Exercise-induced headaches, also referred to as effort or exertion headaches, can strike after any kind of sport or physical activity. The amount of time they linger can vary from a few minutes to a day or two. While usually benign, they could indicate a more serious underlying cause so you should check with your doctor if you get them frequently.
Causes
The cause of these types of headaches remains unknown. Headaches not resulting from an underlying problem might result from dilated blood vessels in the skull during exercise or tension in the head and neck area. Secondary exercise headaches, or those caused by something else, might indicate a sinus infection, reduced blood flow in the arteries serving the heart, benign or malignant tumors, problems with the blood vessels serving or within the brain, blocked flow of cerebrospinal fluid or bleeding in the brain.
Reducing Risk of Exercise Headaches
Factors that can increase your risk of an exercise headache include dehydration, low blood sugar, working out in hot and humid conditions and poor posture. Drink about 16 oz. of water 20 to 30 minutes before exercise as well as right after. During your workout, drink about 6 to 8 oz. every 15 minutes or so. Keep your blood sugar stable by eating smaller meals frequently throughout the day. Eating a piece of fruit or other carbohydrate-containing snack before and after exercise will give you the fuel you need to get through your workout and replenish depleted glucose stores after. Keeping your head aligned with your spine and relaxing your shoulders, neck and jaw can also prevent a headache.
Self-Care
If you find yourself suffering from an exercise headache, certain self-care measures can help. Massaging and icing the pressure points on your head can help. Applying moist heat to the surrounding muscles can also help -- a hot shower can also accomplish this. Consult with a physical therapist or sports medicine specialist to learn range-of-motion exercises which increase the flexibility of your neck.
Medications
Certain medications can help treat and prevent exercise headaches. The most commonly prescribed drug to treat headaches is the anti-inflammatory drug indomethacin, according to the MayoClinic.com. To prevent exercise headaches, doctors commonly prescribe the blood pressure medicine propranolol. If your headaches follow a predictable pattern, you might consider taking the treatment medication one to two hours before you begin exercise; if you get them frequently or do not know when they will strike, you might consider preventative medicine.
