For some people, cardio exercise can result in what's often referred to as exertion headaches. These typically develop during the physical activity, but may also come about soon after your workout. Most people describe this type of headache as a throbbing pain that radiates along both sides of the head. Though most occurrences aren't a cause of alarm, consult with your doctor if you have persistent headaches.
Development
Certain athletic pursuits are more prone to result in an exertion headache than others. According to the Mayo Clinic, these activities include running, rowing, swimming and tennis. The physical exertion placed on the body to run, row, swim or play tennis can cause the blood vessels within your skull to dilate. This stretches the nerves within the affected blood vessels, sending waves of pain throughout your head.
Prevalence
Actually, only 12 percent of adults get exertion headaches, according to the National Headache Foundation. It appears that there's a genetic component to exertion headaches: you're far more susceptible to developing a headache in relation to exercise if one or both of your parents have a history of migraines. You're also far more likely to develop an exertion headache if you're male.
Treatment
Like most types of headaches, exertion headaches usually respond to prescription anti-inflammatory drugs, such as indomethacin, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. You may also see an improvement with the use of propranolol, a blood-pressure medication, or melatonin, a food supplement. Talk to your doctor to determine which medication is best for you.
It's also wise to talk to your doctor so that more serious conditions can be ruled out. Some people experience exertion headaches as a result of an underlying disorder, including an aneurysm, hemorrhage, arterial obstruction or narrowed blood vessels.
Recommendation
The potential of an exertion headache shouldn't dissuade you from taking part in strenuous cardio activity. For most people, regular exercise usually lessens the frequency and intensity of headaches. This is largely due to improvements in blood flow and reduction in muscle tension as well as the release of endorphins, which are known to minimize pain. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends getting at least 150 minutes of moderately intense physical activity or 60 minutes of vigorously intense cardio each week.
References
- Johns Hopkins Medicine: Primary Exertion Headache
- MayoClinic.com: Exercise Headaches
- National Headache Foundation: Exertional Headaches
- National Headache Foundation: Exertion Headaches in Children -- The Potential Downside of Exercise
- "Fitness" magazine: Is Exercise Giving You a Headache?
- American College of Sports Medicine: Physical Activity and Public Health Guidelines
