Working out is good for your health; it gets your blood flowing and keeps you physically fit. But sometimes, this increased blood flow can become a reason for pulsating pain in your head. Yes, you can get a headache after working out. We will discuss why in this blog.
Why Does My Head Hurt After Working Out?
Headache post-workout can be bothersome and make exercising not fun. Therefore, knowing what causes these headaches can help you get rid of them. Below, we have given some potential causes of headache after a workout:
1. Exertional Headache
You might feel a headache incoming during your workout or after it, which feels like a throbbing pain that occurs on both sides of the head. This is known as an exertional headache. It can last between a few minutes to a couple of days. Physical activity like a strenuous workout or even a coughing fit might trigger it. Moreover, exercising in warm weather or at high altitudes can also bring exertional headaches.
You might get an exertional headache for unknown reasons. However, experts deem the narrowing of blood vessels to be the cause. This is known as primary exertional headache. Sometimes, an underlying condition can activate a post-workout headache, also known as the secondary exertional headache. In addition, you can experience congestion, neck stiffness, vision issues, and vomiting.
2. Dehydration
Dehydration can occur when there is a scarcity of fluid in your body. If this is the cause, you might sweat while exercising. Headache is usually the first indication of dehydration. Moreover, you will feel dizzy, thirsty, and light-headed too. Fatigue and peeing less are also symptoms of mild dehydration.
Seek medical attention if you have severe dehydration, which can end with:
- Excessive thirst
- Hollow-looking eyes
- Dark urine
- Low blood pressure
- Rapid breathing
- Fever
3. Low Blood Sugar
Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar can also lead to a headache after working out. Glucose is among the body’s main energy sources, and exercising burns it down. Consequently, low levels of glucose result in low blood sugar. Some symptoms of hypoglycemia include headache, shaking, dizziness, extreme hunger, blurry vision, and disorientation.
4. Poor Form
You might get a tension headache after working out if your form is off. Exercising in the wrong or improper form can strain your muscles. It causes muscle tension, which results from weightlifting, crunches, pushups, and running.
5. Sun Exposure
Sun might be the primary source of Vitamin D, but spending too much time in it can trigger headaches. Anyone might complain that their head hurts, whether exercising or not, due to sun exposure in hot weather.
How to Prevent Headache After Workout?
Preventing exercise-induced or other any sort of headache after working out is possible. To do so, you can:
- Avoid working out when it is too cold or too hot
- Stay hydrated
- Refrain from exercise in altitudes unless you are used to it
- Make sure you get your total eight hours of sleep
- Try different exercises to see if all of them result in a headache
- Do warm-ups and cool down after working out properly
- Take your time to build intensity
- Put on sunglasses to prevent sun exposure
- Steer clear of foods that are processed or have preservatives
- Eat healthily
What to Do Now?
Headache after working out is not uncommon, and multiple factors can cause it. Therefore, you should go to a reputable doctor, like our specialists at Nirvana Elite Sleep & Wellness. Dial (832) 952-1199 to give us a ring and schedule an appointment.