Exercise-induced headache or exertional headache refers to a headache that occurs during or after any physical exertion such as running, exercising, weight lifting, swimming. Exercise in hot weather increases the risk of such headaches. Some other activities that can cause such headaches are rowing, sports such as tennis, football, aerobics and also sexual intercourse. During exercise or any physical effort, the blood demand for the head, neck and scalp is increased. This causes the blood vessels to dilate to receive more blood flow, which can result in exertional headaches.
Dehydration and low blood sugar levels after exercise can also contribute to exercise-induced headaches. Symptoms include pain in the head on one or both sides, a pulsating sensation in the head and pain in the neck. It can also cause migraine symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, sensitivity to light, and vision changes. Having a family or personal history of migraines increases the likelihood of such headaches. Exercise-induced headaches are divided into two types: primary and secondary. Primary exertional headaches are headaches that are not caused by an underlying health problem. Secondary exertional headaches are caused by an underlying health problem. These health problems can range from mild sinus-like infections to serious causes, including obstruction of CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) flow, tumors in the brain, including cancerous and non-cancerous, bleeding in the brain, heart disease, and stroke (interrupted blood supply to part from the body). of the brain, leading to the death of brain cells).
Homeopathic treatment
Homeopathy is of immense use in treating cases of exercise-induced headaches that occur without any underlying health condition. Homeopathic medicines help gradually reduce the intensity and frequency of this complaint. Homeopathic medicines are of natural origin, so they are 100 percent safe and can be used without side effects. Homeopathic prescribing is based on the individual’s characteristic symptoms. Treatment is given purely based on the individual’s symptoms. It is therefore advisable to have each case assessed by a homeopathic doctor for the correct prescription and dosage. Homeopathic medicines are recommended only for primary exertional headaches. These are not recommended for secondary exercise-induced headaches resulting from some underlying serious causes. In such cases, the conventional mode of treatment is better as homeopathy has its limitations in treating severe cases.
Homeopathic medicines for exercise-induced headaches
1. Epiphegus – Top recommended drug
Epiphegus is a leading homeopathic medicine that helps treat cases of exertional headaches. Those who require this medication usually feel pain in the sides of the head. It feels as if the fingertips are pressing against the sides of the head. Although pain can occur on any side, the pain most often affects the left side of the head. Headache may be preceded by hunger. There is excessive salivation in the mouth, which is sticky. It is accompanied by a constant need to spit up. The feeling of fullness is also felt in the head. In addition, the scalp feels tight during a headache.
2. Belladonna – For headaches with the slightest physical exertion
Belladonna is another very suitable drug that helps control headaches that occur with the slightest physical exertion. It is also indicated if a headache occurs due to walking too fast. In cases where this medicine is required, throbbing/pulsating (throbbing with force and speed) pain occurs in the head. The pain can occur in any part of the head, but becomes worse on the sides of the head. There is marked heat and redness in the face, along with headache. There is a feeling of fullness and pressure in the head. In addition to exercise, it is recommended when the headache is worsened by noise and exposure to bright light. There is relief by tying the head securely.
3. Natrum Mur – With the feeling of a thousand hammers hitting the head
The next prominent drug in the list for controlling exercise-induced headaches is Natrum Mur. In cases where this medicine is needed, it feels like a thousand hammers hitting the head. Along with a headache, sensitivity to light is felt. A throbbing sensation is felt in the head. In addition, a heated sensation is also felt in the head. The face turns red. Nausea and vomiting may occur with these complaints. A throbbing and pulsating sensation is felt in the head, especially in the forehead. A feeling of heaviness is felt in the forehead. This gets worse if you bend your head down. Applying pressure will relieve this complaint. Subsequently, a tearing or stabbing pain in the head may occur, forcing the patient to lie down. The head feels as if it would burst. In addition to the above, Natrum Mur is one of the best medicines to treat cases of headaches caused by sun exposure.
4. Ignatia – For post-run headaches
This medicine is highly recommended for headaches that worsen after running. In cases where this medicine is required, pain is felt in the frontal region of the head. It’s a kind of pressing pain. Pain usually occurs on the right side of the forehead. This pain may extend to the right eye. In some cases, the pain starts from the forehead and extends to the nose or to the center of the top of the head. A pressure sensation occurs on the top of the head, accompanied by nausea and vomiting. A heated sensation is felt in the head. There is relief from headaches by taking rest.
5. Calcarea Carb – For headaches after lifting weights
Calcarea Carb is an important medicine for managing headaches due to lifting weights too heavy. It is accompanied by nausea. An icy feeling is felt in the head. A feeling of weight is felt on the top of the head. The headache mainly starts at the back of the head (occipital protuberance) and extends to the top of the head. It feels like the head would burst. There is relief from headaches by vomiting, closing the eyes or tying the head tightly.
6. Argentum Nitricum – For headaches after dancing
Argentum Nitricum is a beneficial medicine to treat headaches due to physical exertion, especially after dancing. There is pain in the whole head. The nature of pain is urgent. There is relief by tying the head securely. Vertigo can occur together with headache. The objects may appear doubled, along with a headache. The head and face feel congested and the head feels enlarged.
7. Gelsemium – For pain in the neck, back of the head up and forward
Gelsemium is another very effective drug to help with headaches after physical exertion. Individuals requiring this medicine have pain in the top of the neck and the back of the head, extending upward and forward. The nature of the pain can be drawing, tearing or spasmodic. They may also complain of pain in the forehead above the eyes (in one or both eyes). There may be weakness of vision along with headache. A feeling of fullness is felt in the head, which is accompanied by warmth in the face. The head also feels heavy. The head feels enlarged. A feeling of a band around the head may be felt. Nausea may occur along with headache.
8. Calcarea Phos – For pain on top of the head and behind the ears
This medicine is useful in cases where pain is felt on the top of the head and behind the ears. In addition, there is a pulling sensation in the muscles of the neck and the back of the head. In addition, there is a heated feeling in the head. Fullness and pressure are felt in the head.