Throbbing headache when lifting??

[coloradomom]

I have been lifting weights for about 3-4 months now and have had no problems. I try to breathe properly and not strain my neck. The past week and a half, everytime I lift I get a headache. It's a throbbing one sided headache and it ruins my entire workout. I've tried pushing through it but most times I just cut my workout short. It lingers after the workout until I take a few motrin. Has anyone had anything like this? If so, how did you get rid of it? I was hoping it would just go away, but it's been almost 2 weeks now of ruined workouts. It doesn't hurt when I run or do cardio, just lifting.

[poweroats]

I have been lifting weights for about 3-4 months now and have had no problems. I try to breathe properly and not strain my neck. The past week and a half, everytime I lift I get a headache. It's a throbbing one sided headache and it ruins my entire workout. I've tried pushing through it but most times I just cut my workout short. It lingers after the workout until I take a few motrin. Has anyone had anything like this? If so, how did you get rid of it? I was hoping it would just go away, but it's been almost 2 weeks now of ruined workouts. It doesn't hurt when I run or do cardio, just lifting.

Google 'exertion headache' up, would help alot.

[oregonchick76]

See a doctor? Have you had any problems with migraines? Sinus infections? Allergies? Blood pressure? So many different things can cause headaches. It's usually a pressure related issue. You need to at least rule out other more serious medical issues first.

I personally get headaches when I lift if I have a stuffy nose or allergies, because lifting increases the cranial pressure so much, and if the sinuses are plugged, it's just that much worse. I also get weird headaches if I have low blood sugar, but they are not on one side.

It doesn't have to be a life or death deal, but check with the doc.

[coloradomom]

Thanks. I've heard about exertion headaches -I was hoping someone had personal experience and maybe some tips on something that worked? I was hoping it was temporary and would go away on its own, but I guess I need to call Dr.

[poweroats]

Thanks. I've heard about exertion headaches -I was hoping someone had personal experience and maybe some tips on something that worked? I was hoping it was temporary and would go away on its own, but I guess I need to call Dr.

Had it once. Took a week off and rested properly, treated my warm ups more seriously as well and thought that helped out the most. Never had it again so far.

[gailh]

See a doctor? Have you had any problems with migraines? Sinus infections? Allergies? Blood pressure? So many different things can cause headaches. It's usually a pressure related issue. You need to at least rule out other more serious medical issues first.

IIt doesn't have to be a life or death deal, but check with the doc.

agreed...consult someone who knows

[coloradomom]

Made appt with chiropractor to start, since my neck has been really tight lately. Will let you all know what he does/says. I searched the forum and got tons of hits, I guess this is a common problem. Also, it seems like once you get one, they tend to come back and recur frequently. I do tend to carry tension in my traps and when I lift I do tense my neck so I'm wondering if that's causing the headaches?

[Hannah73Louise]

I had this about 3 months after I started lifting. It maybe a broken blood vessel or something like that. I found they gradually lessened and went away completely after about 6 weeks. Never had it again!

[coloradomom]

I had this about 3 months after I started lifting. It maybe a broken blood vessel or something like that. I found they gradually lessened and went away completely after about 6 weeks. Never had it again!

Thanks! I really hope that is the case for me. If they aren't gone in a couple days I'm going to ask for MRI. Chiro adjusted my neck today and said to do more reps less weight until I feel better.

[coloradomom]

Update:

Had MRI with and without contrast - everything normal (thank God b/c I'm a cancer survivor and Dr's first concern was it had spread!).

It may not be "Exertion headache" afterall. They are thinking it's CERVICOGENIC HEADACHES. Seeing a chiropractor again next week.