You finish a tough practice or workout, and that familiar pounding in your head kicks in. Most people brush it off—“I didn’t drink enough water,” they say. And sometimes, they’re right.

But when headaches keep coming back after physical activity, it’s time to dig deeper. At California Sports & Spine Institute (CSSI), we see athletes and active patients all the time who suffer from post-exercise headaches—and dehydration is only part of the story.

Let’s break down what could really be going on—and how we help you find relief that lasts.

Dehydration: The Usual Suspect

Yes, dehydration is a common and valid cause of exertion-related headaches. When you sweat too much without replenishing fluids and electrolytes, the brain can actually contract slightly, tugging on surrounding structures and triggering pain.

Quick fix: Hydrate before, during, and after exercise, and consider electrolyte support—especially in hot weather.

But what if you’re already doing that… and the headaches continue?

Other Causes of Post-Workout Headaches

Exertional Headaches

These happen during or after intense physical activity, like running, weightlifting, or playing sports. They usually feel like a throbbing pain on both sides of the head and can last anywhere from minutes to hours.

Exertional headaches may be:

Primary: Harmless, but annoying

Secondary: A sign of an underlying condition, such as a vascular issue, nerve irritation, or even spinal misalignment

If they’re new, sudden, or severe—get evaluated.

 Musculoskeletal & Cervicogenic Headaches

Your headache might actually be coming from your neck or upper back. This is especially common in sports that involve:

Repetitive upper body motion (like tennis, swimming, or weight training)

Poor posture or muscle imbalance

Previous neck injuries or whiplash

At CSSI, we see many cases where tight or irritated muscles, nerves, or joints in the neck are triggering what feels like a tension or migraine headache.

Concussion or Post-Traumatic Headache

If you’ve ever taken a hit to the head—or even experienced whiplash—your headache could be post-concussive. These can linger for weeks or months and may be made worse by physical activity.

Symptoms may include:

Sensitivity to light or sound

Dizziness

Fatigue or “brain fog”

Difficulty concentrating

Even minor head injuries can cause long-term symptoms if not properly treated.

How CSSI Helps You Find the Real Cause

At California Sports & Spine Institute, we take every headache seriously—especially if it's disrupting your training or daily life.

Here’s how we help:

Comprehensive Evaluation

We assess head, neck, and spine alignment, test for nerve involvement, and review your activity level, injury history, and movement mechanics.

Targeted Diagnostic Testing

If needed, we’ll order MRI, CT scans, or nerve conduction studies to rule out serious conditions and pinpoint the true source of your pain.

Personalized Treatment Plan

Depending on the cause, we may recommend:

Occipital or trigeminal nerve blocks

Trigger point injections

Botulinum toxin for chronic headaches or migraines

Spinal alignment or cervical-focused rehab

Regenerative therapy for damaged soft tissue

Our goal? Lasting relief without overmedicating or rushing into invasive treatments.

Don’t Ignore Headaches That Keep Coming Back

If you’re constantly reaching for ibuprofen after practice, it’s time to take a closer look. At CSSI, we treat the root of the problem, not just the symptoms—so you can stay active, pain-free, and fully present on the field or in life.

Visit us at one of our convenient locations in Arcadia, Glendale, or Palmdale

Call (818) 338-6860 or (626) 460-1096 to schedule your visit

Prefer virtual care? Telemedicine appointments available

Headaches after exercise aren’t “normal”—they’re treatable. Let CSSI help you get back to your sport, clear-headed and confident.