SIMPLE BUT EFFECTIVE REMEDIES FOR TENSION-TYPE HEADACHES GAMERS NEED TO KNOW

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:

• Episodic tension headaches last from 30 minutes to a week and occur less than 15 days in a month.
• Chronic tension headaches last for hours and can become continuous for more than 15 days in a month.

Tension headache triggers related to gaming may include:

• Lack of rest and sleep
• Fatigue
• Computer eye strain
• Poor posture
• Emotional or mental stress
• Hunger and dehydration
• Alcohol and caffeine
• Smoking

Signs and symptoms of a tension headache include:

• Mild to moderate pain or pressure around the head
• Tenderness on the scalp, neck, and shoulder muscles
• Sleeping difficulty
• Irritability
• Trouble focusing
• Mild sensitivity to light or noise

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.

• Using either the bullet-head or ball-head attachment at a low intensity, either 1 or 2, glide the massage gun back and forth over the back of your neck, along your upper trapezius area.
• If a trigger point is found, hold the gun against the spot for a few seconds until tension release is felt. Try to focus on the base of the skull, which is a common site for muscle knots.
• Spend at least one minute on each side.

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.

• Chin Retraction: While sitting and head in a neutral position, pull your chin up and back. Hold for 3 seconds, then back to starting position. Perform 15 repetitions for 3 sets.
• Neck Flexion Stretch: Bend your head towards your chest. Place your hands at the back of your head with interlocked fingers. Gently pull your head down further more in front. Hold for 3 seconds and repeat 3-5 times.
• Upper traps stretch: While sitting, bring your hand on the side to be stretched behind the small of your back. With your other hand at the top of your head, gently pull your head to the side opposite the side of the muscle to be stretched. Hold for 20-30 seconds and repeat 3-5 times.
• Levator Scapulae Stretch: While seated, grasp the edge of the chair with your hand on the side to be stretched and rotate your head toward the opposite side. With your free hand, grasp the opposite side of your head and gently pull it down toward your shoulder. Hold for 20-30 seconds and repeat 3-5 times.
• Scapular squeeze: While sitting, pull your shoulders up and back, squeezing your shoulder blades toward each other. Hold for 3 seconds, then back to starting position. Perform 15 repetitions for 3 sets.
• Scalene Stretch: In sitting, side bend your head toward one shoulder and then rotate your head to the opposite side so that you’re facing the ceiling. Hold for 20-30 seconds and repeat 3-5 times.

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!!!