June 2, 2025 The Best Source of News, Culture, Lifestyle for Culver City, Mar Vista, Del Rey, Palms and West Los Angeles

Disc Sports & Spine Center Issues Recommendations For Injury Prevention While Playing Pokémon Go

 

To help parents and players of all ages prevent Pokémon Go! related injuries, DISC Sports & Spine Center (DISC) has issued a list of helpful, common-sense recommendations. These tips were compiled by Dr. Hooman M. Melamed, an orthopedic spine surgeon who frequently shares his expertise on “The Doctors,” “Dr. Oz” and many national and local news networks.

“The most common Pokémon Go! injuries we’re learning about are fractures, bruises and abrasions resulting from falls and collisions,” says Dr. Melamed. “But the hunched-over position most players assume while peering into their phones can also take its toll on the cervical spine after prolonged periods.”

He further explains that this position puts an equivalent of 60 pounds of pressure on the spine and not only keeps you from truly seeing where you’re going, but can also lead to pinched nerves and chronic pain—all of which is completely preventable.

To help avoid injury while playing Pokémon Go!, DSSC has these tips:

  1. Keep Your Head Up – For all of the reasons above and many more, this is #1. You simply cannot navigate safely when your eyes are focused downward. Though it may seem counterintuitive at first, and take some time to get used to, try raising your phone to eye level and just to the right or left. This will keep your center of vision straight ahead and relieve unneeded pressure to the cervical spine.  It helps to keep your spine in a neutral alignment and ultimately protect the health of your neck.
  1. Give Yourself Breaks – This is sound advice when participating in any repeated motion, whether it’s holding up a phone, reading or running around a park in pursuit of Pokémon. Remember to pace yourself, stretch, hydrate and eat. And try stepping off to the side while hunting creature in crowded areas. Take a beat to let people pass while you catch a breath and take in your surroundings.
  1. Get the Lay of the Land – Do as much prep as possible if your pursuit takes you to a new place. Try learning its terrain, exits and available services before you arrive, and if that’s not possible, take a good look at where you are before you delve into the game, when distraction may keep you from spotting potential obstacles or other dangers.
  1. Dress for Success – Protect yourself from potential injury by dressing the part. In other words, wear well-fitted, comfortable shoes if you’re doing a lot of walking. Flip-flops are your worst enemies on uneven ground. Dress in layers to adapt to varying climates, and bring a lightweight backpack stocked with snacks and water if you’re making a day of it.
  1. Bring a Designated Walker – Distracted walking—just like driving—is akin to drunk walking. Try bringing a non-gaming friend or family member to help guide and keep you on track. Not only are you typically safer in pairs, but it’s usually also a lot more fun when someone else gets to share in your delight as you catch that rare Dragonite or Porygon.

 

pokemon go safety

Related Posts

Alpine Floor & Home: A Legacy of Quality Since 1968

June 2, 2025

June 2, 2025

Founded in 1968 with a single location, Alpine Floor & Home began as a humble family business with a clear...

Chin Chin to Close West Hollywood Location After 45 Years of Service

June 2, 2025

June 2, 2025

Iconic Sunset Plaza Restaurant Announces Final Day of Operations Chin Chin, the iconic Chinese eatery that has been a fixture...

LACMA’s $700M David Geffen Galleries to Open in 2026

June 2, 2025

June 2, 2025

New Structure Will Replace Original Midcentury Buildings Construction crews are entering the final stretch on the David Geffen Galleries, a...

Criterion Mobile Closet Arrives in L.A. for Two-Day Stop at Santa Monica’s Aero Theatre

June 2, 2025

June 2, 2025

More Than 1,000 Classic Titles June 6–7 During American Cinematheque’s Bleak Week  Following its successful appearances at SXSW and Vidiots...

Lane Closures Return to PCH in Malibu for Fire Recovery and Emergency Repairs

June 1, 2025

June 1, 2025

Traffic Will Be Impacted as Caltrans and the USACE Conduct Cleanup  The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has announced updated...

Update: Police Non-Emergency Line Temporarily Down Due to Service Outage in Culver City

June 1, 2025

June 1, 2025

Emergency 9-1-1 Services Remain Active; Alternate Numbers are Available  UPDATE – Monday, June 2 at 7:25 am The Culver City...

Culver City to Frame Iconic Tree with Landmark Sculpture by Charles Gaines

June 1, 2025

June 1, 2025

Acclaimed Conceptual Artist’s Public Artwork Enters Final Phase Culver City is moving forward with the final phase of an ambitious...

Defensible Space, Defined: How A Plus Tree Protects Communities from Wildfire

May 30, 2025

May 30, 2025

In the wildfire-prone landscapes of the Western United States, safeguarding homes and communities requires proactive measures. A Plus Tree, a...

WeHo Pride Weekend Begins and 2025 Icons Announced: Parades, Concerts, and Community Celebration Kicks Off

May 30, 2025

May 30, 2025

Three-Day LGBTQ+ Festival Features Performances by Lizzo, Maren Morris, and Kim Petras West Hollywood is preparing to kick off its...

Palisades Village to Reopen in 2026 with Revamped Retail, Dining, and Community Spaces

May 29, 2025

May 29, 2025

Elysewalker Set to Return With Park Reconstruction, Holiday Events, and Streetscape Upgrades Palisades Village, the open-air shopping and lifestyle destination...

Bel Air Seventh Grader Reaches Finals of Scripps National Spelling Bee

May 29, 2025

May 29, 2025

Oliver Halkett of Mirman School Competed on Thursday for a $50,000 prize Thirteen-year-old Oliver Halkett, a seventh grader from Mirman...

(Video) Signs That Your Aging Loved Ones Are in Need of Caregiving

May 29, 2025

May 29, 2025

To Find Out More, Go To Safelyhomeagain.com To Find Out More, Go To https://t.co/ZCPyKHj5aq pic.twitter.com/cDTEPjfA6s — Westside Today (@WestsideLAToday) May...

Two Men Charged in Culver City Kidnapping and Robbery After Victim Forced to Withdraw Cash

May 29, 2025

May 29, 2025

Suspects Allegedly Abducted Man at Gunpoint, Drove Him to Multiple Banks  Two men have been arrested and formally charged in...

Salt & Straw Unveils Summer Pie Series with Five Seasonal Ice Cream Flavors

May 29, 2025

May 29, 2025

Five New Flavors Inspired by Classic Summer Pies Will Be Introduced Salt & Straw is giving summer a scoopable twist...

(Video) Interviews with Rick Caruso and Elyse Walker, with a Dennis Quaid cameo

May 28, 2025

May 28, 2025

We spoke at the Press Conference to announce plans to reopen Palisades Village Shopping Mall. Actor Dennis Quaid arrives to...