FOr some people, going for a run can cause what is known as a “runner’s high,” which is a short-lived feeling of euphoria or relaxation. But for others, running can lead to something less pleasant: headaches.
had an exercise or exertion headache First described by researchers in 1968, They tend to occur during or after a period of intense, strenuous physical activity – such as running, sneezing, lifting heavy objects or having sex.
While symptoms vary from person to person, exertion headache A throbbing feeling, usually on both sides of the head, which some describe as migraine, They can last anywhere from a few minutes to a few days. Some people may also experience multiple episodes of headache.
but regardless of affecting somewhere in the middle 1% and 26% adults (and by 30% teenagers), there is still limited scientific data on exertional headache.
This may be because they are not painful enough to cause them to stop when people stop exercising or because they overlap with other headache (such as migraine) symptoms, which means that Instead people are treated. So in all likelihood, they may be more common than we think.
But while there have been studies with small numbers of people, this type of headache appears to be most common in older people. 22 To 40Although they often start before age 30,
There were also men in these studies they are more likely to sufferThe small number of participating victims accounted for about 80%. More research will be needed to establish more clearly whether men are more likely to have them and, if so, why.
why are they
when we exercise, blood flow to the brain It grows to ensure that there is enough oxygen to keep our bodies moving. But it also means that there is an increase in the amount of CO₂ our brains need to get rid of the heat. To deal with this, our blood vessels dilate and this dilation can cause pain.
Because everyone’s anatomy and physiology is different, for some people the extra demands that this places on their circulatory system may be enough to trigger a headache. But for others, certain conditions can cause headaches.
Exercising in hot weather is an example of this. the brain naturally runs on a warm period than the rest of the body, and it cannot remove heat through the skin by sweating. The only way to get rid of the heat is for the blood vessels to dilate to increase blood flow through the brain, helping to take away some of the heat.
Since hot and humid weather already elevates brain temperature, adding exercise to the mix only makes it hotter, causing our blood vessels to swell even more to cope. This may explain why some people only get the typical throbbing headache when they exercise on a hot day.
Training at altitude also increases the likelihood of exertional headaches. it is due to low oxygen carrying capacity Blood at height it means more blood going to the brain To supply all the oxygen it needs, this triggers swelling and pain.
people with a personal or family history of migraine Migraine patients may also be more likely to get exertional headaches. it’s probably because that’s what turns him on get a migraine – As if change in blood vessel size – Also included in exertion headache.
how to stop them
Exertion headaches will get better soon after you stop exercising. This will usually happen within an hour or two, when your heart rate has decreased and there is less demand for oxygen from the brain.
but if you also have a headache linked to dehydration, it will probably take a little longer to resolve until you replenish your fluid levels. This usually takes about three hours.
If symptoms persist or your headache is particularly painful, over-the-counter pain medicines – such as paracetamol or ibuprofen – may help. But if exertional headaches are a common experience for you, you may want to talk to your doctor about trying: some prescription drugs which can be reduce symptoms And in some cases the chances of these headaches are reduced.
There are also things you can do to prevent exertional headaches from occurring in the first place.
It is thought that strenuous exercise followed by a long period of inactivity can lead to headaches, as your cardiovascular system is not fit enough to cope with the demands.
This is why it is good to slowly get back into exercise if you haven’t exercised in a while. that’s good too warm up slowly Every time you exercise to help your circulatory system cope with the changes in blood pressure and flow.
Staying hydrated is also important. It ensures that the blood vessels of the brain can function properly. adequate rest It will also ensure that the brain works at its best and help you feel less sensitive to pain,
Although exertion headaches are bothersome, they shouldn’t prevent you from exercising, especially in hot weather when they can be more common. A gradual warm-up and avoiding hot days or altitude can lower your risk of getting it. Trying other types of exercise that don’t involve sustained high heart rate levels — such as yoga or weight lifting — may be beneficial.
Adam TaylorProfessor and Director, Clinical Anatomy Learning Centre, Lancaster University
This article is republished from Conversation Under Creative Commons Licence. read the original article,
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