headaches all the time???

jh7060
jh7060 Posts: 32
edited January 28 in Fitness and Exercise
so I've started exercising again for the past week and a half after a month of rest and being busy, and I've been getting headaches all the time since I've started. they usually start at the base of my head/neck like a tension headache and usually progress to the rest of my head. I don't know if it's a coincidence or not, and I used to get them all the time about a year, year and a half ago as well. I know I need to change my eating a bit (eating too many refined sugars and such) but overall nothing has changed in the food I've been eating since I've been working out, except for eating a little more and drinking more water. has this happened to anyone else, and do you know any possible reasons behind it?

Replies

  • MzManiak
    MzManiak Posts: 1,361 Member
    You should probably open your diary. Otherwise, all I can suggest is that you speak with your doctor to ensure there aren't any medical reasons for them.
  • grimendale
    grimendale Posts: 2,153 Member
    If you're getting headaches at the base of your neck, it is quite possibly due to muscle stiffness. I have a bad back, so when I work out, I get the same kind of headache because of the tightness in my lower back and shoulders if I don't end the workout with a good stretching routine. nerdfitness.com has a few good stretching routines you can use (always stretch warm muscles; stretching cold can increase the risk of injury). Combine a good cooldown/stretch with some more water and see if that helps.
  • jh7060
    jh7060 Posts: 32
    If you're getting headaches at the base of your neck, it is quite possibly due to muscle stiffness. I have a bad back, so when I work out, I get the same kind of headache because of the tightness in my lower back and shoulders if I don't end the workout with a good stretching routine. nerdfitness.com has a few good stretching routines you can use (always stretch warm muscles; stretching cold can increase the risk of injury). Combine a good cooldown/stretch with some more water and see if that helps.

    you know, that's probably what it is, muscle stiffness. I don't currently have any medical problems besides slight b12 deficiency, so I wouldn't think anything has happened in the past few weeks since my physical. stretching is a great idea, and thanks so much for the link! I will most definitely be trying that, since stretching is something I have always neglected in all of my exercise routines.
  • ellew70
    ellew70 Posts: 222 Member
    Watch your hydration... when I started Insanity, I got terrible dehydration headaches the first week, but they went away when I was sure to drink more.
  • DavPul
    DavPul Posts: 61,406 Member
    so I've started exercising again for the past week and a half after a month of rest and being busy, and I've been getting headaches all the time since I've started. they usually start at the base of my head/neck like a tension headache and usually progress to the rest of my head. I don't know if it's a coincidence or not, and I used to get them all the time about a year, year and a half ago as well. I know I need to change my eating a bit (eating too many refined sugars and such) but overall nothing has changed in the food I've been eating since I've been working out, except for eating a little more and drinking more water. has this happened to anyone else, and do you know any possible reasons behind it?

    so nothing has changed except for the changes? without knowing what you're doing for exercise and how much you're eating and drinking, it's hard to say, but if it was me the first thing i would look at is making sure i'm eating and drinking enough. i'd take a close look at my carb intake if i was getting headaches after i started including strenuous exercise in my routine
  • SyntonicGarden
    SyntonicGarden Posts: 944 Member
    First, I'm not a doctor, nor do I play one on MFP.

    I do agree with the points on hydration. If your diet hasn't changed, you're drinking enough, but you're exercising more, how's your posture and how's your form when you work out?

    Bad posture and bad form causing weird pressure on the c-spine as well as straining the upper Trapezius can certainly cause tension headaches. Like headaches that are so bad you swear you can almost see sounds and hear light. Sometimes a massage helps. Sometimes heat or ice helps (depending on what you tolerate better). Sometimes laying down with tennis balls between the floor and your trapezius can help loosen things up and alleviate the headaches. You may want to look into that as a possibility if the other avenues don't offer much solace. Feel better. :)
  • Natihilator
    Natihilator Posts: 1,778 Member
    I get them too. Look up jaw/facial/neck self-massages to relieve the tension there.

    Also I brought it up with my dentist, and lo and behold! Turns out I grind my teeth when I sleep during stressful times, which can lead to jaw/neck/head aches, so that's also a possible cause.
  • jh7060
    jh7060 Posts: 32
    these are all great ideas, thank you for the different perspectives. I really appreciate all of your help!!
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