Video games blamed for back pain

If you believe the negative publicity video games are to blame for poor eyesight, obesity and a worrying moral decline in society. Now they’re being targeted as a leading cause of bad backs in school-age children.

That’s the conclusion reached in a new study from Queensland, Australia. Local chiropractor, Tanya Canoy, had been screening children attending gym, dance and football clubs when she noted an “alarming” increase in the signs of spinal curvature and other back problems. Apparently one in five kids showed early symptoms, compared to the usual one in 30.

Putting two and two together (and coming up with five) Canoy was then quick to finger video games as a probable cause. The DS and handheld consoles were singled out for particular criticism too, due to the hunched-over position many users adopt when playing them. The result of all this has been a call for screening in Queensland schools in order to catch kids before the age of 11, when their bones apparently start to “set”. Queensland authorities have yet to act on the motion, though, and, so far, are questioning the link.

Rightly so too, in our opinion. After all, playing games is not the only activity where a less-than-ideal posture might be employed. Gawping at the telly, slumped in the armchair could just as easily be to blame. Likewise, try reading a book or drawing a picture without getting into a heads-down, hunched-over position.

Yes, there are lots of reasons why back troubles might be afflicting Queensland kids, none of which being as immediately contentious or headline-grabbing as video games. We daresay this won’t be the last time games are victimised either. We’re just wondering what they’ll be blamed for next? Anyone care to take a guess...?