Why Do I Get Headaches When Lift Weights?

The Doctors share why some people get headaches while weight lifting and explain when someone should be worried about frequent headaches while working out.

About The Doctors:

The Doctors is an Emmy award-winning daytime talk show hosted by ER physician Dr. Travis Stork, plastic surgeon Dr. Andrew Ordon and OB-GYN Dr. Nita Landry.

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[dianaisabel_]

I lifted too heavy so my neck was invoved more than it should have which resulted in those painful throbbing headaches in the back of my head. For about 2 weeks I'd got those headaches while lifting weights also just doing minor things like some push ups. My Fitness Coach knew exactly what to do: take a Vitamin B-comlex supplement 3x a day for a week (Edit: while also taking a break that week. Very important because taking the supplement alone does help but it'll come back after a few reps/sets. taking a break alone didn't help at all. You gotta do both at the same time). After that take the supplement once a day. Headache is completely gone now.

[pCarlos]

I got it when I was pushing heavy on an incline leg press last week. It hurts when trying to work out now. Dr said I’m fine but might go to the hospital for an MRI

[joshuachong]

At first I started out exercising by doing push ups without a single headache and after 4 months or so I started lifting 15kgs and the first two times I did it I had a headache after the third rep, so I did not continue in fear of my health. Is this normal?

[qnqzqmx]

I used to get headaches in California and then I went to Mexico 2023 I don't have headaches no more trip out😮

[raptorrogue]

I got the headache while squatting 70 kgs for 15 reps. Like on the last rep it hurt the back-left of my head.

[MrLovemydog]

Howdy! I also get the exertional headaches. I went and saw my neurologist and she recommended I get an MRI STAT. Of course like most Americans, I don’t have $2000 lying around to throw on a potentially useless diagnostic test.

Here’s what my neurologist then recommended for me:
1. Blood pressure medication. I have pre-hypertension and was put on verapamil and it helps so so. I also have migraines, so we upped my 70mg/mL dose of aimovig to 140mg/mL dose. I also take naproxen 30 minutes before a work out and drink lots of water before my work out, to the point I have to go pee during my workout.

With this said, I still get exertional headaches every single time I work out. Sometimes they are mild, sometimes I wanna go to the ER and have my wife call the “waaa-mbulance” as she kindly jokes about.

But seriously if you can afford to see a neurologist and get an MRI definitely pursue it because it could be a serious issue like they said in the video.

Be safe!

[MrFutbol]

Which doctor do you see? My internist doesn't know neither does my gastro doc.. It started after I had a cardioversion for my afib, which I don't have anymore.

[GnosticMindTrain]

I get ice pick headaches from lifting weights.

[MyFlamingoe]

I always get headaches after 3hrs of playing tennis. The pain usually hits in the afternoon after I sleep.

[jordanhess]

It happens to me when. I played ping pong with my mom tonight.
Made me nervous.

[GhostSamaritan]

I have exertion headaches that last for days.

[jon-sig]

I’ve blown a vein in my chest doing cable chest exercises

[MrKC]

I squat 86kg on squat machine, my headache is so bad, I take Paracetamol.

I'll drink more water, & do high reps, low weight like Jack Reacher.

4 x 25

[cranberriesgirlhype]

I've had migraines for 2 years from.lifting anything at all pretty much. I can't hold babies I can't pick up a gallon of milk, I had to quit my line of work. Seriously these exercise induced Migraines have destroyed my life and I'm only 35 years old.

[michaelbattista]

It’s the adrenals. I know I’ve been dealing with them being fatigued for over a decade.

[theathomas]

Hi Doctor I get headache after workout in gym and is it okay?

[ElFamosoArt]

I legit was going hard on leg press the final rep i completed but by doing so i felt like something burst in the back of my head and my head felt like it was any to explode. 1 week later it still hurts. I worked out today and it hurt during the workout. Any tips

[desislavamustakertcheva]

Love workout but I get such a stiff neck entries my migraines and it's just I hated it and I don't want to take medication some feeling so good and why why why

[nuclearage]

Though iam having pain on mine head from yesterday after mine gym workout so I would say never give up .

[demirdincay]

I have been seeing headaches in the gym for 2 days now and they go out usually in 15-20 mins should i be worried