Weight Lifters Headache and ER update

[Guest guest]

Hello everyone,

I apologize now for the long post, but wanted to share this info:

I wanted to post an update on my visit to the ER from sudden

extremley painful headaches I was getting during a workout. On the

advice of Squig and others here, I did end up going to the ER, and my

CT scan was normal. I had an MRI the following morning, and that was

also normal, but what was interesting was that it showed as a normal

scan for someone who gets migraines.****

Anyway, I did a lot of online reading about sudden headaches due to

exertion, working out, etc. and came up with a lot of information on

what is called " exertion headache " , AKA " weight lifters

headache " , " Weight lifters cephalgia " . There are a couple other names

for it too. A percentage of people who experienced it ended up seeing

a chiropractor, who did work on their neck/spine to better align it,

and the headaches stopped.

My headaches were in the front of my head, (forehead area), but many

people get them in the back of the head, at the base of the skull.

They should rule out another problem with the veins if it is in the

base of the skull. (Sometimes, veins can grow into an

entwined 'clump' there and cause pain when any exertion occurs, adn

that has to be found and treated medically).

The online advice that I did take was aspirin therapy. About one half

hour before working out, I take two aspirin. While I am doing UB or

LBWO, I go slowly and pay close attention to correct breathing.

Wouldn't you know it, the headaches are gone? I also read that

Doctors will sometimes prescribe an aspirin regimen for exertion

headache, among other painkillers. I didn't feel I needed the heavy

duty migraine painkillers, and I was right. The aspirin seem to do

the trick by thinning the blood. Eventually, I can wean myself off

the aspirin, but for now, it is working.

I also graduated from 5 weeks of physical therapy for my shoulder on

Friday! They said I can continue strength training for the rotator

cuff and arms, and just to go slowly and stop with any pain. I am so

relieved!

In my first challenge, I went from 241 lbs.to 233 lbs., and have kept

that off by continuing the diet (I still take free day). I started a

new challenge last Sunday and my next goal is to try to get to 200

lbs. I know it will take a while but I can do it.

****I just wanted to share this news about the headache, it might

help another person here. Of course, if you have severe headaches

during workouts, it is ALWAYS a good idea to get checked to rule out

any serious problems. But, if those tests come up normal as mine did,

you might want to ask your Dr. about simple treatments for exertion

headaches.

Good luck to everyone on their journey in BFL.....

Karyn