Stabbing Headache when exercising

[susiefer]

I get a headache when I exercise, usually on the left side, stabbing pain in the neck then upwards towards my left eye. Pain later remains crown-like - until I take an Advil or sometimes migraine medication. This began when I exercised on a Power Plate (a machine that vibrates to exercise your muscles). I stopped after 3 sessions. Now it happens when I do lunges or lift 10lb weights. What is happening?

[Maria RN]

I think you should discuss this with your doctor. There are different types of headache that are exacerbated by exercises. Sometimes they are temporary and can be relieved by ordinary analgesics. However, this type of headache can occasionally be an indicator of serious underlying causes such as problems in the brain or spinal cord. Here's an article about weight-lifter's headache:
http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/pagerender.fcgi?artid=1478441&pageindex=1

Here's a doctor's advice about headaches:
http://askdoctorjoshua.com/2006/03/13/headache-every-day-painkillers-do-not-work/

[Purple98Lady]

I agree with Sue. Be seen for proper testing, say a MRI to rule out a more dangerous condition.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/exercise-headaches/DS00641/DSECTION=tests-and-diagnosis

[dmongking]

Hi,

Headache is a symptom. There are different types of headaches: tension headache, cluster headache, Migraine headache, headache due to congestion, headaches due to serious things like subdural hematoma, and others.

Exercising then experiencing a headache consistently needs to be investigated further. Is it to one side only and disappears with pain medication?

I would see a physician if I were you. Don't self-medicate.

[coleen2008]

hi there..i just want to ask,how would you rate your pain in the scale of 1-10?if it is 7,8,9,10..dont ignore it, see a specialist immediately and discuss this with your dr to further assess you, a series of test can help to detect underlying cause such as MRI.