Sharp headache while lifting?
 

Hello,

I have been working out for almost a year now. Just last week, while doing some bench press, I felt a sharp headache on one side of my head just behind my ear. Any one here have a similar problem?

The "sharp-ness" only lasts a few minutes. When headache passes, i do a few more reps and it comes back. I had to call it a day a few times now because of this. Any one have any ideas?

Currently taking: CR-5 (not much, maybe 1-2 tabs when I'm tired) and muscle milk. When working out without either supplements, I still get headaches.

Thanks all.

I forgot to mention, my neck also gets tense before these headaches occur. Not sure if this info is related.

I also seem to "press" or "push" my head against the bench during those exercises which might trigger these headaches?

it doesnt sound like the symptoms i had so i wouldnt be able to exactly put my finger on it. but i will give a couple suggestions

what they are called are exertional headaches. people get them in different ways.

the first thing i will tell you to do is when you get the headache just stop and live to fight another day. if you keep going it could get worst and you will have to take off for around a week to stop it.

second make sure you are not breaking good form. you said you started feeling things in your neck so make sure you are not jerking or swinging yourself around while you are lifting.

third make sure you are breathing correctly. make sure you are breathing in and beathing out correctly. your breathing can have a lot to do with it.

last but not least if all else fails. this may seem stupid but you may be having to much sex or just to much around the times you are lifting weights. it sounds stupid and funny but im dead serious. i dont know the whole mechanics about it, but that can be a factor. so like i said if all else fails cut back on that.


and if none of that works you may have a more serious problem. if the problem persists go see a doctor and get an xray on your head to make sure everything is cool

here are a few links for you to read more up on it

http://jnnp.bmj.com/cgi/content/abstract/54/5/417

http://headachedrugs.com/archives/exercise_induced.html

Thanks for fast reply!

I'm not jerking my neck/head, but I seem to feel pressure on them while lifting.

I'll definitely skip a few days of lifting to see if headaches will go away. If not, i'll consult a doctor. Thanks again for the info.

word. not a problem

I think this on is most likely related to the neck thing. When you go back just concentrate on relaxing you neck as much as you can.

We have a thread or two on exertional headaches here as well.

A similar issue happened to me a couple of yes ago when i was pushing it hard on the leg press. I got a terrible sharp pain in the back of my pain, then i got all dizzy, went outside and puked. I took about a month off after that because i was getting bad head aches..