Headache misery and running.For 45 million Americans, a headache can be the bane BANE. This word was formerly used to signify a malefactor. Bract. 1. 2, t. 8, c. 1. 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 Tension Headache Definition This most common type of headache is caused by severe muscle contractions triggered by stress or exertion. The American Council for Headache Education (ACHE) estimates that 95% of women and 90% of men in the United States and , 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 exertion, n vigorous action, a great effort, a strong influence. . * Stay well-hydrated before, during and after running. * Be aware of environmental factors such as high altitude Conventionally, an altitude above 10,000 meters (33,000 feet). See also 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 vomiting, ejection of food and other matter from the stomach through the mouth, often preceded by nausea. The process is initiated by stimulation of the vomiting center of the brain by nerve impulses from the gastrointestinal tract or other part of the body. , hallucinations Hallucinations Definition Hallucinations are false or distorted sensory experiences that appear to be real perceptions. These sensory impressions are generated by the mind rather than by any external stimuli, and may be seen, heard, felt, and even , 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 West Virginia, E central state of the United States. It is bordered by Pennsylvania and Maryland (N), Virginia (E and S), and Kentucky and, across the Ohio R., Ohio (W). Facts and Figures Area, 24,181 sq mi (62,629 sq km). Pop. Medical Journal, 1999, Vol. 95, No. 2, pp. 76-79; For more information visit the National Headache Foundation at www.headaches.org.) |
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