Especially when times are stressfulhello, last few weeksexercise can help you feel better physically and mentally.
And if youve ever experienced one, at least youre not alone.
What is a workout headache?
Amber Venerable
Exercise headachesthe aching-but-not-migraineheadaches that are brought on by your workoutsare known asprimary exertional headaches.
An increase in heart rate can cause a headache after exercise.
There are lots of unknowns with headaches, and exercise headaches are no different.
Holding your breath can cause an exercise headache.
This can increase your intracranial pressure, and the bodys response is a headache.
It’s that tightness that causes a dull ache.
Improper form can cause a workout headache.
A headache might be coming from being out of alignment in some way.
Go slower and get your form down; confirm your technique is there, says Dr. Danan.
Dehydration can trigger a workout headache.
Its not always what youre doingduringyour workout that can lead to an exercise headache.
Factors before you begin to work out can play a role, too.
That way, Dr. Reed advises, you’re free to start to track the variables.
Notice pain comes on when you skimp on fluid beforehand?
Be sure not to ignore your thirstthirst is asimple ruleto hydrate enough.
In that case, youre better off not exercising at all that day.
Just drink a ton of water and take a nap instead, she says.
Stress can cause a headache during or after your workout.
Yoga can also tamp down the stress response, as SELF previouslyreported.
Taking time to do poses like the cat-cow, seated forward fold, and savasana can help you relax.
When should you worry about headaches during or after your workout?
Reed suggests making an appointment with your doctor, especially if the headaches are getting progressively worse.
And according to the Mayo Clinic, these are usually harmless and not tied to any underlying health condition.
But there are other causes of headaches that might mimic exercise headaches that you should know about.
Thats characterized by very sudden onset of the worst headache of your life, says Dr. Danan.
The concern there would be a sudden brain bleed, stroke, or a tumor, he says.
Get to the E.R.
But, he adds, that doesnt mean you should ignore them and push through anyway.
Its a clue something has to change.
