Migraines After a Workout

Moderate exercises and workouts are always recommended and helpful in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Many people find aerobic exercises beneficial for their mental and physical health problems. However, in some cases, it triggers headaches and migraines. There are some people who undergo severe migraine symptoms right after a workout.

A few studies have shown that a person getting migraines after exercise may not be getting used to workouts. Other studies predict that a specific type of exercise can trigger a migraine, but these migraines are really frustrating and painful. Let’s explore the reasons for getting severe migraines and painful headaches after performing exercises.

What Are the Reasons?

Here are some reasons for getting headaches more often after working out.

  • Out of Shape

Your body does not become accustomed to the exercises immediately. People start overworking to be in fitness shape. Workouts are healthy when you do them gradually according to your body. Try to start your fitness training slow and increase it gradually. Otherwise, it leads to unneeded cramps, body aches, and headaches.

  • Dehydrated

Sometimes, when you start working out, your body becomes dehydrated. You may feel cramps and blurry vision. This dehydration affects your body negatively in various ways. Dehydration while doing any intense exercise may trigger your migraine. Try to keep sports drink with you or drink enough water while working out. Stay hydrated before and after exercises.

  • Overheated

People start working out in a poorly ventilated area that leads their bodies to become overheated. You may have worn heavy black sweatpants. All these factors add up to cause excess body heat and extra sweating while working out. The body overheats and provokes severe migraines. Therefore, try your best to settle your environment with ventilation. Set up fans to keep the temperature lower. Make sure your body doesn’t produce excess heat.

  • Working out at a Higher Altitude

When the oxygen is thinner, and you work at a higher altitude, it may cause problems for you. Try to focus on exercises that do not cause a burden on your breathing. Yoga and Pilates are helpful for those who face headaches and migraines more repeatedly.

How to Treat and Prevent Post-Workout Migraines?

Those who experience migraines more often after a workout should consult a healthcare professional. They will be able to tell you the exact causes. Without knowing the reason for your headaches, you can’t find a solution. Maybe there are some specific exercises that trigger your migraine, or you sweat excessively, your body may get dehydrated, or you are in a poorly ventilated area. The doctor will guide you accordingly.

If something happens to your head differently from these cases, then your doctor may want you to get neuroimaging and other diagnostic workups to oversee your inner condition. All these things will help the doctor know whether you have the symptoms of primary exercise headaches or if you’re just having exercise-triggered migraines. Doctors prescribe the medication accordingly. They recommend you non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDs), such as naproxen, for the acute treatment to take before you start your workout in order to stop migraine pains. It can be harsh to your stomach, but the doctor will obviously ask you about your history and current health conditions before prescribing it. Sometimes, physical exertion triggers migraine pains that can be controlled by prescription-strength medications, including beta-blockers or stronger NSAIDs. Preventive medications are helpful when your condition is a lot more serious. They have the tendency to alter your heart rate and blood pressure. But try avoiding them if you have minor headaches.

The research shows that one should never start doing exercise in hot, humid weather. Those who drink plenty of water while exercising have a lower risk of headaches. You should try to exercise in a well air-conditioned place with a good ventilation system, and your migraine will not be triggered even if you’re sweating during a workout. If you already suffer from migraines, try to avoid running, excessive weightlifting, swimming, football, and rowing. Though with the proper cautions, you can participate in these activities too.

Work Smartly

People who work out in the gym have workout trainers. They are smart and know what to do and when to do it. Their gym trainers guide them on how much water they need per day and during exercise. Those people know that they need to consume protein around an hour and a half prior to their exercise. The gym trainers ask the trainees to warm up for 5 to 10 minutes before they start any vigorous exercise. It will help them reduce their exercise triggers.

A slow and steady approach is incredible for any routine if you are getting back to it or newly starting it. The body adapts everything gradually, and you need 5 to 10 minutes of activity before you initiate any exercise.

Keep your strategy of warm-up and cool down. Take breaks so you won’t become unconscious due to sweat, heat, or any other reason. Every person has a different tolerance level. If your workout partner doesn’t need to take a break, then it’s not necessarily true that you also don’t need it. Your stamina is different from theirs. So never compete against others while performing any kind of workout. Try to focus on your own body and make choices according to your body’s needs.

People who suffer migraines frequently can try low-impact exercises, including Nordic walking, trim trails, swimming, yoga, running, etc. While doing these low-impact exercises, your body is not jolting much. Your body may tolerate these exercises. Once your body accepts these exercises on a regular basis, train yourself for other exercises gradually. Be cautious of your condition and environment. It does not matter if you like to do a workout or you have a strong need to get into shape- always work smartly.

Learn More About Clinical Trials in Boston

Are you interested in participating in a migraine clinical trial? We have a wide variety of clinical trials available if you qualify and meet specific criteria.