Stock images of people playing bridge never quite resemble real people playing bridge. 

While the hand has the right amount of cards, the players themselves are usually never looking at them. Instead, there’s a slightly deranged, android-like look in its place and they look like they’re about to power up and boot.

When I was looking at pictures taken at actual bridge games, I noticed that players paid attention to their cards and other players. Then, I looked at posture. Most real bridge players – especially when playing via their smartphones or tablets – were looking down.

Neck strain is a common problem. It’s become an even more common issue with smartphones, Netflix, online bridge and other things to look at.

Do you experience headaches or neck strain as a bridge player?

Here’s how to protect your neck.

See a Professional First

The sentence about journeys and single steps applies to your health, too, and the first step should always be an appointment with a professional. First, see your general practitioner, then see a specialist depending on what the primary practitioner recommends – usually by referral.

Neck issues can cause a lot of things that don’t seem like neck pain, including splitting headaches and repetitive issues with back pain.

At any point where you start to experience symptoms, pain, strain or discomfort, just make a doctor’s appointment and get it over with. (It’s always better to than not.) 

Bridge Games & Necks

Online and face-to-face bridge might not count as the most physically exerting sports to mention, but that doesn’t mean the player is physically unaffected by doing it. 

Arthritis is common in children and adults; repetitive strain injuries are also increasingly common and will cause symptoms like pain, redness or swelling of the affected area.

Bridge can affect your neck. 

Anything that involves doing the same activity in the same position for more than a few minutes at a time can affect parts of the body.

It means take regular breaks as part of your bridge-playing routine. (If you were born in the era of Tetris or Pac-Man, you’ll probably know this already after a mistaken marathon session where the next few days were spent recovering…)

A Few Fixes for Tension

Tension is a common issue. It’s what’s going to happen if you’ve spent the bulk of the past few minutes or hours staring down, straight or up at a bridge game. It’s also what’s going to lead to other issues (or make health conditions that you already have worse than they are now).

Here are a few tips for taking care of tension in the neck.

Take Breaks

Sure, I’ve said this once before in this article and before in many others, but it’s still just as important. Take breaks at least once every few hands, rubbers or games. If not, you’re over-straining – and your neck muscles are going to take the worst of it.

The most important part of taking a break would be to stretch.

Anti-Inflammatory Medication

What causes pain, tension and swelling is inflammation. What takes this away is anti-inflammatory medication.

Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about different anti-inflammatory options; usually, there’s an over-the-counter option, a prescribed option and various natural supplements that add to the effect of the primary treatment you’re following that can help.

If you’re reluctant to take anything for pain, don’t be. It helps.

Applying Heat

Medicated gels and creams are useful when tension flares up. They’re also in the category of anti-inflammatory medication that can help your health and take the pressure off after playing a bridge game for too long.

In addition to this, a primary recommendation for removing muscle tension is to apply heat. 

It’s constantly recommended by professionals as an aid to muscle pain and tension because it works. 

If you’re feeling some tension from your bridge game, try it.

Exercises for the Neck

Exercises aren’t just for the rest of the body. There are plenty of practical, easy exercises that can lighten tension in the neck. (For example, look to the left, then to the right and repeat for several minutes.)

When taking a break from bridge (or, well, while waiting for the opposing side to make their move), try some neck exercises and you’ll notice that it feels much better over time.