Just throwing this out there to see if anybody else has experienced anything like this.... Over the past week, I've experienced 2-3 severe headaches while weightlifting at the gym. Mind you, I've never had a migraine before, but the nasty throbbing sensation I experienced is what I envision a migraine being like based upon what I've heard and know about migraines. The pain is coming from the back of my head on both sides towards the base of my skull. I feel completely normal, otherwise. This is new to me. Like most, I've had the occasional mild headaches here and there, but never anything this instantaneous or painful. Not gonna lie, it has a me worried a bit. Finally, if I go get it checked out by a doctor, what sort of doctor should I go to? Should I go to a PCP or somebody more specific? Thanks
Probably due to neck strain and nerve involvement. You can also get headaches at the gym if you are dehydrated.
yes most likely due to a sinus headache .. i get them especially in the winter time..just take some ibuprofen 20 minutes before you work out..works for me..
Exercised induced headaches happen to a lot of people and there isn't any particular way to treat them. I got an MRI just to make sure it wasn't something serious. My pain was near my left ear. I then quit lifting for about a year and that helped. After resuming, I've found they sometimes happen when I lift after not eating much during the day. Consuming some carbs about 30-45 mins before I lift and that solves the problem. One thing you should NOT do is continue lifting when the headaches start. It will just make them more intense and more likely to happen in the future.
I had terrible headaches many years ago when I exercised/had sex Mine had to do with stress, diet, blood pressure. I was given beta blockers and midrin and was told to lay off the caffeine. Eventually it just went away, rarely happens any more.
I used to get massive headaches after balling or after any sports that requires excessive running. Got it checked and was told I needed to drink more water and stay away from cold drinks. I still get it occasionally though.
Sounds like a pinched nerve. I had one years ago, and it was a throbbing sensation that literally felt like my head was going to explode. Advil or Aleve would help for a few hours, but I was popping them all the time just to get through the day. It was awful and lasted about 6 weeks. I would lay off the weightlifting for a bit to see if some rest stops it.
yeah, the "instantaneous" part is what scared me the first time i had one. wasn't lifting anything out of the ordinary, then bam! weird thing is that as soon as it comes, it leaves after about 20 seconds with no lingering pain at all. was scared poopless that i had a brain anuerysm. really strange. had never ever a pain like that in my head before. i had it a couple more times that same month, but never again (it's been over a year). the effed up part is that i never got it checked out, so to quote DOD... "go see a doctor".
You need to lift heavier and heavier. You should let the pain of lifting overcome the pain of your headache. It's all mental.
Not trying to be condescending at all, but do you use proper breathing techniques when lifting? When I first started, I wouldn't inhale/exhale correctly and it caused me headaches I think.
I too get migraines after I play basketball for a couple hours. I figured it was dehydration as well. I read that drinking pickle juice directly after your workout can help. I've done it the past 3 weekends and I haven't had headaches since.
And, to answer your question about a doctor, start with your PCP. She/he should be able to either determine the cause or refer you to the specialist that would help with the diagnosis. Do not not go to the doctor based on what you read in this thread.
