Experiencing headaches after exercise can undermine the feeling of euphoria that occurs with the release of endorphins. These types of headaches can be harmless and have external causes. However, headaches associated specifically with exercising can be a symptom of an underlying condition. The Mayo Clinic recommends that you see your doctor if you experience a headache following exercise to rule out a more serious cause.
Temperature and Conditions
The temperature and conditions where you are exercising can affect your risk for developing a headache following exercise. Hot and humid conditions can cause your body temperature to rise to unsafe levels. A headache accompanied by other symptoms such as dizziness or a rapid heartbeat may signal your body's attempt to cool itself. While you may associate these conditions with summer weather, they can also occur in warm gyms or as part of some exercise programs such as Bikram yoga which is typically practiced in a heated room.
Exercise Headaches
Exercise headaches can occur if you engage in strenuous activity. They are often associated with activities such as running. The high activity level causes your body temperature to rise as it produces and uses energy. While its exact cause is unknown, dilation of blood vessels in the brain may exacerbate the condition due to the increase of blood flow which contributes to the throbbing sensation you may feel. These headaches are often associated with humid and hot conditions. To avoid a headache, you may want to move your workout time to the morning or evening when conditions are cooler.
Migraine Triggers
You may experience a headache following exercise if you have inadvertently come in contact with one of your migraine triggers. Flashes of light from sunlight hitting metallic objects as you exercise outdoors may cause a migraine. This condition plagues more than 29 million Americans. Typical symptoms include visual disturbances in the form of wavy lines, nausea and moderate to intense pain. Like exercise headaches, vigorous activity may also trigger a migraine. If you can identify a trigger, you can then take measures to avoid a recurrence.
Dehydration
It is essential to stay properly dehydrated during exercise. Your body will lose a great deal of moisture through perspiration and breathing through the mouth. Symptoms of dehydration include fatigue, dizziness, dry mouth and headache. Left untreated, it can progress to more severe symptoms such as low blood pressure and unconsciousness. The Mayo Clinic recommends drinking 1 to 3 cups of water prior to exercise in order to prevent dehydration. With preventive measures, you can reduce the risk of developing a headache caused by exercise.
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