Apparently I'm allergic to exercise

whatalazyidiot

I have been getting these weird headaches the past few days (since I started jogging on the treadmill instead of just walking).

The pain like radiates from above my right eye, down to the base of my skull, and back up. It happens about every 5 minutes for like 10 seconds, then goes away. 5-10 minutes later, it comes back. Over and over again.

I figured out it's worse after I use the treadmill. It lasts about 20-24 hours.. but weirdly it's not as bad when lying down. I felt better by this early afternoon, so I went back on the treadmill (not knowing the connection yet), then immediately after my workout - BAM! It's back.

So I am literally allergic to exercise. This is rude.

Machka9

What are you doing with your head when you run?

I've discovered I need to look around and stretch while I run (outside). About every 1-2 km, I need to look slowly to one side, then the other side, then down, then up ... being careful, of course, to do it when it is safe and not when I'm trying to leap over tree roots or something.

I have also discovered that my left foot goes numb on long runs, but that if I raise my arms in the air, right up over my head like I'm reaching for the clouds and stretch while running, the numbness goes away. My neck and head also feel better.

And then after the run, when I'm in the hot shower, I do more stretching of my neck and shoulders.


Oh also, drop your shoulders when you run, and if you're on the treadmill, don't hang on.

RunsWithBees

Have you consulted with a doctor about this? Might be a good idea just to rule out anything serious that might require intervention.

TonyB0588

whatalazyidiot wrote: »

I have been getting these weird headaches the past few days (since I started jogging on the treadmill instead of just walking).

The pain like radiates from above my right eye, down to the base of my skull, and back up. It happens about every 5 minutes for like 10 seconds, then goes away. 5-10 minutes later, it comes back. Over and over again.

I figured out it's worse after I use the treadmill. It lasts about 20-24 hours.. but weirdly it's not as bad when lying down. I felt better by this early afternoon, so I went back on the treadmill (not knowing the connection yet), then immediately after my workout - BAM! It's back.

So I am literally allergic to exercise. This is rude.

No. You're not allergic to exercise. The problem appears to be when you run instead of walking. And you haven't mentioned what happens with any other type of exercise either.

I can't run either, but I've increased my amount of walking, both outdoors and on the treadmill, and sometimes do other types of activity. Just find what works and stick with it.

TavistockToad

could well be that you're tensing up and holding your head is a particular way when you run.

smolmaus

Tensing your neck was my first thought too. I have given myself unholy neck pain from not keeping my shoulders down when I run.

Second thought was exercise induced migraine? I don't know how hard you're pushing yourself but if I am tired and don't keep my breathing in check I can get behind-the-eye pain that sticks around for a while after. Either way the answer is to relax, concentrate on how you're holding yourself while you run and how you're breathing and if it doesn't improve see a doctor?

Noreenmarie1234

I remember the same thread about this or a person who had the same exact thread title "allergy to exercise"! I thought it was the same person back to update us.

Anyone remember that thread? They had a legitimate medical allergy to exercise, it was insane and unlike anything I've heard of before lol.

https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1224435/literally-allergic-to-exercise

https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10692863/exercise-induced-uticaria-devastation

https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10014339/im-allergic-to-exercising

I know you were just kidding by using "allergy" but it reminded me it is actually a real thing.


In your case, I would see a doctor as it seems like some type of vasospasm or decreased perfusion triggered by exercise. It is definitely worth looking into to make sure there isn't an underlying cause you need to address.

sijomial

Running isn't the only exercise of course...…

A one sided headache is a common symptom of migraines.

whatalazyidiot

Machka9 wrote: »

What are you doing with your head when you run?

I've discovered I need to look around and stretch while I run (outside). About every 1-2 km, I need to look slowly to one side, then the other side, then down, then up ... being careful, of course, to do it when it is safe and not when I'm trying to leap over tree roots or something.

I have also discovered that my left foot goes numb on long runs, but that if I raise my arms in the air, right up over my head like I'm reaching for the clouds and stretch while running, the numbness goes away. My neck and head also feel better.

And then after the run, when I'm in the hot shower, I do more stretching of my neck and shoulders.


Oh also, drop your shoulders when you run, and if you're on the treadmill, don't hang on.

My left foot also goes numb! It is sooo weird. My left foot and ankle seem to have issues, and I'm not sure why.

whatalazyidiot

monkeefan1974 wrote: »

Have you consulted with a doctor about this? Might be a good idea just to rule out anything serious that might require intervention.

Not yet, but that's my next plan. I'm going to try just yoga today and see if it makes a difference. I have a feeling maybe it's just something to do with either running or the treadmill itself.

whatalazyidiot

TonyB0588 wrote: »

whatalazyidiot wrote: »

I have been getting these weird headaches the past few days (since I started jogging on the treadmill instead of just walking).

The pain like radiates from above my right eye, down to the base of my skull, and back up. It happens about every 5 minutes for like 10 seconds, then goes away. 5-10 minutes later, it comes back. Over and over again.

I figured out it's worse after I use the treadmill. It lasts about 20-24 hours.. but weirdly it's not as bad when lying down. I felt better by this early afternoon, so I went back on the treadmill (not knowing the connection yet), then immediately after my workout - BAM! It's back.

So I am literally allergic to exercise. This is rude.

No. You're not allergic to exercise. The problem appears to be when you run instead of walking. And you haven't mentioned what happens with any other type of exercise either.

I can't run either, but I've increased my amount of walking, both outdoors and on the treadmill, and sometimes do other types of activity. Just find what works and stick with it.

I know, that was a joke :P It started suddenly like 3 days ago, so it was just weird. I have a treadmill at home so that is what I use most of the time. Going to start some Fitness Blender programs next week though, so I'll see if it happens then too.

puffbrat

whatalazyidiot wrote: »

Machka9 wrote: »

What are you doing with your head when you run?

I've discovered I need to look around and stretch while I run (outside). About every 1-2 km, I need to look slowly to one side, then the other side, then down, then up ... being careful, of course, to do it when it is safe and not when I'm trying to leap over tree roots or something.

I have also discovered that my left foot goes numb on long runs, but that if I raise my arms in the air, right up over my head like I'm reaching for the clouds and stretch while running, the numbness goes away. My neck and head also feel better.

And then after the run, when I'm in the hot shower, I do more stretching of my neck and shoulders.


Oh also, drop your shoulders when you run, and if you're on the treadmill, don't hang on.

My left foot also goes numb! It is sooo weird. My left foot and ankle seem to have issues, and I'm not sure why.

You should talk with your doctor about this just to be safe. It sounds like it could be related to tensed or already overly tight muscles. My other thought is dehydration.

ajwcyclist2016

Little question what is your hydration like when exercising

whatalazyidiot

ajwcyclist2016 wrote: »

Little question what is your hydration like when exercising

I sometimes sip on water, but not usually. It's only 45 minutes indoors (not in heat or anything) so it didn't seem necessary.

Crafty_camper123

Sounds like a tension headache to me. I just did this to myself recently as well, actually. Started my first day of jogging followed by a two day long headache... Not cool. Felt like my head was stuck in a vise, with pain that radiated from my neck all the way up my head and behind my eyes. And no matter how much IB Profen/ Tylenol I took, it would not go away completly. I think my mistake was not hydrating properly the day of and maybe holding myself tense trying to maintain good running posture?? So, I made sure to do some neck stretches after to hopefully prevent a repeat today. What helped my headache go away finally was buying some of those thermacare disposable heating pads and sticking one to my neck all day.

To summarize- Maybe see if neck/back stretches afterward help prevent the headache. And see if applying heat helps it go away.

ajwcyclist2016

whatalazyidiot wrote: »

ajwcyclist2016 wrote: »

Little question what is your hydration like when exercising

I sometimes sip on water, but not usually. It's only 45 minutes indoors (not in heat or anything) so it didn't seem necessary.

You still need to hydrate even in the cold. The body is mostly water when there isn't enough water in the system your blood gets thicker and your heart has to work harder and is not as efficient you can also get headaches as the brain doesn't have enough fluid in it and is getting dry. For 1 hour you need 400 to 500ml per hour. Next time you go out try upping your hydration levels to around 250ml over the 45 minutes and see how you feel also put in a half hydration tablet so the water doesn't run straight through you. Things like headaches from exercise are your bodies way of saying it's missing something during the activity. Also check your pee after it can be a good indicator if you're hydrated enough if dark yellow then definitely not hydrated enough and if pale yellow to clear all is good.

tulips_and_tea

Hydration during exercise is important, of course, but I'd pay closer attention to your overall hydration. Being properly hydrated prior to working out is key.

TavistockToad

BZAH10 wrote: »

Hydration during exercise is important, of course, but I'd pay closer attention to your overall hydration. Being properly hydrated prior to working out is key.

This. I don't hydrate while working out, unless it's particularly warm or a long run, but I'm well hydrated the rest of the time so it's not an issue

mbaker566

You could be tensing your neck and shoulder muscles.
you could be doing too much to start
you could be underhydrated

aokoye

TavistockToad wrote: »

BZAH10 wrote: »

Hydration during exercise is important, of course, but I'd pay closer attention to your overall hydration. Being properly hydrated prior to working out is key.

This. I don't hydrate while working out, unless it's particularly warm or a long run, but I'm well hydrated the rest of the time so it's not an issue

I, on the other hand, hydrate all the time. I agree that hydration is important while not exercising, but also I sweat a lot and and I get hot very quickly. I am ok on a bike outside for 45 min (that a 45 min ride is short outside for me), but 45 min inside with nothing to drink is a recipe for misery and dehydration. The lack of evaporative cooling, even with multiple fans, is a major issue.

Vladimirnapkin

A few things: sounds like a migraine to me. (Exercise induced migraine is not unheard of.)

BUT!

Could be any of a number of medical issues that should be checked out with your doctor.

Dehydration headache (and nausea) goes away quickly upon fluid uptake. I think this is a red herring. (I have a long history of distance running in high temperatures, so speak from considerable experience.) If you are curious about how much fluid you are sweating out, weigh before and after exercise. Consume enough fluid to get back to baseline. That's science. Everything else is handwaving.

Overheating can cause headache. It gets better as soon as you cool down.

Over-hydrating can cause headache (AKA hyponatremia).

whatalazyidiot

Thanks everyone! I’m going to assume it’s a migraine or tension headache. I drink quite a bit of water during the day (80-100 ounces) so I’m not sure it’s dehydration. I’m going to try walking tomorrow with no running and see if I notice a difference.

Vladimirnapkin

I still think you should see a doctor, since it was repeatable. Headache that lasts 20+ hours is a rather abnormal.

whatalazyidiot

Vladimirnapkin wrote: »

I still think you should see a doctor, since it was repeatable. Headache that lasts 20+ hours is a rather abnormal.

Thanks, I think I am still going to next week. I have to go for another reason anyway, so I can bring it up.

MostlyWater

There is plenty of exercise you can do without killing yourself. Pilates, rowing. Swimming.