Headache during exercise and sex - Headaches & Migraines Message Board

gtsu · 06-21-2004, 12:47 PM

About three weeks ago I was working out when I was struck by an aweful, intense headache that seemed to come from the back of my neck over my entire head. It was pretty intense and lasted like that for several minutes. After it subsided I was left with a dull headache for the rest of the day. Two days later, I tried lifting again, and was again struck by a similar headache. Once again the pain subsided and I was left with a dull headache. However, this dull headache stayed with me for the next couple of days. It wasn't debiliting, but it was definitely there. I also had sex a few days later, and at orgasm I was hit by a headache just like the one I got when working out. I kept trying to ignore these headaches until the other day. While working out I was hit by the most intense headache I've ever had. It was similar to all the other ones, but it was a lot worse. It lasted a solid half-hour before finally subsiding. At this point I decided to stop being a moron and went to the doctor. He told me I was suffering from exertional headaches and that this was common. He prescribed me naproxen and told me to lay off the weight lifting for a while and take the medicine.

I've been doing as he says, and I haven't had any of those sharp headaches since. However, I always seem to have this feeling in the back of my head/neck like the severe headache can come back the minute I try to exert myself again. Also, I am still frequently dealing with dull headaches throughout the day. Though they aren't very bothersome, they still worry me. This whole ordeal has put me in quite a foul mood lately. I can't workout, I can't have sex. Was the doctor right about the exertional headache thing, or is there more to this? Other than the headaches, I feel completely fine otherwise. Any input would be appreciated. I guess I should also point out that my job involves sitting in front of a computer for 8 hours straight.

Thanks

jdm1982 · 06-30-2004, 01:38 PM

I'm having the exact same symptons but I havent consulted a doctor yet..Can anybody help us?

gtsu · 07-01-2004, 09:10 AM

I've layed off the working out for about two weeks. I tried getting back into it slowly. I've managed to lift weights and run without triggering another sharp headache. However, I did feel like it was about to happen several times during working out. Particularly when working out my biceps with dumbells and when doing pushups. I've found that if I strictly control my breathing the feeling will go away.

Outside working out, the pain on the back of my head has ceased to be constant. Even when I feel it, it is barely noticeable.

One other thing. I don't know if this is related, but I've been getting pressure around my cheeks and eyes lately. It feels pretty much like sinus pressure. However, I barely have any kind of congestion. In the mornings I notice that the pressure is more pronounced on the side that I slept on. The mornings I might also get slight congestion, once again on the nasal passage corresponding to the side I slept on. The pain is never really bothersome, I'm just wondering if this could in any way be related to my exertion headaches I was having.