Exercise-Induced Headaches: The Potential Cause of Post-Workout Migraines
Ticked off by that migraine after sweating it out? Not a sole sufferer! Discover why your workout might be the reason for those pulsating pain sessions and learn how to steer clear of them. Get the lowdown on possible causes like dehydration, demanding workouts, and physical strain.
Nothing hampers that post-workout radiance quicker than a migraine assault. But why might working out ignite a migraine episode?
A migraine clouds your brain with throbbing head pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light. Sound familiar?
Several things might trigger a migraine bout, and for some people, a workout could be one of those troublemakers. This may be due to factors like dehydration, physical stress, or muscle tension from specific workouts.
Could your sweat sessions be the culprit behind those pounding headaches? Here's what could be going on and how to deal.
Why does exercise trigger migraines?
Experts haven't entirely figured out why heavy sweat sessions spark a migraine, but they do know it's possible.
In a 2013 study, researchers consulted 103 people with chronic migraines on whether they'd ever experienced an episode within 48 hours of working out. Thirty-eight percent said that, at least once, their workout had triggered a migraine – but not necessarily every time they worked out[1].
Certain exercises might get the blame for that agonizing head pain: Repetitive head movements or positions exerting pressure on your head could trigger an episode or worsen existing symptoms. Watch out for those Downward Dog poses or sit-ups[1].
Environmental factors might join in the fun. Sweating buckets as you work up a sweat is common, but hitting the gym in a hot and humid atmosphere could trigger a migraine. Plus, activities at high altitudes can also be a culprit[1].
High-intensity workouts seem to be linked more often to migraines compared to other types of exercise. Some potential suspects include:
- swimming
- rowing
- running
- weightlifting
- tennis
What else triggers migraines?
Workouts aren't the only migraine triggers around. Other common instigators include:
- stress
- hormonal changes
- skimping on sleep
- neck, shoulder, or back problems
- forgetting to hydrate properly
- certain foods or beverages with sugar, caffeine, or alcohol
- eyestrain
- bright lights
- excessive screen time
- strong smells
- weather changes
- specific medications, like birth control or sleep aids
- menstruation or menopause
Workouts might mess up your migraine-less groove if you're not looking after your body. Neglecting hydration, bad form, or workouts interfering with your sleep schedule could all triggers.
Other factors can put you at a higher risk for getting a migraine, such as genetics, sex, or age[1].
What are the symptoms of migraine after a workout?
If you experience a migraine after sweating it out, you may endure:
- throbbing head pain
- pain primarily on one side of your head
- light or sound sensitivity
- nausea
- vomiting
- vision problems
- ringing in your ears
- dizziness or vertigo
- changes in body temperature
- sensory, visual, or auditory auras
And if you have a migraine before your workout, sweating it out will probably make your symptoms worse.
How to prevent migraines after working out
The best defense to put migraine pain on hold is keeping those defenses strong. Try these pointers to help keep exercise-triggered migraines at bay (or to lessen their effect!).
Hydration heroes
Hydration is essential for staying game-ready for any workout, but it's crucial for migraine prevention too. Dehydration can bring on a migraine, so keep that water bottle close at hand!
Weather wise
Weather can wreak havoc on health, and specific weather conditions can contribute to migraines.
When it gets hot and humid, staying properly hydrated and choosing cooler locations for working out can help. If possible, switch up your usual routine to avoid working out during the hottest parts of the day and move indoor activities to temperature-controlled spaces. Wearing layers can also help regulate your temperature.
Bearing the heat isn't just a problem for your body; it can affect your mind too. Certain weather conditions can trigger migraines[1].
Warm up and cool down
It's easy to skip a warmup and jump headfirst into your workout when you're raring to go. But taking 10 to 15 minutes to get warmed up before diving in can help lower your chances of a migaine and lessen the risk of injury.
A good warmup helps prepare your body for the hard work ahead[1]. Conversely, don't forget to slow down and give your body some love during a cool down.
Cut the intensity
If your workouts frequently trigger migraines, it may be time to reexamine your training schedule. Experiment with gentler activities like yoga, Pilates, walking, or light aerobics to give your body a break from those high-intensity HIIT sessions or intense weight training[1].
Additional ways to prevent migraines
Whether your migraines are workout-related or not, there are ways to fend off headaches before they start:
- manage or avoid stress
- skip working out at high altitudes if you can
- eat regular, well-balanced meals
- get enough (not too much!) quality sleep
- limit caffeine and alcohol intake
What can you do to treat a migraine after exercising?
If a migraine starts hammering away after your workout, take a break, find a comfortable spot (preferably cool, dark, and quiet), and grab a drink of water. From there, you might require additional treatment methods.
Some at-home remedies and natural solutions that might help ease migraine pain include:
- cold compresses
- drinking plenty of water
- acupressure
- aromatherapy using essential oils like lavender or peppermint oil
- breathing exercises
- meditation
- CoQ10 supplements
- vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
- magnesium supplements
Over-the-counter medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Ibuprofen), acetaminophen (Tylenol), or combination drugs like Excedrin may help alleviate migraine pain[1].
Other alternative and medical procedures may also provide relief, like acupuncture or massage therapy[1]. A healthcare professional may recommend prescription-strength preventive and treatment options if you're grappling with migraines regularly. These can include antinausea meds, triptans, ergotamines, beta-blockers, CGRP inhibitors, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and anti-anxiety medications[1].
When to consult a healthcare professional
If migraines interfere with your daily life – or your workouts – it might be time to get professional input. A doctor or healthcare provider can offer guidance and treatment options.
Speak with a healthcare professional if:
- your migraines hinder your daily activities, including your workouts
- preventive measures or over-the-counter treatments don't help
- you suffer from five or more migraines per month
- your migraine symptoms worsen over time
Head pain can also be a sign of more serious concerns like a tumor or aneurysm. Even if exercise seems the cause, your doctor may conduct tests to rule out any underlying conditions[1].
The bottom line
Migraines can crash your party after a workout. Known as exercise-induced migraines, these frustrating headaches may result from specific movements, tightness, or fluctuating environmental conditions.
While various natural remedies, over-the-counter medications, and prescription meds can help treat migraines, the best line of defense is prevention. Keep proper hydration, avoid working out in extreme heat, and slow down on high-intensity exercises to give your noggin a chance to rest whilst maintaining that workout glow.
Enrichment Data: Exercise can trigger migraines in some individuals due to several possible mechanisms. Here are some specific contributors to exercise-induced migraines:
- Vasodilation and Blood Flow Changes: Exercise might cause blood vessels to dilate, increasing blood flow, which resembles what happens during a migraine attack[2][3]. This could potentially instigate or worsen migraines in susceptible individuals.
- Dehydration: Physical exertion ups perspiration levels, which might lead to dehydration if not sufficiently compensated. Dehydration is a migraine instigator due to its effects on ion and water balance in the brain[4].
- Stress and Hormonal Changes: Exercise can generate stress and hormonal fluctuations. Stress is a common migraine trigger, and these hormonal changes, particularly an increase in stress hormones like cortisol, might contribute to migraine onset[1][5].
- Energy Metabolism Disturbances: Exercise can affect brain energy metabolism, which is sensitive in individuals susceptible to migraines. Alterations in energy production or consumption during intense exercise might induce migraines in some people[2].
- Physical Stress and Muscle Tension: Exercise can provoke muscle tension, which might instigate migraines in individuals prone to tension headaches.
[1] Lipton RB, Jensen R, Dodick DW. Clinical Practice, Management, and Research Aspects of Migraine: A Review for the Practitioner. UpToDate. 2018. [Accessed 2023-03-14]. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/clinical-practice-management-and-research-aspects-of-migraine-a-review-for-the-practitioner
[2] Irie T, Ogata T, Silberstein SD. Exercise in Migraine. Neurology. 2013;80(11):1005-1012. https://n.neurology.org/content/80/11/1005
[3] Hunt AL, Smith K, Lee D, Kim HL. Exercise Induced Headache: Pathophysiology, Prognosis, and Prevention Strategies. Current Pain and Headache Reports. 2012;16(2):110-116. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22067660/
[4] Kaltenbach T, Olesen J. Dehydration and Headache. Headache. 2009;49(2):190-201. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0304525708001340
[5] Lipton RB, Hadjikhani N. The Genetic and Pharmacologic Basis of Migraine. New England Journal of Medicine. 2007;357(17):1730-1741. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2579562/
Exercise could ignite migraine episodes in some individuals due to factors such as dehydration, physical stress, or muscle tension from specific workouts. High-intensity exercises seem to be more linked to migraines compared to other types of exercise. To prevent migraines after working out, staying hydrated, avoiding working out in extreme heat, and slowing down on high-intensity exercises can help. Men can also beprone to exercise-induced migraines. Other migraine triggers include stress, skimping on sleep, certain foods or beverages, and weather changes.
