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What Causes Headaches After Exercising?

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Posted on Tue, 1 Apr 2014
Question: I just started exercising for the first time in my life, yesterday. We bought an elliptical machine, and yesterday I did two 15 minute reps on it. I was definitely sweating and my heart rate was up (although I didn't measure it). Afterward I felt great. This morning, I took my thyroid medication on an empty stomach upon awakening and got right to my work out. I did 15 minutes on the machine and had a horrible headache after I stopped. It wasn't in any particular area of my head, more like a dull throbbing all over. I took a few hours break and made sure to hydrate and eat something. I then did another 15 minutes on it, with a 3 minute cool down. Should I be worried about the headache? It wasn't a thunder-clap headache, and I am still trying to get over the last bit of the flu - I have some lingering head congestion (post-nasal drip, stuffy nose, ears popping, pain between eyes). Could that be what has caused the headache? Note: I'm 26, female, 5'4 and 138lbs.
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Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (1 hour later)
Brief Answer: Not worrisome. Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for posting your query. The headache that you had after exercising could be due to dehydration hypoglycemia or due to the after effects of congestion caused by the viral infection. This is usually self limiting and subsides after taking a mild pain killer like acetaminophen. You can avoid getting it by taking few simple measures - 1. Dehydration or electrolyte imbalance - Regular intake of rejuvenating fluids during exercise might help. Apart from the sports drinks which contain glucose and electrolytes you must have enough water alongwith to combat dehydration. 2. Low blood sugar - Taking a light breakfast, preferably some lean protein and/or complex carbohydrate with a little healthy fat-- before the exercise or immediately after the exercise might help you. 3, Low blood pressure can also be the reason - Breathe deeply after the exercise. In case the symptoms are persistent consider getting yourself evaluated by your physician. I hope this answers your query. In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out. Wishing you good health. Regards. Dr. Praveen Tayal. For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Practicing since :1994

Answered : 12314 Questions

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What Causes Headaches After Exercising?

Brief Answer: Not worrisome. Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for posting your query. The headache that you had after exercising could be due to dehydration hypoglycemia or due to the after effects of congestion caused by the viral infection. This is usually self limiting and subsides after taking a mild pain killer like acetaminophen. You can avoid getting it by taking few simple measures - 1. Dehydration or electrolyte imbalance - Regular intake of rejuvenating fluids during exercise might help. Apart from the sports drinks which contain glucose and electrolytes you must have enough water alongwith to combat dehydration. 2. Low blood sugar - Taking a light breakfast, preferably some lean protein and/or complex carbohydrate with a little healthy fat-- before the exercise or immediately after the exercise might help you. 3, Low blood pressure can also be the reason - Breathe deeply after the exercise. In case the symptoms are persistent consider getting yourself evaluated by your physician. I hope this answers your query. In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out. Wishing you good health. Regards. Dr. Praveen Tayal. For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal