Exercise headaches are fairly common. Although most headaches are not serious, some may require a trip to the doctor. The cause of exercise headaches is unknown, but different factors relating to exercise may increase your risk of a headache.
Hydration
When you exercise, you should drink plenty of water to replace the fluids your body loses due to perspiration. Not drinking enough water can cause dehydration, which can cause a headache. To find out if you're dehydrated, observe the color of your urine following exercise. If your urine is bright yellow, you probably need to drink more water during your workout. However, if your urine is clear or pale yellow, your headaches may be due to a different issue.
Electrolyte Imbalance
When we consume too much or too little water during exercise, our electrolyte balance is thrown off. Electrolytes are salts that are found within the body tissues and fluids. They regulate fluid absorption and secretion within the body's cells. If you drink a large amount of water during exercise, you could cause an imbalance of these salts, resulting in a headache. Sports drinks that have electrolytes can help provide this balance. Even some bottled waters contain added electrolytes. If you're a runner, you may also have seen volunteers handing out packets of salt at races. This can help runners replenish lost salts from perspiration so electrolytes remain balanced.
Blood Pressure
Although regular exercise can help lower blood pressure, the body's blood pressure is elevated during exercise. This increase in blood pressure can cause a throbbing headache. However, if your blood pressure is so elevated that you get a headache, consult a doctor and have your blood pressure checked regularly at rest.
When to See a Doctor
If your headache is accompanied by some symptoms, there may be reason to see a doctor immediately. If you experience vomiting, a rigid neck, loss of consciousness or blurry or double vision, seek medical attention as soon as possible. These may be warning signs of a more serious condition.
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