In a startling case from Delhi, a 19-year-old boy developed severe kyphoscoliosis, a combination of forward and lateral spinal curvature, after spending over 12 hours daily playing video games. His condition was originally thought to be related to poor posture and inactivity. However, further investigation revealed that spinal tuberculosis ⁽³⁾ (Pott's disease) was the underlying cause, which had gone undiagnosed for nearly a year.

The infection paved the way for the collapse of the D11 and D12 vertebrae, forming pus and causing spinal pressure. This is due to prolonged poor posture and limited activities, which require emergency surgical relief of spinal pressure.

The surgery was done by eminent doctors’ team at Indian Spinal Injuries Center using spinal navigation technology, a modern technique that helps surgeons place screws and in the spine with high precision. After the procedure, he slowly regained bladder control and mobility and is in a rehabilitation center with physical therapy and psychological counselling.

Kyphoscoliosis and Its Aggravation by Spinal Tuberculosis
Kyphoscoliosis is a condition characterized by abnormal curvature of the spine in sagittal (kyphosis) and coronal (scoliosis) planes. This can be idiopathic, congenital, neuromuscular, or degenerative in origin and may alter posture, respiratory function, and mobility. If unattended, it progresses and requires surgery, especially in severe cases,

Spinal tuberculosis, particularly in the spine (tuberculous spondylitis or Pott's disease), leads to vertebral bone and disc damage, weakening the spinal column. This can result in compression fractures in the spine, deformity, and instability, contributing to the development or progression of kyphosis, scoliosis, or their combination. The compression of the spinal cord leads to neurological complications like paralysis or bladder dysfunction if unattended.

Video Gaming and Musculoskeletal Disorders
A study conducted in 2023 by the University of Yalova investigated videogame addiction, altering spinal health in children aged 12–16. Involving 87 students (47 girls and 40 boys), they utilized the Video Game Addiction Scale for Children and flexicurve tools to assess the intensity of kyphosis.

Key Findings:

• 65.5% of children showed signs of postural disorders.

• Those with longer daily gaming time had higher addiction scores.

• Students who were engaged in recreational physical activity had lower addiction levels and better posture.

• No statistically significant relationship was found between addiction level and kyphosis index.
  Significant findings of the study include that gaming addiction could not directly cause kyphosis, but the associated minimal physical activity contributes to spinal issues. ⁽²⁾

Prolonged Gaming and Associated Health Risks
Though beneficial in moderation, video game have the potential to initiate physical as well as psychological issues. ⁽¹⁾

Physical Risks:

• Stress injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome, “gamer’s thumb”, and tennis elbow.

• Spending long hours sitting and snacking while gaming leads to weight gain.

• Overuse of screens results in headaches and impaired vision.

• Late-night gaming causes sleep interference, leading to the imbalance of the circadian rhythm, resulting in insomnia.

Psychological and Social Impact:
Gaming Addiction (IGD): May develop unhealthy habits, thinking constantly about games, playing to escape emotions, or continuing despite problems in daily life. Extended gaming peaks the levels of stress, anxiety, irritability, and even depression, especially in teenagers. Screen time decreases quality time with friends and family, which creates withdrawal from society.

Prevention and Need for Parental Guidance
To reduce the risks associated with prolonged gaming,

• Encourage regular physical activity and participation in sports or recreational games.

• Reduce daily screen time and establish screen-free zones or times.

• Nurture good posture habits.

• Utilize furnishings that help maintain optimal lighting and ergonomic screen placement.

• Practice the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds).

• Tackle the root causes of psychological issues that may lead to excessive.

References:

1. Harvard Health Publishing. “The Health Effects of Too Much Gaming.” Harvard Health Blog, December 22, 2020. Accessed May 3, 2025. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-health-effects-of-too-much-gaming-2020122221645.

2. Ekinci, Nurullah Emir, Sinan Erdem Satılmış, İlimdar Yalçın, and Mustafa Can Koç. “The Impact of Video Game Addiction on Spinal Health”. Sportive 7, no. 2 (October 2024): 259-72. https://doi.org/10.53025/sportive.1543193.

3. Rajasekaran S. (2012). Kyphotic deformity in spinal tuberculosis and its management. International orthopaedics, 36(2), 359–365. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-011-1469-2

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Dr. Anjaly KTK/MSM)