headaches About This Page:

[Big Baloo]

I've been having bad headaches after running outside lately, but not if I'm on the treadmill. I've tried doubling up on hydrating before/during/after running, but it's not making any difference. My blood pressure hasn't changed, my speed is about the same, and the terrain is all familiar routes. Any advice or tips you might have would be greatly appreciated, especially if you've dealt with this before!

[HiddenMickey]

Sunglasses and a hat? Perhaps the sun is messing with your vision.

[TINK2843]

could allergies be the problem. I know I am allergic to grass. When someone is mowing their lawn, it gives me a sinus headache. Maybe it's the pollen.

[Kynna]

It is allergy season. I know there is a ton of mold here right now and mold allergies can cause headaches and sore throat.

[revral]

Allergies? Mild dehydration? A combination of both? Not a runner but I'd try sunglasses, a hat, taking an allergy med about 30 minutes before leaving on a run & drinking more water before, during & after your run. If doing those things don't solve the problem than I'd see a doctor.

[Amy L]

I sometimes get headaches after running on the treadmill. I always chalk it up to dehydration or overheating. You could try drinking sports drinks the day before and leading up to your run so you are well hydrated. That seems to help me.

[Tim Sullivan]

Post-run headaches are fairly common amongst endurance athletes. I don't ALWAYS get them, and there seems to be no rhyme or reason for it....nor did the bit of research on it I did online come up with anything conclusive as to the cause. General feeling is that the headaches are tied into the taxing of the vascular system, which is why it is so common amongst athletes. Some of the reading I did also said it could be linked to your hydration level, electrolyte imbalance, or even lack of good nutrition prior to the run.

What type of headache is it, and how long does it last? The usual exercise induced headaches are a dull throbbing type, not acutely painful, and for me last for about an hour or so before symptoms abate. If it is a particularly bad one, I might take a couple of Advil to help with the pain (note, NEVER take Advil before or during a run...)

You can try some of the other suggestions about hats, sunglasses etc, as it COULD be due to the exposure to sun, but if that doesn't work...or if it is an exercise induced headache, there isn't much you can do for those, as I said before, they are somewhat common, though shouldn't be something you are getting after EVERY run.

Hope that helps!

Tim

[cattailmarsh]

I too would suggest an OTC allergy medication (either a capsule or nasal spray). Additionally I would like to share that I suffer from daily migraines & I just read recently that 2 glasses of Gatorade at the onset of a migraine is supposed to help. I would say bw the salt, electolytes & hydration this made some sense. Unfortunately due to additives in Gatorade I can't try it but maybe you could try that as another option. Good luck - headaches truly are not a fun experience no matter how long or short they last.

[disney_duke]

Yep. Been there, done that. Like Tim said, mine are exercise induced. It doesn't always happen, but from time to time it does. Usually only on longer runs, over 7-8 miles or so. I'm prone to headaches anyway with about 2-3 migraines per year so these little ones don't really bother me much. I just take Excedrin after I shower and go about my day.

For prevention, I would try hydrating extra well in the 48 hours prior to a long run. And have caffeine before or during your run if you can. That helps me a bunch - whatever caffeine does for your blood vessels, I don't remember, helps the blood flow better or something? I have Clif Shots or Clif Shot Bloks with caffiene in them about mile 5 to help combat the headache and keep it away. I used to be a Mt. Dew addict, but have stopped this last year. (that was a headache battle in itself!) But I still have caffiene after long runs because it helps fight the inevitable headache.

No clue why it would happen outside but not on the treadmill - pavement is harder than the 'mill maybe? The harder jarring to your body and head is taking its toll more, something like that? Could be. Whatever the case, it's real and happens regularly. Take something immediately after running and hopefully it won't bother you so much.

[Fortissimo]

Originally Posted by cattailmarsh

I too would suggest an OTC allergy medication (either a capsule or nasal spray). Additionally I would like to share that I suffer from daily migraines & I just read recently that 2 glasses of Gatorade at the onset of a migraine is supposed to help. I would say bw the salt, electolytes & hydration this made some sense. Unfortunately due to additives in Gatorade I can't try it but maybe you could try that as another option. Good luck - headaches truly are not a fun experience no matter how long or short they last.

Try Skratch. It's an electrolyte drink that doesn't have the add stuff.

I get headaches when I run or bike outside because of allergies. Allegra works for me and helps. Good luck!

[Big Baloo]

Thanks everyone for the good advice, helpful hints and good luck wishes!
I think maybe it's a combination of things that have been causing the headaches. I am going to try eating a bit before running (I already hydrate and caffeinate and wear my sunglasses), and until the heavy pollen has passed I'm going to try a zyrtec type med, even though I don't have any diagnosed allergies. And I'll start taking a Tylenol after running at the first hint of the headache, instead of thinking I can just power through it.
Thanks again!

[Dreaming of DisneyWorld]

I'm a lifelong migraine sufferer, but running is the one treatment to work for me. I'm actually going to be the devil's advocate here and say drink less. If you are drinking too much, it can cause a headache. I, too, recommend the CLIF, NUUN, or other sports supplements for electrolytes, B vitamins, and caffeine (if you choose). Regular consumption of magnesium helps to prevent migraines AND help in muscle soreness and recovery. I take a supplement each night before bed. At the onset of a headache, take ibuprofen, not acetaminophen. My neurologist has told me to avoid Tylenol for years. You need to take the inflammation out of your blood vessels.

Never discredit heat and humidity and their powerful effect on the human body, especially if you are running in it. The difference between running outside and the treadmill may be the humidity and temperature - your environment, not you.

[Happymommy]

I also am gonna guess the allergies? I've been wheezing lately when running sprints, and I've never wheezed in my life----I think this allergy season is really bad. my second guess would be the sun.

[Milichal]

This allergy year has been awful for me. I'm now using Flonase & Singulair in addition to Zyrtec. Someone at my school called it a pollen tsunami. I agree with all of the advice above; hydrate, dietary habits, Advil AFTER. And I recommend blowing your nose a few times.

[Big Baloo]

Pollen tsunami! I'm totally stealing that! And yes, I have taken to blowing "snot rockets" (what can I say? My sons have corrupted my ladylike behavior. ) and that really seems to be a huge help.