Doctor reveals when to worry about headaches after exercise

We are told time and time again that exercise is good for our physical and mental wellbeing—but working out can be hard when it’s accompanied by a pounding headache and nausea.

These so-called “exercise headaches” can occur during periods of heavy mental or physical exertion, but why do they happen and are they a health risk?

“Exercise headaches are a rare form of headache which can affect anybody,” Bhavini Shah, a general practitioner with LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor, told Newsweek.

“Exertion headaches can be a response to any kind of overexertion and can sneak up during various physical activities that get your blood pumping.”

While we do not know exactly what causes these headaches, Shah said that it was likely related to our body’s increased demand for blood during physical activity. “Some research suggests that it might be related to blood vessels inside the skull becoming dilated during a strenuous activity,” Shah said.

While exertion headaches can occur during any form of exercise, Shah said that they are most likely to occur during:

• Running—Fast-paced jogging or sprinting, especially in hot weather.
• Weightlifting—Heavy lifting or high-intensity strength training.
• Swimming—Intense swimming sessions, especially in cold water.
• Rowing—The strenuous effort involved in rowing can sometimes lead to exertion headaches.
• Tennis or other racket sports—The rapid movements and the intensity of racket sports can be a factor.
• Cycling—Long-distance cycling or uphill biking.
• Hiking or climbing—Particularly at higher altitudes.

“Exertion headaches can occur during any type of exercise or overexertion,” Shah said. “However, they’re more likely to occur if you suddenly increase the intensity of your workout, begin without warming up, or exercise in extreme temperatures.”

People over 40 and those with a history of migraines may also be at a higher risk of developing these symptoms. But are exertion headaches dangerous?

“Most of the time exertion headaches aren’t dangerous,” Shah said. “They’re more of a nuisance and usually resolve on their own, or by changing the way you exercise or go about your daily life. However, it is important to talk to your doctor about your symptoms.

“Some headaches can be caused by an underlying health condition—such as an issue with the blood vessels in your brain. These are called secondary headaches and can potentially pose a risk to your health.

“If you’re experiencing regular headaches, they’re getting more severe, or are happening at random, this could be a sign that you have another medical condition which needs to be treated. You should check in with your doctor to rule out a more serious condition.”

There are also things you can do to minimize your risk of developing exertion headaches.

“Preventing exertion headaches is mostly about understanding and listening to your body,” Shah said. “Usually, these headaches aren’t caused just by exercise, but by exercising too hard or without proper preparation.”

To avoid exertion headaches, Shah recommends:

1. Warm up properly

“Before jumping into intense physical activity, start with a gentle warmup— this can help your body get ready for more strenuous exercise.”

2. Stay hydrated

“Keep yourself well-hydrated, before and during exercise. Dehydration can be a big contributing factor to headaches.”

3. Manage intensity

“Gradually increase the intensity of your workouts, rather than pushing too hard, or too fast.”

4. Cool down

“After exercising, take time to cool down—this helps your body ease back to its resting state.”

5. Monitor your environment

“If you’re exercising outside, be mindful of the weather—extreme heat or cold can bring on headaches.”

6. Exercise regularly

“Keeping a consistent exercise routine can also help, as sporadic bursts of activity might increase the risk of headaches.”

If you do still experience exertion headaches, simple over-the-counter painkillers can be an effective solution. “If you have been diagnosed with migraines, your doctor might prescribe migraine relief medication,” Shah said.

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