Top 8 Homeopathic Medicines For Exercise-induced Headache

Exercise-induced headache or exertion headache refers to headache that occurs during or after some physical exertion like running, exercise, weightlifting, swimming. Doing exercise in hot weather increases the risk of such headache. Some other activities that may trigger such headache are rowing, playing sports like tennis, football, aerobics and also sexual intercourse. While exercising or carrying out any physical exertion, blood demand to the head, neck and scalp is increased. Due to this, blood vessels dilate to receive more blood flow which can result in exertion headache.

Dehydration and low blood sugar levels after exercise might also contribute to exercise-induced headache. Its symptoms include pain in the head either on one or both the sides, pulsating sensation in the head and pain in the neck. It may also have symptoms of migraine such as nausea and vomiting, sensitivity to light and vision changes. Having a family history or personal history of migraine increases the chance of such headaches. Exercise induced headache is categorised into two types primary and secondary. Primary exercise headache is the ones that is not caused by an underlying health problem. Secondary exercise headache is caused by some underlying health problem. These health issues can range from mild sinus like infection to serious causes including obstruction in CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) flow, tumours in the brain including cancerous and non-cancerous, bleeding in the brain, heart disease and stroke (interrupted blood supply to a part of the brain leading to death of brain cells).

Homeopathic Management

Homeopathy is of immense use to manage cases of primary exercise induced headache that occurs without any underlying health condition. Homeopathic medicines help in gradually reducing the intensity and frequency of this complaint. Homeopathic medicines are of natural origin, so they are 100 percent safe and can be used with zero side effects. Homeopathic prescription is done based on the characteristic symptoms of the individual. The treatment is given purely based on the individual’s symptoms. Therefore, it is advised to get any case evaluated by a homeopathic physician for the right prescription and dosage. Homeopathic medicines are recommended only for primary exercise induced headache. These are not recommended for secondary exercise-induced headache that occur from some underlying serious causes. In such cases, the conventional mode of treatment is better since homeopathy has its limitations to handle serious cases.

Homeopathic Medicines For Exercise-Induced Headache

1. Epiphegus – Top Recommended Medicine

Epiphegus is a leading homeopathic medicine that helps manage cases of exercise-induced headache. Those who need this medicine usually feel pain in the sides of the head. It feels as if fingertips are pressing into the sides of head. Though pain can occur on any side, most of the times it affects the left side of the head. Headache can be preceded by hunger. There is excessive salivation in the mouth which is sticky. It is attended with a constant need to spit. Fullness sensation is also felt in the head. Additionally, the scalp feels tight during headache.

2. Belladonna – For Headache From Slightest Physical Exertion

Belladonna is another highly suitable medicine that helps to manage headache that occurs from the least physical exertion. It is also indicated when headache occurs from walking too fast. In cases needing this medicine, throbbing / pulsating (to beat with force and rapidity) pain occurs in the head. The pain can occur in any part of the head but gets worse on the sides of the head. There is marked heat and redness on the face along with headache. There is a feeling of fullness and a pressure is felt in the head. Besides exertion, it is indicated when headache gets worse from noise and exposure to bright light.  There is relief by binding the head tightly.

3. Natrum Mur – With Sensation Of Thousand Hammers Knocking On Head

The next prominent medicine in the list of managing exercise-induced headache is Natrum Mur. In cases needing this medicine, it feels as if a thousand hammers are knocking on the head. Along with headache, sensitivity to light is felt. Throbbing is felt in the head. Besides, heated sensation is also felt in the head. The face gets red. Nausea and vomiting may occur along with these complaints. Beating and pulsating sensation is felt in the head especially in the forehead. A sensation of heaviness is felt in the forehead. This worsens from bending the head down. There is relief in this complaint by applying pressure. Next, there may occur tearing or stitching pain in the head that compels the sufferer to lie down. The head feels as if it would burst. Besides the above, Natrum Mur is one of the best medicines to manage cases of headache occurring from sun exposure.

4. Ignatia – For Headache After Running

This medicine is highly recommended for headache that gets worse after running. In cases requiring this medicine, pain is felt in the frontal region of the head. It is a pressive sort of pain. Usually pain occurs on the right side of the forehead. This pain might extend to the right eye. In some cases, pain starts from the forehead and extends down to the nose or upwards to the middle of the top of the head. A pressure sensation occurs on the top of the head attended with nausea and vomiting. Heated sensation is felt in the head. There is relief in headache by taking rest.

5. Calcarea Carb – For Headache After Lifting Weights

Calcarea Carb is an important medicine for managing headache resulting from over-lifting weights. It is accompanied with nausea. An icy cold feeling is felt in the head. A sensation of weight is felt on the top of the head. The headache mainly starts at the back of the head (occiput) and extends to the top of the head. It feels as if the head would burst. There is relief in headache from vomiting, closing eyes or by tightly binding the head.

6. Argentum Nitricum – For Headache After Dancing

Argentum Nitricum is a beneficial medicine to manage headache from physical exertion especially after dancing. There is pain in the entire head. The nature of pain is pressing type. There is relief by tightly binding the head. Vertigo may occur along with the headache. The objects may seem double along with headache. The head and face feel congested and the head feels enlarged.

7. Gelsemium – For Pain In Neck, Back Of Head Extending Upward And Forward

Gelsemium is another very effective medicine to help cases of headache following physical exertion. Persons needing this medicine have pain in the upper neck and the back of the head that extends up and forward. The nature of pain can be drawing, tearing or cramp-like. They may also complain of pain in the forehead over the eyes (on one or both the eyes). Dimness of sight may occur along with headache. A fullness sensation is felt in the head attended with heat in the face. The head also feels heavy. The head feels enlarged. A sensation of a band around the head may be felt. Nausea may occur along with headache.

8. Calcarea Phos – For Pain On Top Of Head And Behind Ears

This medicine is useful for cases where pain is felt on the top of the head and behind the ears. Along with this, there occurs a drawing sensation in the muscles of the neck and the back of the head. Along with this, a heated sensation occurs in the head. Fullness and pressure are felt in the head.