It's surprisingly common - you're exercising, everything's fine, and then POW - a headache strikes! Or, sometimes, a headache hits while you're exercising. Is it just a minor annoyance? Or could it be a signal that something serious is going on? Should you go to the doctor, or just shrug it off?
If you already suffer from headaches or migraine, it may just be that your exercise is starting the headache chain-reaction. In that case, it's important to look at the overall picture and make sure you're getting the treatment you need for headaches. Your doctor may recommend a pain killer to take just before you exercise, to stop the pain before it starts. In the case of migraine, this is called an "effort migraine", and it's very common. A throbbing headache in the back of your head may be an "exertion headache", which again usually requires some pain killers and is not serious.
But after exercise headache can be a warning that something serious is going on. As a general rule of thumb, if you get a new headache after you exercise, you should see a doctor right away. Any sudden change when it comes to headache could be a sign of something serious, so don't wait.
Some of the more serious headaches have to do with the blood vessels in the head. A headache after exercise could indicate an abnormality in the blood vessels themselves, or could warn you of a brain hemorrhage (or haemorrhage) (blood flow when blood vessels break).
If you're exercising in the heat and begin to have sore muscles, difficulty breathing, and dizziness along with headache, you could be experiencing early signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. You'll soon be past helping yourself, but friends will need to make sure your body is cooled off quickly.
Of course, everyone is afraid of brain tumours. Tumours (tumors) are very rare, so don't panic at the first sign of headache. Unlike typical headaches, these generally get worse over the course of several weeks, and are usually worse in the morning. They get worse when you exercise, and almost always include other symptoms, such as blurred vision, unsteadiness or weakness. Again, if you get a new headache, see your doctor right away. You want to catch these things as early as possible.
Here are some other things that may tip you off that your exercise headache is very serious:
- You have injured your head in the past
- You experience paralysis or a tingling sensation
- Your neck is stiff
- You're waking up at night with pain
- The headache isn't going away
- You're experiencing other symptoms elsewhere
- Any other change in symptoms
Remember, even if you have other symptoms, it may not be an immediate problem. But it's worth it to talk to your doctor and remove all doubt. Even if it's not a sign of another disease, dealing with the pain will help you benefit more from exercise and your relaxing time too. Your health is worth it!
James Cottrill is a health writer at http://www.relieve-migraine-headache.com . He lives with his wife and children in the shadow of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. You can read more about exercise headache at http://www.relieve-migr aine-headache.com/after-exercise-headache.html
Do you know the health and fitness industry is plagued... Read More
Big weights! Wicked pump! I always get caught between two... Read More
Most of the physical fitness trainers, and coaches agree that... Read More
My name is Greg Ryan. I am a fitness expert,... Read More
"Life walking" is more than walking for exercise and fitness... Read More
Okay?okay?okay! Enough already!!! It seems like with every new term,... Read More
"Things do not change; we change." ?Henry David ThoreauThe following... Read More
If you have ever read a fitness magazine...If you have... Read More
The best exercise for the stomach is probably not the... Read More
I'm sure you've heard the following statement over and over... Read More
Ah, the crisp cool breeze, the invigorating feel of the... Read More
A question I am frequently asked by females is, "What... Read More
What if a trusted friend were to tell you about... Read More
Yoga traditionally conjures up images of long hair, loin cloths... Read More
What comes to your mind when I say the word... Read More
So here's the situation?You have a home gym, treadmill, elliptical... Read More
A valid connection between hypoglycemia, fatigue and premature termination of... Read More
Diet and Exercise are the inseparable twins that are seen... Read More
For years exercise scientists and physiologists have preached that lactate/lactic... Read More
If you are a seasoned runner you know the importance... Read More
In fitness, as in war, you want to be on... Read More
Walking for exercise is a purposeful, brisk walk specifically designed... Read More
The Art of Multifunctional TrainingPeople often complain about how they... Read More
It's a given that effective weight loss is much more... Read More
Water and ExerciseYour body excretes water in a number of... Read More
Bad workouts. We have all had them at some time... Read More
So you've begun an exercise program to get in shape... Read More
Stretching exercises are important before you begin your workout. Always... Read More
1. The 'Chew Then Crunch' MythCrunches are good exercises for... Read More
There are hundreds of different programs for professional triathlon training... Read More
We've all had days when we don't have the energy... Read More
Most of us have trained at one part in our... Read More
Back exercises are often prescribed effectively as an alternative to... Read More
Even light exercise is good for you, so don't get... Read More
Are You Destined to Sit on the Couch?If someone mentions... Read More
You know it's bad when the Surgeon General issues a... Read More
Do you find yourself setting a New Year's Resolution (every... Read More
When you decide to exercise, try to really stick to... Read More
When it comes to building lower pectorals, triceps and frontal... Read More
Exercise TipsThe most effective exercise regimen includes both strength training... Read More
The abdominal muscles are essential for maintaining good posture and... Read More
"Things do not change; we change." ?Henry David ThoreauThe following... Read More
Diet and Exercise are the inseparable twins that are seen... Read More
Physical exercise is something that you need to do on... Read More
The Best Weight Loss ExerciseThe exercise the experts are keeping... Read More
For approximately 80-90% of people that suffer from asthma, exercise... Read More
So you've begun an exercise program to get in shape... Read More
Back when I was young and living on my parents'... Read More
Learning Tai ChiTai Chi combines movement, meditation and breathing, to... Read More
This is the latest advice to the public and many... Read More
It is thought that moderate exercise, such as speed walking,... Read More
Ever go to a party and wish you were the... Read More
Success is what you are prepared to make of yourself... Read More
A very important aspect in really finding out if you're... Read More
"When I'm lifting free weights, I tend to go pretty... Read More
Walking for exercise is a purposeful, brisk walk specifically designed... Read More
These days many people spend a significant part of their... Read More
If you are a seasoned runner you know the importance... Read More
I cannot imagine that there is anyone past the age... Read More
I think the real question is "How safe is it... Read More
Yes, all I'm afraid this does play a part in... Read More
Taoist PhilosophyTo understand the purpose of the form it is... Read More
Bad workouts. We have all had them at some time... Read More
Lack of flexibility is now seen to be a major... Read More
Core training has become such a hot topic in the... Read More
Great endurance racers will tell you "Leave your egos at... Read More
Exercise & Fitness |