is better posture while playing the game and as others pointed out, you must take breaks. You may also be adding to the problem by being over tense while at the stick. In addition to posture, you will have to learn to relax your neck and shoulders, then take a few advil (ibuprofen) after extended hours of gaming.
The other alternative is a good massage, but I am not sure if you will be able to get any 'sympathy puddin' from the wife for injuries suffered while gaming :lol