If you’ve noticed that a bout of migraine that occurs frequently after your workout, you may have a migraine triggered by exercise. It could also be due to other factors that contribute to migraine.
Regular exercise, generally is a great way to help combat migraine as well as other health problems. However, in certain cases physical exercise can cause migraine attacks for some people.
If you are suffering from exercise-induced migraine instances, you might feel that the pain often begins in your neck. This is an occurrence common to this type of migraine . in a smaller
2013 Dutch study
.
Although it’s rare, physical activity can trigger migraines in some people. It is
could also be a link
between migraine induced by exercise and non-injurious exertion headaches.
That could indicate that, if you suffer from both there is a possibility that you will experience intense headaches after exercising due to a headache from exertion not migraine.
Why exercise can be the trigger for migraine is being investigated, but
Genetics
could be a major contributor to migraine generally.
Exercise could also be
Involved
during migraine attacks due to the increased levels of proinflammatory substances that are present in brains. These chemicals can increase natural pulsations that can cause an increased the heart rate and intracranial pressure in addition to blood pressure.
Although it might appear like exercise is the reason for your migraines, other factors, aside from physical activity might be cause.
This could include:
- sudden temperature fluctuations or extreme temperatures
- dehydration
- not eating enough food prior to exercise
- not getting enough rest
- The medical conditions that cause the underlying condition
- negative side effects associated with medications
Since the precise mechanisms behind migraines caused by exercise aren’t clear what workouts are more susceptible to prompting an attack could be specific to your particular situation.
Migraines triggered by exercise could be
connected to the effects of exercising
like:
- neck tension
- Changes in the intracranial pressure
- Heart rate increases
- Increased blood flow
This means that workouts that trigger sudden movements, bends or requiring intense levels of exercise could be more likely to cause migraine.
This could be actions like:
- lifting weights
- circuit training
- Running and sprinting
- rowing
- basketball
- football
- tennis
- swimming
If you’re suffering from a workout migraine, continuing to exercise might only cause your head pains get even more painful.
The act of removing you from the gun and laying down in a cool, darkand still area can provide immediate relief.
People who suffer from migraines caused by exercise may benefit from a range of migraine treatment options, which include medications.
The general symptoms of migraine is often treated in the right way using prescription medications such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen. If you experience severe symptoms, your physician could recommend a variety of preventive options that include:
- blood pressure-lowering medication
- anti-seizure drugs
- antidepressants
- drugs that target certain substances known as peptides (natural amino acids)
Certain behavioral techniques can aid in managing migraine, such as:
A review of 2018
It is possible that you are capable of reducing the effects of exercise-induced migraine by:
- longer warming-up time
- switching aerobic routines that were previously isometric exercises, to cycling or walking
- restricting exercise to two or three days per week. Limit workouts to 2 or 3 days
However, it is not always the case that exercising can trigger migraines. It’s sometimes called exercise-induced migraine.
In contrast to exercise headaches that trigger migraines, migraine-related episodes caused by exercise may occur even in extreme temperatures or high altitudes.
If you are experiencing an episode of migraine due to exercise, altering your routine, implementing strategies for managing your behavior, and reducing intensity can help you get relief. Discussion of these migraines with your doctor is strongly recommended.
We understand how important it is to choose a chiropractor that is right for you. It is our belief that educating our patients is a very important part of the success we see in our offices.