The Relationship Between Migraines and Sports

People who suffer from migraines know very well that the only thing you want to do when you have one is to lie-down. However, exercise can be a great ally when it comes to these intense headaches. What’s more, we’ll look at how to treat a migraine episode that occurs while you’re practicing sports.

What are migraines?

Migraines are headaches that usually come hand in hand with other unpleasant symptoms. These include nausea, overall weakness, and an inability to tolerate light and sound. They may affect just one specific region of the head, or individuals may feel a generalized pain in every area.

This type of pain can feel like a vibration or pulsation. What’s more, in many cases it’s preceded by what’s known as the aura phase. This aura is a sensation of discomfort and weakness that warns people that they’re about to get a migraine.

Once we find ourselves suffering from a full-on migraine, the pain can be so debilitating that it makes it impossible to concentrate. Therefore, we need to rest until the pain goes away.

The causes of migraines

There have been many studies on migraine pain. However, there’s still a subject of great debate. One of the most controversial topics has to do with the causes that lead up to migraine episodes.

Many authors have theorized about different possible triggers for migraines. These include genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and psychological stress. However, all of the causes that we mention below also bare a relationship with the onset of these pains:

• Anxiety.
• Psychological stress.
• Physical overexertion.
• Potential stimuli, which can be luminary or auditory.
• Hormonal changes.
• Stimulating substances such as tobacco or caffeine.
• The abuse of certain drugs or medications.
• Insufficient sleep.

All of these factors can lead to a migraine. Some people have suffered from this sort of pain for a long time and are able to recognize the chain of events. For example, certain foods or pharmaceuticals ingested a few minutes before the onset of pain.

The relationship between migraines and sports

On numerous occasions, people have drawn connections between migraines and sports–both in their genesis as well as their treatment. As we mentioned above, physical activity may place certain stress on our bodies. And this stress may have to do with the appearance of migraines. 

This could be the result of dehydration, accelerated heart rate, or hormonal changes that take place while exercising. Just the same, there’s no precise explanation.

However, experts often recommend that patients who suffer chronic migraines increase their levels of physical activity. Physical activity causes our bodies to release substances such as endorphins, which act as natural pain killers. Therefore, they reduce the intensity of headaches. What’s more, the overall improvement in health can also make these episodes less and less frequent and intense.

Treatment: migraines and sports

Currently, there’s no definitive treatment for migraines. They can appear spontaneously and we can suffer from them for years. The only treatment we have today has to do with addressing the symptoms. In other words, reducing the uncomfortable effects of migraines as much as possible.

The measures we take during migraine episodes are very important. For example, resting in a dark room, drinking plenty of water, and placing a damp compression on your forehead.

At the same time, there are certain pharmaceuticals that can reduce the intensity of migraines. If the episodes are very intense, then you should see a doctor. A specialist will evaluate your case and prescribe the best therapy option to cope with your headaches.

Treating migraines during physical activity

If you start to notice the signs that you’re going to get a migraine while exercising, the best thing you can do is stop. Most likely, you’ll be away from home, so it’s important that you stay calm. It’s common for people to panic, especially the first few times this happens. Rather, sit down and drink some water.

You can also try eating something that gives you energy, such as some fruit or an energy bar, and splash some water on your face. Discontinue physical activity until the episode is over and allow yourself to rest for the remainder of the day.