What to Do When a Headache Strikes in the Middle of a Workout - Article Health

So you’re at the gym in the middle of an intense workout and all of a sudden you get this pulsating headache out of nowhere. The fighter in you says you should ignore it and keep powering through. But the pain is stubborn and doesn't relent. What's going on?

Sounds like you're suffering from an exertion headache—a type of head pain triggered by exercise. Exertion headaches aren't as well known as migraines or stress headaches. But they can be just as painful, lasting from five minutes to 48 hours and putting a dent in your workout or the rest of your day.

Stop and cool down
An exertion headache is your body's way of telling you it's being overexerted, so if one strikes, take a break. If it goes away, you can try getting back into your workout—but warm up first. Warming up before any type of exercise, strenuous or not, gradually increases your heart rate and gets your blood flowing to prepare your body for activity, which can also ward off exertion headaches.

Find your triggers
Working too hard is the main cause of exertion headaches. But like migraines, this type of headache also has triggers, Clifford Stark, DO, sports medicine specialist in New York City, tells Health. Dehydration, sleep deprivation, blood pressure issues and your food and drink choices (such as chocolate, alcohol, caffeine) could all trigger an exertion headache.

Correct your workout form
Exertion headaches can also be brought on by small mistakes you’re making during your workout, Steven Coppolecchia, physical therapist at Spear Physical Therapy in New York, tells Health. “A lot of times, in particular with lifting but you'll see it with running as well, people sit with the head sitting far too forward or an arched back," says Coppolecchia. "I work with patients to correct their posture and that's going to improve blood flow up to the brain and also reduce some of the muscle tension."

Try OTC pain meds
“Sometimes over the counter medications like Advil, naproxen, or Tylenol can be helpful for people,” says Dr. Manning. The American Migraine Foundation suggests taking naproxen 30 to 60 minutes before you plan to hit the gym. But it might be a good idea to fill your doctor in on this, since even over-the-counter pain meds can have side effects.

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