Exercise certainly can cause headaches. Last year, the International Headache Society listed “primary exercise headaches” among its headache triggers, which also include coughing, sneezing and orgasms.
“Primary exercise headaches develop during or after sustained exertion,” said Dr. Rashmi Halker, a neurologist at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Ariz., an author of a recent review of studies related to exercise headaches.
Doctors and scientists don’t yet know what causes exercise headaches, although some small studies suggest that changes in blood flow to the brain during prolonged exercise might play a role. “But there is not enough evidence yet to know,” Dr. Halker said.
Exercise headaches also are not migraines, although strenuous workouts may set off migraines in people who are susceptible. “A true exercise headache won’t have the symptoms associated with migraines,” such as an aura or light sensitivity, Dr. Halker said, adding that people with migraines might find that easing into strenuous exercise with a long warm-up is helpful.
For those experiencing exercise headaches, first consult a doctor, Dr. Halker advises, to rule out underlying medical conditions. And “remember common sense,” she said. Eat and drink before workouts to avoid low blood sugar or dehydration. Slow down, at least temporarily. “These headaches are always associated with sustained exertion,” she said, “so maybe substitute a yoga class” for a run this week.
The good news: Primary exercise headaches don’t last more than two days and generally stop altogether after a few months. “We don’t know why they start,” Dr. Halker said, “but we know that they always go away.”
Exercise certainly can cause headaches. Last year, the International Headache Society listed “primary exercise headaches” among its headache triggers, which also include coughing, sneezing and orgasms.
“Primary exercise headaches develop during or after sustained exertion,” said Dr. Rashmi Halker, a neurologist at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Ariz., an author of a recent review of studies related to exercise headaches.
Doctors and scientists don’t yet know what causes exercise headaches, although some small studies suggest that changes in blood flow to the brain during prolonged exercise might play a role. “But there is not enough evidence yet to know,” Dr. Halker said.
Exercise headaches also are not migraines, although strenuous workouts may set off migraines in people who are susceptible. “A true exercise headache won’t have the symptoms associated with migraines,” such as an aura or light sensitivity, Dr. Halker said, adding that people with migraines might find that easing into strenuous exercise with a long warm-up is helpful.
For those experiencing exercise headaches, first consult a doctor, Dr. Halker advises, to rule out underlying medical conditions. And “remember common sense,” she said. Eat and drink before workouts to avoid low blood sugar or dehydration. Slow down, at least temporarily. “These headaches are always associated with sustained exertion,” she said, “so maybe substitute a yoga class” for a run this week.
The good news: Primary exercise headaches don’t last more than two days and generally stop altogether after a few months. “We don’t know why they start,” Dr. Halker said, “but we know that they always go away.”
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