Exercise and Sports Related Headaches
Exercise related headache is a common concern affecting athletes over a wide range of sports. It is not exactly discovered what causes this prolonged headache. But studies suggest that the increased muscular tension in the neck and the head could be the reason. Effort migraine and exertional headache are the two basic types of headaches seen among athletes.
Effort Migraine
Effort migraine is believed to be caused by the changes in blood vessels of the brain due to the high intensity aerobic exercises and an increase in body temperatures. The headache is usually short-lived, lasting about four to six hours. There will be symptoms like blurred vision and flashes of light. Effort migraine should be taken seriously as other migraines since it can result in strokes in the course of time.
Exertional Headache
Exertional headache is regarded as less harmful. Its symptoms include sudden severe throbbing pain, often at the back of the head, which changes to a dull ache. Often its influence is felt for a period of six hours. The cause of extertional headache is supposed to be the changes in blood pressure during exercise. Exertional headache affects athletes who engage in non-aerobic activities such as weight lifting and sprinting as well. Lifting of heavy weights for example increases intracranial pressure and may cause exercise related headache.
Cervicogenic Headache
Cervicogenic headache is caused by the damages in the muscles, joints, and nerve structures of the spine in the neck. Blurred vision is a major symptom.
Causes of Headache in Sports Women
Muscular Tension
Muscular tension is regarded as the major cause of headache. Many distance runners ignore neck exercises and as a result they fail to cope with the increased muscular tension in the neck.
Dehydration
Dehydration is a potential cause of headache. It is always essential to have proper fluid intake especially after exercise.
How to Prevent Headaches?
Massaging the pressure points is an effective way of preventing and dealing with headache. Icing the pressure points and application of moist heat on the surrounding muscles will also be an effective measure. A few aspirin or 400 milligrams of ibuprofen can also be tried. Another strategy is doing a range of exercises that help restore the flexibility of the neck. It can then be followed by resistance exercises. Care should be taken not to overdo any of these exercises since sudden jerking will only strain the muscles of the neck and may cause damage to the ligaments.
Symptoms Requiring Professional Medical Help
- Sudden headaches
- Increasing and prolonged pain over several days.
- Medical history of head injuries
- Any new or unaccustomed symptoms in headache
- Prolonged unilateral pain
- Pain in the night and early mornings
- Inflexible neck
- Headaches accompanied by symptoms in other parts of the body
- Localized nerve problems such as a paralysis or tingling.