Gamers globally are spending more time than ever playing their favorite video games. According to Limelight Networks' The State of Online Gaming 2020 report on gaming habits and behaviors, video gamers spend an average of six hours, 20 minutes each week playing games. In Germany, gamers tallied a shy of seven hours a week while South Korea had it the lowest at 5.04 hours per week. Japan and the U.K. gamers killed the board with most gamers playing more than 20 hours a week. But what’s alarming and should be of concern is that gamers, on average, play more than four hours straight, which caused them to miss sleep and skip a meal, as well as socialize.
GAMERS PLAY MORE THAN SIX HOURS EACH WEEK, WITH MOST GAMERS PLAY FOR MORE THAN FOUR HOURS STRAIGHT, MISSING SLEEP, SKIPPING MEALS, AND NOT HAVING TIME TO SOCIALIZE…
The Threat of a Tension-Type Headache
Tension-type headache is the most common type of headache and is frequently encountered in gaming. Tension headaches are dull, mild to moderate pain in the head that’s often described as tightness or pressure around the forehead or the back of the head and neck. Its cause is unknown although various triggers have been identified and of which, stress is the major contributor, either from one episode or a stress buildup that leads to a chronic type. Tension headaches are categorized as either episodic or chronic:
Tension headache triggers related to gaming may include:
Signs and symptoms of a tension headache include:
Tension Headaches and Migraines:Unlike migraine, tension headaches usually don’t cause visual disturbances, nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to either light or noise.
How to Relieve Gaming Headaches with Recovapro
Gaming headaches may occur due to the risk factors already stated above, such as poor posture, fatigue, and stress. The prolonged static posture required in gaming can cause fatigue in the muscles that control your head. These neck muscles are considered to be one of the most important factors to influence tension headaches, such that increasing muscle tenderness may mean an increasing headache intensity and frequency.
Recovapro can alleviate the pain from tension headache by increasing the blood flow to the area and by relaxing the tense muscles that contribute to the headache. Also, the enhanced circulation flushes off the toxins, particularly the lactic acid, that have accumulated over time and caused fatigue.
Stretches You Can Do to Minimize the Occurrence of Tension Headaches While on a Game
When the neck muscles are tight, it can press on nerves that refer pain to the head, initially at the base of the skull, going up to the base of the head until you get that band around your head. Stress can cause headaches due to tightness and spasms of these muscles. Additionally, poor posture can create tension due to altered mechanics and muscular imbalances.
The Takeaway:If you have frequent tension headaches, knowing your triggers can get rid of it. Get enough sleep. It doesn’t only clear your mind of the stresses of gaming, but it also allows your muscles to ease off the tension built in them and recover from any injuries that may have incurred during a long, strenuous fight. Don't skip meals, especially breakfast. Eat healthily and drink plenty of water. And most importantly, relax. Good relaxation can ward off a tension headache. Try breathing exercises whenever you feel stressed. And use Recovapro to effectively manage your muscular pain and psychological stress, and to keep you relax and headache-free on your next team battle.
Recovapro wishes every eSports athlete headache-free gaming!!!