Imagine this scenario - you meet up with friends for a quick but intense game of soccer.
Everyone has a great time and everyone leaves feeling worked out and re-energized -- except for one person -- YOU.
You are blindsided by a painful headache, and this is not the first time.
You are starting to wonder if something is wrong with you.
Maybe this is a sign that you are going to have a stroke? Actually, what you are feeling is fairly normal, especially among men in their 20's.
Physical activity can trigger what is known as an "exertion headache" among some and an "exertion migraine" when accompanying symptoms develop, in others.
Exertion headaches are uncomfortable but not harmful and are seldom signs of more serious conditions.
In many cases, exertion headaches appear to genetic in nature as many people report a family history of headaches after exercise.
Why Do I Feel Pain When I Exercise? The exact cause of headaches after physical activity is still unknown but the most current theory is that there is a link between exercise and the irritation of blood vessels in the brain.
It seems that certain types of exercise are more likely to trigger exertion headaches than others.
The most common cause is either a very intense burst of activity or a very long time spent being active.
Activities that are known to trigger exertion headaches include (but are not limited to) running, sprinting, heavy lifting, tennis, and swimming.
How Do I Recognize an Exertion Headache? · Usually the pain will develop right after the triggering exercise · Headaches last anywhere from a few minutes to a few days.
· Pain is typically felt on both sides of the head.
Can I Prevent an Exertion Headache? To a certain degree you can.
If you know that you are more likely to experience a headache during very hot or humid weather, you can choose to avoid activities during this time.
Some people may still get headaches regardless of external factors, and for some the best choice may be to discontinue these activities.
For people who do not want to limit their favorite activities and cannot control heir headaches though other methods may want to consider prescription medications.
The most commonly prescribed medications are indomethacin (anti-inflammatory) and propranolol (blood pressure medication.
) Your doctor can work with you to develop a plan where you take preventative medication a few hours before an activity or even every day depending on your needs.
Remember, always have unusual or very painful headaches examined by a qualified medical practitioner.
While most headaches are uncomfortable but harmless, sometime the pain is caused by a more serious medical condition that requires treatment.
Everyone has a great time and everyone leaves feeling worked out and re-energized -- except for one person -- YOU.
You are blindsided by a painful headache, and this is not the first time.
You are starting to wonder if something is wrong with you.
Maybe this is a sign that you are going to have a stroke? Actually, what you are feeling is fairly normal, especially among men in their 20's.
Physical activity can trigger what is known as an "exertion headache" among some and an "exertion migraine" when accompanying symptoms develop, in others.
Exertion headaches are uncomfortable but not harmful and are seldom signs of more serious conditions.
In many cases, exertion headaches appear to genetic in nature as many people report a family history of headaches after exercise.
Why Do I Feel Pain When I Exercise? The exact cause of headaches after physical activity is still unknown but the most current theory is that there is a link between exercise and the irritation of blood vessels in the brain.
It seems that certain types of exercise are more likely to trigger exertion headaches than others.
The most common cause is either a very intense burst of activity or a very long time spent being active.
Activities that are known to trigger exertion headaches include (but are not limited to) running, sprinting, heavy lifting, tennis, and swimming.
How Do I Recognize an Exertion Headache? · Usually the pain will develop right after the triggering exercise · Headaches last anywhere from a few minutes to a few days.
· Pain is typically felt on both sides of the head.
Can I Prevent an Exertion Headache? To a certain degree you can.
If you know that you are more likely to experience a headache during very hot or humid weather, you can choose to avoid activities during this time.
Some people may still get headaches regardless of external factors, and for some the best choice may be to discontinue these activities.
For people who do not want to limit their favorite activities and cannot control heir headaches though other methods may want to consider prescription medications.
The most commonly prescribed medications are indomethacin (anti-inflammatory) and propranolol (blood pressure medication.
) Your doctor can work with you to develop a plan where you take preventative medication a few hours before an activity or even every day depending on your needs.
Remember, always have unusual or very painful headaches examined by a qualified medical practitioner.
While most headaches are uncomfortable but harmless, sometime the pain is caused by a more serious medical condition that requires treatment.