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Killer headaches after long rides

davidpettigrewdavidpettigrew
in General Training Discussions
I keep getting really bad headaches several hours after my longer rides (>1.5 hours). I am not sure if it is a fit/position issue or nutrition. I have experienced this for a couple of years off and on.
I have had this issue after being on on my road bike, mountain bike and tri bike.
Last year I was thinking it was delayed effects of dehydration. I increased the amount I drink and that seemed to help. I weigh about 173lbs and generally found 24oz of perform an hour was good.
This year is my first with EN I had been following that approach, but have been thinking with the more intense training I should probably be drinking more. Today I drank about double that and I have gotten a headache again.
The headache is migraine like. It comes with nausea and light sensitivity.
I am wondering if anyone else has experienced and solved such an issue.
Thanks a bunch for any help. I am getting very tired of this routine every weekend.
David

Comments

  • David LeventhalDavid Leventhal
    Any chance it's allergy related? Pollen, trees, etc...?
  • davidpettigrewdavidpettigrew
    David, I hadn't thought of that. Interesting suggestion, and I will think about that as a possibility.
    My suspicion is it is more to do with tension in the shoulders and/or neck that is causing it. I do make a point of trying to roll my head and shake my arms out every so often.
  • robin sarnerrobin sarner
    Similar issues for me. I need to keep drinking a lot through the whole rest of the day.
  • jalesliejaleslie

    I've had many many headaches after long rides.  Happens on the road bike or TT bike equally.  I've found what Robin mentioned to be the most helpful.  I need to keep drinking well after the ride.  Still sometimes get one, but not as often if I drink more.  

  • Robert SaboRobert Sabo
    Is that the only time you get "migraine" like headaches? Just wondering if it's the only cause or one of many triggers.
  • steve Beyersteve Beyer
    Of course I'm biased because I'm a chiropractor, but don't overlook the obvious (and you're gut feeling or "suspicion"), which is the chronic tension in the posterior neck muscles brought on by riding....especially in the triathlon/aero position. This muscle tension can translate into vertebral joint restrictions, or even misalignments, which are a common cause of headaches.

    So while dehydration is a possibility, and it never hurts to stay on top of that, don't overlook going to see a chiropractor to have some spinal manipulation done....it could be exactly what is needed.
  • jfields74jfields74

    I had a similar issue at times last year during the heat of the summer and agree with Robin about after workout hydration is critical.  Mine did seem to be related to that.  Another thought came to mind though, although it may not apply.  Could your helmet(s) be too tight.  I get headaches any time I wear something that is too tight on my head.  I can not wear headsweats visors.  Simply too tight on my big ole noggin!

  • davidpettigrewdavidpettigrew

    Thanks all for your suggestions. I hadn't thought about visiting a chiropractor. That seems like it would be worth trying, and I imagine the results would be more immediate. I will do some further experiments with allergies and hydration (before, during and after). I did notice that I was not peeing much at all yesterday after my ride despite drinking a lot during the ride. 

    David

  • Scott AlexanderScott Alexander
    I know some people have had issues with sunglasses with frames, esp in aero position. If you're down in aero, and trying to peek over and above the frames the whole ride, then that 'tension' in the eyes causes problems. You might try some sunglasses without frames on top, like some of the Tifosi or Smith Optics line.

    I switched to a visor (instead of framed sunglasses) when riding my Giro Advantage 2 aero helmet and have noticed less strain during a race.
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