Thread: Headaches after working out?

I'm one of those lucky women who don't suffer from migraines or frequent headaches (heartburn is another story)...anyway, one thing that I have noticed is that I get headaches after working out. And if my memory serves me correctly, I've had this problem most of my life.

It's not everytime I work out, but frequently...It can be any type of workout from belly dancing to jogging to swimming laps. It's like I'll feel fine going into it, then like 10 minutes before I am done, I will get a headache that will last the rest of the day! It is gone when I wake up the next day. The pain is usually around my temples, eyes and nose...which means it is probably sinus related--although sometimes my neck is affected too.

I am wondering if this is from how high my heart rate gets? Maybe the times my heart rate spikes too fast (as opposed to a gradual increase)? Or maybe it is a vitamin/mineral deficency or an electrolyte thing?

Does anyone else get these? If so, how do you deal with it? Lord knows I don't need another excuse not to workout! Any suggestions or ideas? Thanks!

i think it's dehydration. drink plenty of water (not necessarily during work out, little sips than is best), but before and after

I've thought of that, but wouldn't drinking water make it go away? Why does it last all day?

I go to the U of M, and I just took a course on physiology and one on nutritition. Dehydration is a pretty good conclusion, but the only time I heard either of my professors talk about headaches was when my physiology prof said something about dehydration from constipation...just thought i'd throw that out there.

drinking electrolytes in your water is going to be the best way to hydrate. Is your blood sugar too low? could that be it? when you exercise your body doesn't let insulin uptake glucose into the muscles so it stays in the bloodstream and the brain can use it, but it gets into the muscles a different way, so make sure it's not a blood glucose level thing...

and...i also took an energy healing course, so maybe your energies are off. a lot of people look dubiously at things like this, but i've seen how it works, so I know that it works. if you run forward, but your energies are going backwards, it's going to do nothing but discourage your workout, if your energies aren't crossing and are running parallel that's gonna make a difference too.

hope you figure it out!

well, i would try to up your water intake in general, not just when you exercise, and see if that helps. if you already drink too little generally, then yes, the extra dehydration from exercise could give you a headache all day.

I was going to say the same ...dehydration. Most minor headaches are caused by this.You need a lot more water if you are exercising, because you lose it not just through perspiration, but even more by respiration.
Make sure you are properly hydrated before you start, and keep sipping water regularly whilst exercising if you can, and also drink plenty of water afterwards.

Headaches can also be caused by extreme exertion, but since none of the activities you mentioned are very strenuous, dehydration seems more likely.

I agree with everyone else here; water. Make sure you drink a full glass when you wake up in the mornings. Then at least 6 cups throughout the day.

Also, right after you finish your workout drink gatorade, powerade, or some kind of drink with high electrolytes. These drinks don't help at any time other than post-work out for replenishment.

Two last things: go a little easy with your workouts for now and see if it helps. Try using a netti pot and see if that helps (since you mentioned the headache is in your sinuses).

When I was younger and played too hard in soccer, my whole jaw would ache but it wouldn't last all day. Try all these things. If it doesn't improve go see your doctor.

I am a big believer in Gatorade, but I get the powder and mix my own, at a lower strength - from what I read, that is a more effective choice, and I like the taste better.

Oh, I'm not the only one! I've had this happen to me before when I've been exercising too much. And you are right, the headache lasts all day. My friend, Laura, a Jazzercise instructor, said she would take Tylenol before the worked out to minimize the headache. I mostly try not to overdo it.

Edna

Thanks y'all---more water, less exertion and gatorade.. :)

I agree, I think it is dehydration. It happens to me occasionally. Once you get to the headache stage, you have to drink a LOT of water to make it go away, several glasses. (at least that is my experience)

I don't know the cause, but I hope you get the answer here, and feel better soon!!!

I hate to break the trend here, but I don't think dehydration alone is causing the headaches. I would think it's more tied to the sinus pressure.

Not sure how the exercise aggravates it. Could it be allergies? Any time you exert yourself, you need more oxygen, but that also means you're breathing in more of whatever allergens there are in the environment, which would increase the sinus swelling.

Originally Posted by Zamira

I hate to break the trend here, but I don't think dehydration alone is causing the headaches. I would think it's more tied to the sinus pressure.

Not sure how the exercise aggravates it. Could it be allergies? Any time you exert yourself, you need more oxygen, but that also means you're breathing in more of whatever allergens there are in the environment, which would increase the sinus swelling.

This sounds more like it. When you have allergies and have to breathe it in two to three times more of the junk in the air, it's going to aggravate those allergies. Talk to your doctor about getting allergy medication or even taking an antihistamine(sp?) before working out.

this happens to me too....if I drink alot of water before I start exercising..I am usually okay....

Originally Posted by Zamira

I hate to break the trend here, but I don't think dehydration alone is causing the headaches. I would think it's more tied to the sinus pressure.

Not sure how the exercise aggravates it. Could it be allergies? Any time you exert yourself, you need more oxygen, but that also means you're breathing in more of whatever allergens there are in the environment, which would increase the sinus swelling.

Originally Posted by bonnywhiteford

This sounds more like it. When you have allergies and have to breathe it in two to three times more of the junk in the air, it's going to aggravate those allergies. Talk to your doctor about getting allergy medication or even taking an antihistamine(sp?) before working out.

Yeah, I have really bad allergies. I take Zyrtec every day. I have constant congestion/wheezing (very rarely runny, but usually stuffed up, if you know what I mean). Should ask my doc about another allergy med...or maybe I should try a homeopathic treatment.

Sometimes if I work out too hard I will get one. I don't always know when to stop because I am usually enjoying that endorphin rush. But I can pay for it later. And as far as homeopathic remedies, if you find one, Andalee, let me know!!

I often get headaches after a vigorous workout, though usually more from gym sessions than dancing. It used to be worse. I've heard that dehydration can cause it, but that always confused me because I drink a lot of water before, during, and after.

Could headaches also be caused by muscle tension? I often think that's the cause in my case - tension in my shoulders or neck.

- Leela