Like other exercises, running can be challenging and difficult at times. One obstacle you might encounter after a run is headaches. Getting a headache after running is not an uncommon thing to experience, and there are also multiple reasons that this might occur. Understanding why you get headaches after exercising can be important and help you to make improvements that minimize them in the future. That said, if the pain continues or worsens, it is important to go see your doctor for a consult. 

Exertional Headaches

Getting a headache after physical activity actually has its own name — “exertional headaches.” An exertional headache ranges from moderate to severe pain or throbbing. There are two classifications of this particular headache: a primary or secondary exertional headache. 

Primary headaches are brought about by some physical exercise or activity. These can last between five minutes to a couple of days. Treatments include normal headache medicine like ibuprofen or Advil. 

Secondary headaches are more serious and are due to an underlying condition such as a tumor or coronary artery disease. More serious side effects occur with secondary exertional headaches; these include vomiting, double vision, and loss of consciousness. The exact cause of these headaches is not completely understood by experts yet, but the narrowing of blood vessels in the skill during physical exercise is thought to contribute.

Dehydration

Not to sound like a broken record of most mothers out there, but you really do need to make sure you’re drinking enough water. Dehydration occurs when you lose more fluid than you take in. This is exemplified with physical activity because sweating forces you to lose even more fluids. Treatment is pretty self-explanatory: drink more water. Staying hydrated is extremely crucial for not only preventing headaches but also being more healthy overall. 

Sun Exposure

Spending a lot of time in the sun can trigger headaches, even if you aren’t necessarily exercising. This can also run hand-in-hand with dehydration because if you are exposed to hot temperatures, your body will sweat and need even more liquids to replace what you lose. It’s crucial to take breaks indoors or in the shade if you’re spending too much time outside in direct sunlight. 

Low Blood Sugar

It’s important when running to make sure your body has enough energy to safely perform those exercises. Blood sugar, aka glucose, is one of your body’s main energy sources, so not having enough of it can potentially cause issues like headaches to occur. The quick fix would be eating something right when you sense a headache coming, but to prevent it from occurring over a long period of time, it’s important to maintain a healthy and nutritious diet. Eating plenty of protein, carbohydrates, and fiber can lead to balancing your blood sugar. 

Understanding why you might be experiencing headaches after a run can be important when it comes time to prevent or aid them. Some causes also might be more treatable than others. However, if you are experiencing serious or concerning symptoms please make sure to see your doctor.