Headache After Workout

herewego85
herewego85 Posts: 76
in Fitness and Exercise
This last week I have been getting a headache after working out. It usually starts about 20 minutes after I am done working out and it seems to last all day. I always drink plenty of water before and during my workout, so I do not believe it is dehydration. I have read about exertion headaches, but mine does not actually start when I am working out, it starts after. My blood pressure is normal as well. My workout consist of 30-40 minutes of semi-intense cardio or circuit training.

Any suggestion would be appreciated.

Replies

  • All4Me2014xx
    All4Me2014xx Posts: 155 Member
    See your doctor. If, as you say, you are hydrating yourself enough, then it's best to seek professional opinion.
  • hill8570
    hill8570 Posts: 1,466 Member
    What sort of headache (location, intensity)?
  • dbmata
    dbmata Posts: 12,950 Member
    I'm particularly sensitive to my electro balance.

    Drop a nuun tab in your water during the workout, and see what happens. Your salts may be all out of wack.
  • dawnmcneil10
    dawnmcneil10 Posts: 638 Member
    It's possible you're not eating enough throughout the day to sustain your body through the workouts. You say you're drinking plenty of water and your blood pressure is normal so check your food diary, make sure you've got enough going on there and if you're getting these headaches regularly it should be discussed with your doctor.
  • leslisa
    leslisa Posts: 1,350 Member
    I've had a headache for the past week because the pollen count was high. Never hits during my run, but afterwards, daaannnnggg. I think I'm gonna die. Just sayin' if you've been outside this week might wanna check the pollen count in the area. I can't run certain times of the year without Flonase, not without getting a sinus infection (sinus swell from allergies, mucus cannot escape, bacteria sets in and that's about all it takes for me).

    The other thing for me is a vitamin. Running causes vitamin depletion so no multi-vitamin means I get headaches. Only since I've gotten older.

    Also, agree with seeing a doc. Even a clinic doc should be able to give some insight just based on where the headache is located. I know a guy who can't work out without glasses on or contacts in. Eyesight strain combined with working out gives him a headache.

    My point to the above is it could be anything and a doc would really be the best person to ask since his doc helped him figure that one out (don't have a clue how).
  • herewego85
    herewego85 Posts: 76
    The headache is in the front of my head mostly. It is not a sharp pain but more of an ache.
  • herewego85
    herewego85 Posts: 76
    I was thinking it could be allergies since the headache is mostly in the front of my head. I am going to check the allergen levels in my area.
  • faithnfitnesss
    faithnfitnesss Posts: 94 Member
    Put some pressure on the back of your head right above your neck, those two little creases at the base of the skull... apply pressure and try to relax head and muscles while you are doing it. Do it for at least a minute.
    It restricts blood flow and reduces the swelling! :)
  • hill8570
    hill8570 Posts: 1,466 Member
    The headache is in the front of my head mostly. It is not a sharp pain but more of an ache.

    Behind the eyes / cheekbones or more forehead / upper forehead? If the first, that generally a sinus headache, which in the case of exercise would generally be caused by working out in a drier than usual environment (or air conditioning turned "colder") or deeper than usual nose breathing.

    If it feels more like a headache behind the forehead, that's usually a tension headache. Strangely enough, they usually occur after the tension goes away, so you might be straining more than usual in your routine (maybe a new or harder workout?). The technique that kgolladay gives can often help a tension headache, although you're better off being a little more relaxed during your workout.
  • meganleighhh
    meganleighhh Posts: 14 Member
    Maybe some high blood pressure. Breathing while working out has a big role... Your body demands oxygen when you workout. So remember JUST BREATHE. Also, make sure you are getting a sufficient amount of water.
  • HelenWater
    HelenWater Posts: 232 Member
    If you are drinking a litre of water each hour during the workout, the other thing to look at is food. I found that fruit yoghurt straight after an intense workout has helped me as well as drinking about 2.5 litres of water on workout day. I also have plenty of complex carbohydrate rich food a few hours before the workout. This is what works for me since I was getting a headache that would continue from after the evening workout until the next morning.

Categories