Whether you’re sharpening your offense or want to work on your defensive techniques, sparring provides you with that controlled environment to improve upon your skills. But, what about the headaches you’re experiencing after sparring? Let see:
So, Are Headaches After Sparring Normal?
Mild headaches after sparring are completely normal in the initial training phase. With constant blows to your head, sparring causes tight neck muscles, which can trigger headaches. These discomforts usually stop within a month and may not be serious unless you’re also experiencing blurred vision or speech issues.
Further in this guide, I’ll also give you the exact solution to get rid of these headaches as fast as possible and break it down for you. Keep reading:
Why Do You Get Headaches After Sparring?
While it’s completely normal to get headaches occasionally especially if you’re in the beginning stage, making progress in boxing and gradually going up with the sparring intensity.
Let’s take a look at some of the most common reasons:
1. Dehydration
This is one of the very common reasons why many fighters experience nausea and headache pain during or after the sparring session. Being dehydrated even by 2% can significantly affect your performance in the ring.
That’s why it is very important to drink plenty of water before, during, and after your sparring session as per the intensity and duration of your training.
2. Wrong Sparring Partner
Even after taking all the possible care, many people experience headaches because they practice sparring with the guys that were a few weight classes above them.
In such situations, you should ask your sparring partner is go light on his punches. This is very important because even if you think you’re not doing any hard sparring, it’s possible to get a hard hit then you thought at that point.
You should try to spar with the people close to your weight class and try to avoid any unnecessary mileage to your brain. Just ask your buddy to take down a notch and stop him if he’s not.
3. Nutrition Levels
This is another possible reason behind your dizziness and sudden rush of fatigue after sparring. Many people experience headaches after intense boxing training due to low blood sugar levels.
You need to be mindful of your pre-workout as well as post-workout nutrition. You should plan meals properly that offer you an adequate amount of protein with a moderate amount of carbohydrates.
It not only regulates your blood sugar levels but also helps your body to recover faster and rebuild muscle tissues that were damaged during the training session.
4. Headgear
Another not very common reason behind your headaches is bad protective headgear. If your headgear does not snugly fit around your head, it can cause problems and might lead to an unwanted headache.
Some people also get benefited by switching to Mexican-style headgear (like this one). It does limit your visibility a little but really seems to absorb more damage and offers great protection to your cheek and chin area than regular competition headgear.
With that said:
Let me break down the solution into three major segments:
How Do You Get Rid of a Headache After Boxing?
The aches are more likely to come from neck tightening as you’re constantly taking punches to your head. Along with that, clenching your jaws can also contribute to it.
Let me jump straight to the solution and solve this issue from its roots.
1. Before Sparring
As I mentioned earlier, you should always try to keep yourself hydrated and follow an appropriate diet plan that fulfills your body’s requirements completely.
Also, do not skip your warm-up workout at any cost. That’s because it not only relaxed your body and reduces the risk of muscle injury but also boosts your mental stamina, allowing you to enter the ring with your fullest potential.
Not to mention, giving proper rest to your muscles is also very important. Being mindful of your sleep cycle helps you to recover faster and give your best during the sparring session.
2. During Sparring
It’s very important to choose the exercises that best suit your physical body condition. make sure your body is getting sufficient nutrients and is able to sustain energy levels.
If you’re experiencing headaches on the regular basis, try to reduce the intensity of your training. I would also recommend you limit the number of direct hits you’re taking on the face and head.
3. After Sparring
Stretching your body a little after an intense sparring session can be beneficial to relax your muscles as well as your mind. It helps you to calm down and get you out of that fighting zone.
Many people recommend taking post-workout nutrition to stay hydrated and maintain the required energy levels, especially if you’re experiencing persistent pain along with severe nausea.
Here’re a few other things you can try:
Medication
First of all, unless you’re experiencing a full-on headache after your sparring session that lasts for days, you should not go for anti-inflammatory ibuprofen or any painkillers.
If you want them, you can use them. It’s a heavily researched drug and there is no reason why you should be afraid to take it once in a while.
Just don’t go overboard with them because such medications just mask the problem and won’t work when you really need them, especially if you keep on taking them on the regular basis.
Caffeine
Cutting down the caffeine is another great way to eliminate slight headaches, especially if you’re getting exertion-related headaches and not due to any major trauma.
I have seen many of my mates gradually decrease their caffeine intake from all sources and cut it off altogether really getting benefitted.
Next Read: Why Boxers Should Not Drink Coffee?
My Final Thoughts on Headaches After Sparring
You need to understand that, while it’s normal to get a light headache from time to time but it’s definitely not normal to experience it regularly for hours after sparring.
If the headache keeps getting worse or you start suffering from dizziness, disorientation, blurred vision, memory/speech issues, or vomiting, which is very rare, I would strongly recommend you go for a doctor’s advice.
Otherwise, keep your hands up, keeps practicing defense, and learn how to slip your opponent’s shot. This is the only way forward to get rid of that annoying headaches and make faster progress in boxing.
Have a Good Day! 🙂
