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Running Helps Migraines

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Migraine Headache
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Posted 7/27/2008 7:34 AM (GMT -7)
Hi.  I have found in the last couple of years that running long distance helps reduce the occurance of my hemiplegic migraines.  Has anyone else found this to be true?  My neurologist agrees that running helps because it increases the blood flow to the brain.  What is everyone elses experiences with running and migraines?

Tanna Wright

Posted 7/27/2008 9:57 AM (GMT -7)
Have never tried running, not sure it would help me even bending over makes my head hurt. I do plan to start working out starting tomorrow so we shall see how that goes and what it does for my headaches. Glad the running works for you!!
Posted 7/27/2008 12:15 PM (GMT -7)
I guess I should have explained that running to PREVENT migraines not running during a migraine. 

Posted 7/28/2008 5:55 PM (GMT -7)
I just came back from a run because I had a migraine. I don't feel it while I am running and afterwards its pretty much gone who down to the headache level.:) I suffer from migraines frequently and yes it does prevent them as well. I haven't had to take my prescription for long time. When I wasn't doing as much running because of traveling and business I felt my migraines come back. Hope this helps! :) God Bless!
Posted 8/12/2008 9:33 AM (GMT -7)
I just started to walk during a migraine and it made it decrease some in intensity. i WOULD take my imitrex but im on limited amt since i dont have insurance for about another month lol...so im doing whatever i can to keep from taking a pill.

I jsut couldnt take the pain. laying still wouldnt help. sitting in the dark, no noise....noting, so i started walking...from anger and annoyance from the migraines made me do it and i dont think that made any sense just then....haha. im at work trying to do this and do work.

 

ive been going to the gym for a few months now and i personally havent seen a decrease in migraines. theyve gotten worse lately though.
Posted 8/29/2008 9:38 AM (GMT -7)

Hi,

I saw your post about running. I use to run and then had to quit after a hip injury and I haven't run much in over a year. But I have often wondered if I picked it back up again how it might work to prevent my migraines. I get the kind of migraines that cause a lot of dizziness and the dizziness can last for days or weeks. Would love to run again.

By long distance, how long do you mean? Do you think a couple miles would do the trick or should it be longer and do you run outside or use a treadmill?

Thanks! smilewinkgrin

Posted 9/27/2008 11:44 AM (GMT -7)
migraine for 2 years now, tried return to running coz gaining weight, probably due to notriptylene, make me headache worst, even bending over make my head hurts like what nichole28 said. but maybe it's working for you guys?
Posted 12/8/2008 4:19 PM (GMT -7)

YES!!! I have found that too!! I used to run a lot! SIX miles a day! I unfortunatley did some damage to my knee (poor shoes and lack of stretching!) But my knees are 100% again - but in the last few years I have quit running I had developed SEVERE migraines...missing lots of work (which is NOT like me at all!).  I have seen a couple different neurologists, had CT scans, bloodwork, and finally went to a headache specialist.  He suggested the occipital nerve block procedure. (but holding off on that unless I have to)  I'm currently on topomax, relpax, and prior to starting to run again I would run out of my relpax (insurance would only allow six pills per month) in two weeks time!! I was getting them CONSTANTLY!!!! Well, the doctor suggested I started to run again b/c he said your body produces pain endorphins when you excercise....so I thought...what the heck!! So about a month ago I started my 'jogging' again....I have jogged 4 miles per day (about 4-5 days a week) at 5% incline on my treadmill and can you believe I have not had ONE headache since I have started this up?? I'm in total disbelief!  I'm thrilled to say the least b/c these headaches have been ruling my LIFE for the past YEAR....and I have felt WONDERFUL in the past month....I have not had to take a single ounce of medication and I have my life back!! I can only hope it continues!! The 'side effects' of losing a little extra weight doesn't hurt either!! :-)

But let me do clarify that when I was HAVING a migraine, running would intensify it - BIG TIME.  I had to find a time when I was feeling decent enough to jog to start jogging....sounds crazy I know....but that is how my body works!

Posted 9/5/2012 3:52 PM (GMT -7)
I've never been much of a runner but, Yes! I just recently found running helps me with my migraines in two respects:
1) When I am running/jogging regularly (5 days a week 4 miles very slow jog/walk 10-12min pace) I almost never get a migraine. However If I run supper long distances or fast for me (6-10 miles/8min pace) some times I get a headache.

2) When I have a migraine and I go for a run, the migraine almost always intensifies to the point I have to stop running and walk for a little bit. Occasionally I can walk run walk run for a bit (30min) and my migraine will go away. Other times it just gets worse and I have to try and sleep it off for a couple of days.

Ever since I can remember I've have had migraines on a regular basis just like my Dad, but I am soooooooooooo excited I found this running trick.

Migranies for me are sever pulsing headaches that normally occur on the right side of my head behind my eye (occasionally on the left)
- Supper sensitive to light
- If its a really bad, sensitive to noise
- Often triggered by strong smelling perfumes or smoke
- Stress make them more frequent and worse
- Make me feel sick to my stomach and not want to move because my head hurts
- Last for a couple of days, normally not at peak intensitiy (until now that I've found this running trick:)
Posted 9/6/2012 12:49 PM (GMT -7)
Running is one of my bigger migraine triggers. Unless I take 2-3 Advil prior to running, I'm guaranteed to have a migraine. Last time this happened, the migraine lasted a week and nothing would touch it, so I finally went to my neurologist and got an injection of Sumavel, which finally helped bring the migraine down. If I take it really easy, it's less likely to happen than if I'm training/running at or near race pace.
Posted 9/7/2012 8:37 PM (GMT -7)
Hi all. New member here. I just stumbled on this site while researching oxygen therapy for migraines. If oxygen is effective in stopping migraines and cluster headaches once they start, it makes perfect sense then that running, which causes one to breathe deeply, thereby increasing oxygen to the body and brain, should be an effective measure in preventing them before they start. Great idea. Arthritis following a knee injury won't allow me to run or even distance walk. But I'll be hitting the recumbent and see if it helps. Thanks, tannabo, for the suggestion. yeah
Posted 4/25/2013 1:23 PM (GMT -7)
So funny that I found this today. I am getting ready to go run for the first time with a group of people, we are doing the couch to 5k. I walk anywhere from 3-6 miles every day that I can. I do have a migraine now, around a 3 level. Praying I can do this! I try to make myself get out and get at least 2 1/2 miles in and that's walking briskly. Will let you know how it goes. :)

Mercyme :-)
Posted 4/27/2013 11:16 PM (GMT -7)
I noticed that overall, I felt better and had less neurological symptoms when I was working out with the guidance of a trainer 4 to 6 times a week. I did that for three months and was headache free for the most part. However, working out makes my joints hurt, me feel overall fatigued, and I still feel weak with or without it. I'm going to get back to the gym though! Maybe just work towards 3 times a week. I've been a lot dizzier now than normal, sometimes for weeks, also. It also effects me when I bend over or turn my head, I get dizzy sometimes. :( I've got to be careful!
Posted 8/25/2020 5:19 PM (GMT -7)
I am a walker and have been, off and on, for the last twenty-five years or so. I started having a constant headache about ten years ago. After numerous doctors, numerous nerve blocks, numerous medications that haven't worked or only work for a short time, I have noticed in the last year or so that, when I don't walk at least four days a week, my headaches are drastically more severe and the flares are much more frequent. I don't know if it's just the distraction of the walks or something else, but it has me pretty well convinced at this point. I have less flares and take a whole lot less medication when I am walking on a regular basis. Now...to convince the doctors...lol....which might never happen.

Anyway, for those of you that can't run, go for a walk....it works! Blessings!
Posted 8/27/2020 6:21 AM (GMT -7)
Raffiki

Welcome!

True!
I also have 24/7 migraine pain

Walking and gentle stretching helps. Like you there is.a line which can not be crossed or the severe pain is triggered.

So we move ahead, trying to stay active within our limitations no one can see.
This is their issue not ours!
Posted 1/3/2021 6:51 PM (GMT -7)
Fascinating! I have been a runner since age 12. I still run, primarily because it helps ease my fibromyalgia. I don’t know if it helps to tame my migraines, but it’s possible. I’m glad I’m not the only one who finds exercise beneficial! Thanks for making me feel less odd. I have bit dust a few times trying to run through an incipient HM and have pictures of me with some very colorful bruises all up and down my right side from falling when symptoms suddenly strike. I am still learning when to push it and when not to do so.
Posted 1/5/2021 9:14 PM (GMT -7)
Welcome, R R Yogi!

We all have that learning curve!🤭

about 5 years ago I started to learn
quiet meditation
1 - 2 minute body scans

With repeatative practice, I soon realized
I was becoming aware of my feelings or emotions as it was happening.

People say: all things in moderation. Listen to your body, it will let you know!

Well, now I kinda think it may true!!!
Peace
Stay Well
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