Whether you’re a marathon runner or a HIIT fanatic, headaches caused by exercise are painful and frustrating – especially when you’re just trying to do something good for yourself.
"Exercise-induced headaches are less common than other types of headaches, but they do occur," says Ashhar Ali, D.O., a neurologist at Henry Ford Health. "It is a good idea to check in with a doctor to make sure there's no additional underlying causes for your symptoms."
Before you start to dread the end of your workout more than the start of it - or give up on exercise all together, Dr. Ali has some advice on why you may be getting these types of headaches and how to prevent them.
4 Reasons You're Getting Exercise-Induced Headaches
1. You are out of shape.
Getting fit is a process, and if you are overworking yourself too soon, you might find you get more headaches when working out. Your body, unless used to intense workouts, may ache, cramp or bring forth headaches as a result, Dr. Ali says.
The fix: You may want to see results quickly, but if you are changing up your workout routine or getting back into fitness, start slow. It takes time to build up your fitness level and your brain may not be used to it at first.
2. You are dehydrated.
“From cramps to blurry vision, being dehydrated negatively affects the body in numerous ways,” Dr. Ali says. “Headaches are another side effect of not drinking enough water."
The fix: Drink water or sports drinks before, during and after your workout to stay hydrated and replenish any fluids you lost.
3. You are overheated.
Do you go for a run outside during the hottest time of day? Work out in a small, poorly ventilated area? Your headaches could be caused by your body overheating to compensate for the environment you’re in.
The fix: If you exercise indoors, set up a few fans to keep air circulating and the temperature lower. Also, pay attention to the clothing you are wearing. Are you outside in the heat in all black? Do you wear heavy sweat pants while lifting weights? What you wear can play just as important of a role in your head pain as the actual activity you partake in.
4. You are working out at a higher altitude.
Whether you’re traveling for work or pleasure, working out at a higher altitude where the oxygen is thinner can lead to headaches – especially if you’re exerting yourself.
The fix: When traveling somewhere at a higher altitude, take the first few days to get yourself acclimated to the oxygen level. Another tip: Focus on exercises that are less taxing on your breathing, such as yoga or Pilates.
What Causes Headaches in the First Place?
According to Dr. Ali, there are two types of headaches: primary and secondary. Primary headaches are common conditions caused by dysfunction or heightened sensitivity in pain-related structures in the head, including migraine and tension-type headaches.
Secondary headaches are rarer and caused by an underlying medical condition such as infection, trauma, vacular disorders or even a tumor.
If you suffer from exercise-induced headaches, there are options to help you. Talking with your doctor is the best place to start, as they can prescribe medications to ease your head pain.
Reviewed by Dr. Ashhar Ali, a neurologist seeing patients at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit and Henry Ford Medical Center - Bloomfield Township.
