Headaches After working out???Why??

dispatcher939
dispatcher939 Posts: 75 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
I have been getting these severe headaches after each workout. They start in the back of my head between my ears. It feels like someone is squeezing my head. I have taken OTC meds to try and help but it doesn't work.I can put an ice pack on the back of my head and a cool rag over my eyes to help dull the pain. After about an hour or so the headache will go away. Any ideas of why this might happen? I have also tried changing my workout up, slowing down on what I am doing but that hasn't made a difference. Even 5 mins on the treadmill brings the headache on.
I do have an appointment scheduled with my doctor but it is a month out and I would like to get some feedback so that maybe I can try something to help out until I can see the doctor.

Replies

  • skruttan44
    skruttan44 Posts: 86 Member
    If you haven't already, you should check your blood pressure to make sure that it isn't going to high when you exercise. High blood pressure can cause headaches so better have it checked so you know that is not the problem as it can be dangerous.
  • _Resolve_
    _Resolve_ Posts: 735 Member
    Low blood sugar can also cause headaches.
  • LeanButNotMean44
    LeanButNotMean44 Posts: 852 Member
    Are you hydrated?
  • Alluminati
    Alluminati Posts: 6,208 Member
    Sometimes it's breathing and/ or posture. You might be unknowingly holding your breath or your head/might be at a weird angle you don't realize while your working out.

    Sudden onset and relief after might be a clue. Go see the doctor for a check up.
  • dispatcher939
    dispatcher939 Posts: 75 Member
    My sugar has been staying in the high 90s I haven't checked my BP but I will have to do that and see what it is after working out
  • dispatcher939
    dispatcher939 Posts: 75 Member
    Are you hydrated?


    I drink about a gallon of water daily, I try to drink more on workout days, should I drink more than that?
  • MyChocolateDiet
    MyChocolateDiet Posts: 22,281 Member
    A friend of mine who runs on the treadmill and has been trying to increase her duration finds that if she only stretches the duration she ends up with headaches, but if she takes a break at her previous longest pain free time, drinks a bottle of water and then continues for the added duration, she remains headache free.

    Hope this helps.:flowerforyou:
  • dispatcher939
    dispatcher939 Posts: 75 Member
    Sometimes it's breathing and/ or posture. You might be unknowingly holding your breath or your head/might be at a weird angle you don't realize while your working out.

    Sudden onset and relief after might be a clue. Go see the doctor for a check up.

    I will have to watch this, Thanks!
  • missiontofitness
    missiontofitness Posts: 4,059 Member
    I would say to see a doctor about it; see if they advise you to watch hydration, check blood pressure, or if there's an underlying issue.

    I only get headaches/"sick" feelings when I am dehydrated or have low blood sugar.
  • dispatcher939
    dispatcher939 Posts: 75 Member
    A friend of mine who runs on the treadmill and has been trying to increase her duration finds that if she only stretches the duration she ends up with headaches, but if she takes a break at her previous longest pain free time, drinks a bottle of water and then continues for the added duration, she remains headache free.

    Hope this helps.:flowerforyou:

    Thanks, I will try this and see what happens. I will have to keep a log with all this information in it for the doctor I am sure it will be helpful for her to have.
  • dispatcher939
    dispatcher939 Posts: 75 Member
    I would say to see a doctor about it; see if they advise you to watch hydration, check blood pressure, or if there's an underlying issue.

    I only get headaches/"sick" feelings when I am dehydrated or have low blood sugar.

    Thanks! I have an appointment made it is just a month away :(
  • I_Will_End_You
    I_Will_End_You Posts: 4,397 Member
    Could you be getting migraines? I know that vigorous exercise can trigger migraines in people who suffer from them.
  • RINat612
    RINat612 Posts: 251 Member
    FYI, I have migraine headaches (have since 13). Headaches have a lot to do with the capillaries in the brain and elevated blood pressure can definitely cause them. Since I was a teenager any time my heart rate picks up, I'll get a migraine. Hence why I couldn't play sports growing up or do things that physically exert myself. The one summer I worked on a landscaping screw was hell. Almost every day I got a headache.

    See your PCP and/or a Neurologist.
  • oneloopygirl
    oneloopygirl Posts: 151 Member
    Dehydration is a common culprit. I have to really watch my hydration levels around here in the summer if I do a long run outside because of the humidity and how much it will make me sweat. I don't usually have issues running on a treadmill inside where it's cooler, but I do drink a lot of water/fluids on a daily basis. If you have sugar and/or blood pressure issues like others mentioned, that could be compounding the problem.
  • aelphabawest
    aelphabawest Posts: 173 Member
    I get a headache when working out when I'm not getting enough water / electrolyte replenishment.
  • tlou5
    tlou5 Posts: 497 Member
    I had problems with a disk in my neck and that can also cause similar problems, especially with high impact work outs such as running. Honestly, I think you should try to get into a dr sooner than a month. Headaches can be a symptom of a lot of different things.

    Good luck!
  • LianaG1115
    LianaG1115 Posts: 453 Member
    Are you hydrated?

    THIS!!
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 49,029 Member
    So many variables. You'll have to try deducting them to see what may be the issue. Lots above have been mentioned, but another is tensing of the neck or clenching your jaw in any exercise.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness industry for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
  • dispatcher939
    dispatcher939 Posts: 75 Member
    Are you hydrated?

    THIS!!

    I drink a gallon a day more on days I work out, How much should I up my water intake?
  • sltovey
    sltovey Posts: 7 Member
    For a while, I was getting scary symptoms after long runs of 7+ miles - blurred vision ("aura"), loss of concentration, and even word-finding difficulty on one occasion. After extensive work ups by my PCP and by a neurologist, I was diagnosed with "atypical migraine" (even though I had no pain). It seemed to be triggered by a few things, including exercise (and maybe hormonal changes as well - I was nursing my son at the time). I found that drinking a full glass of water before every run, as well as eating something (for me, toast with PB) before long runs prevented symptoms. I seem to be doing better recently, and can get away with shorter runs without eating, and half a banana before longer runs. DO see your doctor!
  • ridehiss
    ridehiss Posts: 2 Member
    A sharp spike in blood pressure will give me a headache every time. Here is an article that I found.... http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/health/body/pain-relief/stop-exercise-related-headaches/
  • dispatcher939
    dispatcher939 Posts: 75 Member
    I really appreciate all the advice, these are things I wouldn't have thought to look for. The doctor is going to try and squeeze me in if they have cancellation before my scheduled appointment.
  • MagnumBurrito
    MagnumBurrito Posts: 1,070 Member
    I'm guessing your head is not inline with your spine while you're running and/or lifting. Really pay attention to your head position at all times. Also, if you're using a bench, don't press your head back for extra force. Or if you're using a machine where you have to look up a lot, make sure your head is looking straight ahead normally.

    Have someone deep massage your upper neck to ease the pain.

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  • Ilikelamps
    Ilikelamps Posts: 482 Member
    A doctor would be the best person to consult methinks

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