Can Working Out Cause Migraines?

Short answer: yes. Migraines are complicated. According to the American Headache Society they are very common and more than a billion people worldwide experience them affecting 1 in 4 households and 1 in 5 women, 1 in 16 men and 1 in 11 children. 

Causes 

They can be due to changes in barometric pressure, scents, stress, too much caffeine or alcohol, hormone shifts, emotions, lack of sleep, dehydration, over-exercise among many others. 

Exercise & Migraines 

Exercise can help migraines in some people and trigger migraines in others. I believe that it is the intensity level that matters the most and not all exercise is created equal to migraine sufferers. Many people think they need to exercise to extremes to get results. I do not agree with the thought that people have to be in pain to get results. I talk a lot about perceived exertion (how hard you workout) and the stoplight method.Each person is different and their level of “how hard to workout” is different. Overdoing exercise can cause a plethora of challenges including migraines. The truth is people can get great results without overdoing exercise. For those that experience exercise induced migraines should only do low to moderate intensity exercise. According to the national library on medicine “regular exercise may have a prophylactic effect on migraine frequency”. When done consistently it will be as effective as high intensity exercise.

Home Treatments 

For many of my clients that experience migraines, tracking their migraines including what they did the day before the attack helps to know what commonalities they have. This will help when discussing with your doctor and which of the following tips may help you to avoid them in the future. 

* Applying an ice pack wrapped in a cloth to the affected areas of the head and neck

* Practicing relaxation techniques like meditation

* Diaphragmatic breathing 

* Avoiding triggers, such as caffeine and alcohol extreme physical exertion,

* Taking a warm, relaxing bath or shower

* Getting plenty of rest including napping when needed (20 minutes for a nap)

* Avoiding noisy or brightly lit areas.

* Exercising moderately. (Over exercise can trigger migraines)

* Acupuncture treatments.

Please remember as good as home remedies can be we always advise to talk to a primary physician to discuss treatment options. Many people do the best with combination therapies. 

For more information about Fitness Knocking or our services call (862) 251-8989 or email info@fitnessknocking.com