Why Exercise Sometimes Causes Headaches
Although exercise has many health benefits, some people experience headaches after working up a sweat. There are a few possible explanations for why this happens. One possibility is that the increase in blood flow and circulation during exercise may trigger headache pain in people who are already prone to migraines or other types of headaches (via American College of Sports Medicine). Exercising can also increase pressure in the head, which can trigger migraines and headaches. Another possibility is that dehydration can lead to headaches, and since we sweat more during exercise, this can contribute to the problem. Being even slightly dehydrated can lead to a headache, according to Cleveland Clinic.
If you find that you frequently get headaches after working out, there are a few things you can do to try to prevent them. First, make sure you're staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids before, during, and after exercise. You might also want to try a sports drink with electrolytes to help keep your body balanced. If you're prone to migraines, it's also important to warm up slowly and avoid any sudden changes in intensity. And lastly, listen to your body and take a break if you start to feel a headache coming on. While exercise-induced headaches are usually nothing to worry about, it's always a good idea to talk to your doctor if you're experiencing persistent or severe pain.
Different types of headaches
To understand how to best treat your headache, it is important to know what type of headache it is. There are several different kinds of headaches including migraines, cluster headaches, and tension headaches (via WebMD). Treatment for each type of headache can vary, so it is important to get a proper diagnosis from a medical professional. Migraines are a type of headache characterized by intense throbbing or pulsing pain, often on one side of the head. Migraines may also be accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light or sound. Migraine attacks can last for hours or even days, and can be very debilitating. There is no cure for migraines, but there are treatments that can help reduce the frequency and severity of attacks.
Cluster headaches are a type of headache characterized by very severe, sharp pain on one side of the head. Cluster headaches are often accompanied by other symptoms such as watery eyes, runny nose, and swelling around the eye on the affected side. Cluster headaches typically come in "clusters" or groups, with several attacks occurring over the course of a few weeks or months. Tension headaches are the most common type of headache (via Johns Hopkins Medicine). Tension headaches are often caused by stress or muscle tension, and are characterized by a dull, achy pain. Tension headaches can usually be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.