July 4, 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

(Video) A visit to New York Bagel & Deli in Santa Monica

July 3, 2025

July 3, 2025

Authentic NY Style Bagels with Extra Creamy Cream Cheese and Multi-Cultural Desserts. Located at 2216 Wilshire Blvd. A visit to...

Hot Dogs & Rosé: Something About Her and The Culver Hotel Roll Out Summer Specials

July 2, 2025

July 2, 2025

Westside Venues to Serve Playful Bites and Seasonal Sips For the Holiday Weekend A bold new offering is making its...

NeueHouse Hosts Bold One-Night Dinner With Culinary Phenomenon Diego Argoti

July 2, 2025

July 2, 2025

Acclaimed Chef Brings Culinary Mischief With a Five-Course Tasting Experience. NeueHouse Hollywood will host an exclusive, one-night-only dining event on...

(Video) Legacy, Reimagined: Architecture, Design & Construction by Home Front Build Los Angeles

July 2, 2025

July 2, 2025

Go To Homefrontbuild.com For More Information @home_front_build Legacy, Reimagined: Architecture, Design & Construction by Home Front Build Los Angeles Go...

405 Crash Near the Getty Sends Three to Hospital: Two Seriously Hurt Near Site Where LAPD Sgt. Died

July 2, 2025

July 2, 2025

Early Morning Multi-Vehicle Collision Shut Down Lanes Near Brentwood Three men were injured and traffic was snarled for hours following...

(Video) Jikoni, the AfriCali PopUp from celebrated cookbook author Kiano Moju Has Been Extended Until July 3 at Citizen Public Market

July 1, 2025

July 1, 2025

Bold Flavors and Spice Merge with Crisp, Chewy Chapati. Delicious With a Caring Chef and Staff. Jikoni, the AfriCali PopUp...

Pentagon Orders Troop Drawdown in LA: 150 National Guard Members Reassigned to Wildfire Duty

July 1, 2025

July 1, 2025

Federal Forces Begin Partial Withdrawal From Protest Response as California Leaders Push Back U.S. Northern Command announced Tuesday that 150...

California Highway Patrol Deploys for Independence Day Enforcement Surge

July 1, 2025

July 1, 2025

All Available Officers to Hit California Highways for Holiday Weekend As Californians gear up for Fourth of July festivities, the...

Court Postpones Arraignment for Driver in Malibu Crash That Killed Four Students

July 1, 2025

July 1, 2025

Fraser Michael Bohm Faces Murder Charges in Fatal PCH Wreck  The arraignment for Fraser Michael Bohm, the 23-year-old man accused...

(Video) Los Angeles County Supervisor from the 2nd district, Holly J. Mitchel, Gives a Powerful Speech

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

Supervisor Mitchell Called on Residents to take action at the rally for Ambrocio “Enrique” Lozano in Culver City.

Top Military Commander Urges Return of Troops Deployed to ICE Protest Response

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

General Requests 200 National Guard Soldiers Be Returned to California Wildfire Unit The senior U.S. military officer overseeing federal forces...

Second Victim Killed Alongside LAPD Sergeant in Brentwood 405 Crash Identified

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

Authorities Confirm Garcia, 34, Died at the Scene, GoFundMe Launched  Authorities have identified the civilian who was killed alongside a...

The Westside Lights Up for July 4: Fireworks, Drone Shows, and Parades Return Across West Los Angeles

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

From Marina Del Rey’s Fireworks to Culver City’s 1980s-Themed Drone Show, Get Ready to Celebrate From fireworks over Marina del...

California Judge Rules FAIR Plan’s Smoke Damage Policy Unlawful

June 29, 2025

June 29, 2025

Court Says Wildfire Insurance Program Illegally Denied Claims Legal protections for California homeowners took a step forward this week after...

(Video) Culver City Residents and City and County Leaders Rally for Disappeared Ice Cream Man Ambrocio “Enrique” Lozano

June 29, 2025

June 29, 2025

US Representative for California’s 37th Congressional District, Sydney Kamlager-Dove Speaks About What is happening to the disappeared.