Source
r/weightroom•
Defrath

Intense headache following the end of a set?

While doing a squat set of 265x5, as I pushed from the top of the fifth rep, the back of my head began to build up a ton of pressure. I racked it, but it felt like my head was going to explode. It kept getting worse by the second. I couldn't even keep my eyes open.

Nothing was different about this workout. I had the usual pre-workout prep, and the strength was spot on. The workout order was like this

Chin-up: 6 6 6 6 (warm up for me mainly) Deadlift: 135x5, 135x5, 225x5, 315x3, 315x3, 315x3, 405x1 Squat: 135x5, 135x5, 185x5, 225x3, 255x5, 265x5

Here is a video of the set: http://youtu.be/RhK8AweBXT0?t=1m21s

I'm experimenting with my squat form, but 265 isn't exactly what I'd expect to give me an exertion headache. Should I be worried?

Posted May 16, 2012, 12:15 AM UTC

112
Prime170Strength Training - Novice•

Been there. Even though the weight may not be that challenging to you, it's not out of the realm of possibilities. The last 3 reps, well last 2 actually, your ascent speed is greatly decreased compared to the first 2 reps. Did the headache persist? If so, how long? Does it/has it come back if/when doing anything mildly challenging?

Hydration was my problem, lack of rest could be another culprit.

IMHO, drink plenty of water, get proper sleep, take some pain killers - then have another go at it.

5
DefrathOPStrength Training - Novice•

My hydration, eating, and sleep were spot on as usual. It did persist afterward for something like two hours. I actually think the reason this happened was because of how angry I was before I left for the gym. I was having a pretty big fit of rage, and my head tends to build up a lot of tension when I am angry. I don't know if that is it, but it is the only inconsistency.

1
Bogey_Redbud•

I had a similar issue. I focused on my breathing. I found I was holding my breath on heavy lifts and it would flare up again. Thinking I popped a neck muscle out and was pinching a nerve.

1
[deleted]•

[deleted]

1
Bogey_Redbud•

Actually I just watched the video. Exactly what I did. the holding of your breath and a weight that may just be too much is what did it. Pretty sure its an exertion headache. Mine came back anytime I tried to lift so I took a month off and was fine. But be careful, if you have vigorous sex, it will come back.

1
All4TheBest•

The same thing happened to me doing leg press, though it was a last set done to failure, so not exactly your situation. Mine turned out to be a strained optic nerve, which healed on its own, but it hurt me to exert myself for the next few weeks.

Still, I'd go see a doctor. Don't mess around with your brain-case.

4
keflexxx•

My exertion headaches subsided once I started giving a shit about thoracic mobility, for what that's worth. How was your breathing?

4
Scrofuloid•

Anecdotally, exertion headaches seem to be connected to neck angle. Your neck angle looks a bit inconsistent in this set. On some reps, you are looking almost straight down on the descent, and then changing to neutral on the way up. Try keeping your neck angle neutral throughout the movement, say, by focusing on something 10 feet in front of you, before you begin the descent. A small piece of tape should do fine.

2
DefrathOPStrength Training - Novice•

I was thinking that, but it just didn't feel that way. I considered that, as head position during the squat is something I have been actively working to improve, but it just didn't feel like the tension came from that. Normally when my neck is in a bad position for the lift, I can really feel it, but this head pain came out of nowhere as if someone hit me in the head with an ethereal bat. Kind of hilarious when I think about it. My brain is probably hemorrhaging as I type thisssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss

1
Scrofuloid•

How long did the pain last? Have you had exertion headaches in the past? If you're genuinely worried, go get checked out ASAP.

0
poopyfarts•

I find that using the valvasa manuever or whatever its called tends to be more frequent with getting exertion headaches. You may want to take a break for awhile as I took 2 weeks off and they came back just as strong. Also might be linked to tight hips (read it somewhere)

1
atcStrength Training - Inter.•

I had these regularly. Gulping water solved it (and doing so excessively).

0
DefrathOPStrength Training - Novice•

Unfortunately, I don't think water is my issue. I have a pretty insane water intake, averaging 200oz+ a day.

1