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21 years
I get headaches every time I do pull ups or push ups, could you please recommend any solution?
Oct 21, 2014
2nd opinion

Dr. Zakia Dimassi Pediatrics
Exercise headaches occur in some individuals during or after strenuous exercise. They are classified as either primary, or having no clear cause, or secondary, due to an underlying process.

Primary exercise headaches:
-Usually described as throbbing
-Occur during or after strenuous exercise
-Both sides of the head are involved in most cases

Secondary exercise headaches may present with similar symptoms as primary exercise headaches, in addition to;
Vomiting
Loss of consciousness
Double vision
Neck rigidity

Primary exercise headaches typically last between five minutes and 48 hours, whereas secondary exercise headaches usually last at least a day and sometimes persist for several days.

The exact cause of primary exercise headaches is unclear. One theory is that strenuous exercise causes blood vessels inside the skull to dilate - excess blood flow precipitates the headache.

Secondary exercise headaches, which are usually accompanied by alarming signs such as vomiting, altered level of consciousness, and double vision (unlikely to be your case) are caused by an underlying problem, such as:
-Compromised blood flow to the heart muscle
-Chronic sinus infection
-Bleeding in the area between the brain and the thin membranes that cover the brain (subarachnoid hemorrhage)
-Congenital malformations in a blood vessel leading to or within the brain
-Tumors (benign or other)

Risk factors for exercise headaches include:
Exercise in hot weather
Exercise at high altitude
Personal or family history of migraine

Primary exercise headaches occur most often in people in early adulthood or adolescence.
Seeking medical attention is advised to identify the exact cause. If no underlying structural or vascular problem is found, you may require medications to take regularly to help prevent the headaches.
Indomethacin, an anti-inflammatory drug, and Propranolol, a blood pressure medication, are used to prevent exercise headaches.

Exercise headaches are more likely to occur when the weather is hot and humid, or if exercising at high altitudes. If you're prone to exercise headaches, you may want to avoid exercising in these conditions.
Some people experience exercise headaches only during the performance of certain activities, so they may prevent their headaches by avoiding these activities. A warm-up prior to strenuous exercise also can help prevent exercise headaches.
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