Severe headaches after cycling

Manxman_in_exile

You're averaging about 13 - 14 mph for 90 mins and you are getting through a full litre of water? That sounds like a lot of fluid to me for a relatively low level of effort. I don't think I'd get through a litre running for 90 mins.

surreysaver

Manxman_in_exile wrote: »

You're averaging about 13 - 14 mph for 90 mins and you are getting through a full litre of water? That sounds like a lot of fluid to me for a relatively low level of effort. I don't think I'd get through a litre running for 90 mins.

Sounds about what I'd drink for similar effort

Ballard

Manxman_in_exile wrote: »

You're averaging about 13 - 14 mph for 90 mins and you are getting through a full litre of water? That sounds like a lot of fluid to me for a relatively low level of effort. I don't think I'd get through a litre running for 90 mins.

I can obviously only go on what I do and it's fairly hilly on my route so there's a fair amount of heavy breathing on some sections.

Ballard

I went to my local bike shop today and a couple of them had a look at me on my bike and concluded that it was the right size and the set up was good. These aren't people who are regularly fitting bikes but they see plenty of people on them.

As already suggested on here, they told me to get my blood pressure checked so I will do that at some point in the near future.

Ballard

I mentioned this to my mother yesterday and it turns out that she has a blood pressure monitor. My bp came out as 114/86 then 110/82. From what I can tell this is normal.

Maybe I just have to accept that 90 minutes exercise is my limit.

Manxman_in_exile

Those numbers look pretty good, although some doctors might think that the one of the second figures (the 86) is just marginally on the high side of normal. But still within normal, just a bit on the high side.


Problem is of course your BP varies from minute to minute. I'm on medication and when I monitor my blood pressure before a GP appointment I try to take two readings (5 mins apart) three times a day (morning, afternoon and evening) over five days or a week, then average them (overall average and separate averages for am, pm and evening).


I'm not entirely sure why people think your blood pressure my be a factor? My understanding was that high BP is wholly symptomless which is why it's potentially so dangerous.


Maybe, despite my earlier post, you are actually getting dehydrated and one litre isn't enough?


I'd also still wonder if there may be something wrong with bike set up.


Like you I also suffer from tense neck and shoulders and really feel it after a bike ride - and I'm only on flat bars, not drops. I know I have really bad posture that contributes to this!


If I were you, I'd be talking to my GP. Even if they rule out any medical condition a physio referral may be of some help (especially if the physio you see is a cyclist). At my GP surgery it's possible to get a physio referral set up in a week to ten days.

Hedgehog99

What do you wear while cycling?

Just as your hands get cold quicker at cycling speed than when walking, is the air flow wicking heat from your neck?

Have you tried wearing a "Buff" neck scarf, or self-adhesive warming patches? Cura-Heat do a good neck & shoulder one that sticks to clothing.

Ballard

I’m unlikely to be able to get to a doctors in the near future as I’m busy at work and have a 3 1/2 week holiday in 2 1/2 weeks time. It’s not exactly an emergency so don’t feel that I can justify it at the moment.

When I cycle in cold weather I wear thermal socks (or else my toes really hate me!), gloves, shorts, long sleeve t-shirt, cycling jacket & helmet. After the first few minutes I’m comfortable with the temperature.

I’ve now added a second water bottle cage so I can now drink 1 1/2 litres without needing to knock at my parents door to a refill.

Lord_Baltimore

I have my doubts that this is anything to do with blood pressure or fluid consumption. You don't mention your age but I'm guessing that you're young at heart but no longer in your 20's!

As I've grown older, I have noticed this neck tension thing. I don't get the migraines but a couple of hours of riding and it can be painful at the back of the neck holding the weight of your head. Poor road surfaces and advancing age are a perfect storm for neck pain whilst cycling.

I don't think you'll be able to entirely eliminate the problem (unless you change the type of bike you ride) but you should be able to minimise it by making small adjustments to your riding position. Raising the handlebar stem and lowering the saddle will shift your weight (and pressure point) and will help. Yes, it's a compromise in terms of your 'best racing' riding position but it's something you'll have to go with if you want to keep cycling - which we all do.

Suffice to say that what you're experiencing isn't unusual and I reckon you know your GP would say the same thing but you can always get yourself checked out for peace of mind.:)

Ballard

Thanks Lord. I think that you could be right. I’m hurtling towards 49 and have accepted that I probably have to stay within limitations nowadays.

I also suffer with insomnia sometimes!