Headache misery and running

Running & FitNews, March, 2002

For 45 million Americans, a headache can be the bane of existence. And surprisingly, more distance runners suffer chronic, recurring headaches than the general population (36% versus 17%). Headaches fall into three basic categories: tension headaches, usually causing pain where the neck and head meet; vascular headaches, which include migraine and cluster headaches; and organically caused headaches, which are the result of medications, tumors, infection, diabetes, or problems with the brain, eye, ear, sinuses, etc.

As a cruel twist, for many, exercise can be a trigger. If you suffer frequent headaches and suspect that exercise might be a trigger for you, the National Headache Foundation gives the following recommendations:

* Warm up--ease yourself into maximum exertion.

* Stay well-hydrated before, during and after running.

* Be aware of environmental factors such as high altitude, heat, humidity, extreme cold, and air pollution.

* Don't skip meals.

* Keep regular sleep habits.

* Include details and the occurrence of your headaches in your running journal and see whether you can determine a pattern.

For those who suffer chronic headaches, life with a headache may just seem to be the norm--business as usual. But often, headaches can be treated, reducing both their severity and frequency. Even more critical, chronic, severe headaches can be the symptom of a more serious condition. See a medical professional about your headaches if they...

* are sudden and severe.

* affect one side of the head.

* are associated with pain in the eye or ear.

* are accompanied by nausea, vomiting, hallucinations, or sensitivity to light and sound.

* cause confusion or loss of consciousness.

* are persistent when before you were headache-free.

* interfere with work or social situations.

* result from exertion.

(West Virginia Medical Journal, 1999, Vol. 95, No. 2, pp. 76-79; For more information visit the National Headache Foundation at www.headaches.org.)