Exercise is extremely vital to our health. It keeps our heart healthy, lowers our risk of diseases, and can even release pain relieving endorphins that can help patients suffering from chronic pain. However, instead of feeling pain relief, some people may get headaches after working out, commonly after running or lifting weights, although some people have reported getting a headache during their exercise session as well
Symptoms of an Exercise Headache:
Exercise headaches, also known as exertion headaches, are usually described as pounding or throbbing, and occurring on both sides of the head. Patients may find relief if they avoid movement or changes in blood pressure. Exercise headaches may also cause nausea, a symptom shared with migraine headaches. However, exercise headaches should not be confused with migraines and do not share other symptoms like light sensitivity.
Causes:
We are not exactly sure what causes exercise headaches, but pain specialists have a few well-researched theories. The number one cause to look for is dehydration. Many people will drink plenty of water during the workout, but it is equally as important to drink copious amounts of water before and after the exercise. However, water is not the only thing you should be fueling your body with before exercise. Patients should not exercise on an empty stomach, so a light, healthy snack is advised before hand, as blood sugar may be a factor causing the headaches. Other theories suggest that exercise headaches could be caused by changes in the amount of blood going to the brain or an underlying condition inside the brain.
Exercising should not leave people in pain, so if you are frequently experiencing an exercise headache after drinking more water and trying to eat something light prior to your workout, we encourage you to come see the physicians at The Pain Center of Arizona. Our offices are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and headache experts who can get to the bottom of your headaches. We will work with you to find a treatment plan that is right for you. In addition to pain medication, we offer injection therapy that is specifically targeted to treat chronic headaches. The injections may provide relief for many months, and can be repeated if necessary. If an underlying condition does exist, our staff will make sure you are in the right hands to effectively treat your condition and get back into life.
If you suffer from chronic pain due to any condition or injury, find hope at The Pain Center of Arizona! Our dedicated team of board certified pain management physicians will work with you to treat your pain, increase your functionality and quality of life, and get you back into life! We have locations across Arizona, including the Phoenix metropolitan, Northern and Southern areas! We take multiple insurance plans; click here to see if we take yours! To make an appointment and take the first step toward getting back into life, call us today at 1-888-PAINCENTER. We hope to see you soon!
The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.