Headache After Working Out: What It Means and How To Treat It

Headaches that occur during or after a workout can put a damper on your exercise routine. Here’s how to get rid of them.

Picture this: You’re in the midst of an invigorating gym session, or perhaps you’ve just completed a demanding workout, and out of nowhere, an excruciating headache strikes. You may contemplate pushing through the pain, but the discomfort proves relentless. So, what exactly is happening here?

What you might be experiencing is known as an exertion headache or exercise headache.

Unraveling the Mystery of Exertion Headaches

Exertional headaches, as elucidated by the National Headache Foundation, are primarily brought about by strenuous activities, such as running. While they may not be as prevalent as migraines or stress-induced headaches, exertion headaches can be remarkably painful, persisting for anywhere from five minutes to a grueling 48 hours. They are frequently characterized by pulsating pain that affects both sides of the head, making them bilateral in nature.

These headaches fall under the category of “primary exertion headaches” or primary exercise headaches if they are not triggered by any underlying health conditions or disorders, as affirmed by the American Migraine Foundation (AMF).

Delving into the Causes of Post-Exercise Headaches

The National Headache Foundation asserts that exertional headaches typically lack a grave underlying cause. Nevertheless, they recommend that individuals who experience post-exercise headaches consult a healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation.

The AMF expands upon this by highlighting that exertion headaches can be associated with an array of medical issues, including but not limited to brain tumors, brain aneurysms, subarachnoid hemorrhage, heart disease, and more.

Preventing Exertion Headaches: Strategies to Keep Them at Bay

If you find yourself grappling with exercise-induced headaches and there’s no underlying health concern at play, here’s what healthcare experts suggest you do when confronted with one of these throbbing nuisances—and how to thwart their recurrence.

1. Pause and Cool Down: Clifford Stark, DO, a sports medicine specialist in New York City, advises that “exercising in hot, humid conditions or at high altitudes when your body isn’t acclimated yet” can be a precursor to exertion headaches. Therefore, when an exertion headache strikes, it’s a signal that your body is overexerted, and it’s time to take a break. Dr. Stark recommends warming up before resuming your workout. Warming up gradually elevates your heart rate and promotes blood flow, prepping your body for the impending physical activity, a practice that can also serve as a preventive measure against exertion headaches.

2. Identify and Avoid Triggers: To determine if staying well-hydrated, maintaining regular eating habits, and ensuring adequate sleep can mitigate post-exercise head pain, Erin Manning, MD, an assistant attending neurologist at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York, recommends making these lifestyle adjustments.

3. Medication: For some individuals, over-the-counter medications like Advil, naproxen, or Tylenol can be effective in managing exertion headaches, according to Dr. Manning. The AMF suggests taking naproxen or indomethacin (available via prescription) 30 to 60 minutes before engaging in physical activity. Always keep your healthcare provider informed about any over-the-counter medications you take. Dr. Manning adds that individuals who don’t find relief from OTC medications might require prescription medication, either immediately prior to strenuous exercise or on a daily basis, to prevent the onset of headaches.

When to Seek Professional Guidance

“Anytime you have a severe headache that feels like the worst headache of your life, or something that came on very suddenly, or it causes other symptoms beyond the headache that you’re not used to, like visual symptoms, you need medical attention right away because it could be something serious,” cautions Dr. Stark. Even if the headache’s intensity isn’t extreme, consulting a healthcare provider is advisable. Patients experiencing exercise-induced headaches for the first time should undergo an evaluation.

Dr. Manning recommends, “If this has happened more than a couple of times, then it’s probably a good time to see a healthcare provider.” You can initiate this process by contacting your primary care provider or seeking out a neurologist, headache specialist, or sports neurology expert.

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