I've been having a problem recently. When I swim, about 300 yds in, I get a really bad headache. This just started happening about two weeks ago. I have been swimming for about year now and have never had anything like this. The pain is unbearable to the point where it feels like a migraine.
If anyone has had the same problem please let me know. Are my goggles too tight? Maybe my swimcap? Am I depriving my brain of oxygen !? Any input would be greatly appreciated. I would like to be able to swim without this pain!
Former Member
Is it possible that you are not getting enough fluids? Maybe you need to drink some more water or Gatorade or something similar. I have never gotten a headache while swimming. I however do get pretty bad stomache aches from time to time.
Could be a form of migraine (do you have a history of migraines?). If the pain is that bad, you really should consult your physician. Have you checked your blood pressure recently?
I don't think that it has anything to do with blood supply to my brain. I cycle and run at a very intense pace (run 6:30-7:00 min/mile and cycle at an average of 21-23mph) and have never experienced any problems, no dizziness, headaches, stomach problems, lung problems. I was just at the doctor about 3 months ago for a physical and everything was excellent. I'm not trying to deny that anything might be wrong, but it would seem odd for me to have a problem since I eat well and am very active.
It may be that I need to intake more water/sports drink during my workout. I always have a bottle at the end of my lane, but don't drink out of it much when I swim.
Reviview your swimming thechnique, make sure you're not tweaking yourself. Check your breating patterns, amke sure you're not straining yourself. Check your goggles and cap, yea, I get a headache If I strap my goggles on too tight for too long...
Also, if you're not swimming under a coach, this could be a good time to look up a coach, and perhaps invest in a lesson or two, to help you figure out if something is odd about your technique... and causing this.
If all of the above doesn't make any difference, check with the doctor.
Just in case you weren't convinced, I third that advice! I am an occupational therapy student--in my education so far, I have learned that what you are experiencing may be the sign of serious trouble somewhere in your cardiovascular system--including the blood supply to your brain. I don't want to sound like an alarmist, but really, really, really, please, please, please go get this checked out right away. Better safe than sorry. And let us all know how you're doing.
Best,
Laura
Headache from swimming can be from a couple of sources. Blood pressure or vascular problems are very unlikely, as they rarely cause any pain.
Muscle fatigue in the neck from technique that needs improvement is the most likely. Don't forget that "tension headache" does not mean "stress", but rather muscle tension. The muscles around the neck and head can really put up a fuss when strained improperly.
It is not out of the question that hypovolemia could be causing it, although I think drinking water is probably a better alternative to 'sports' drinks.
Lastly, if you are not breathing properly, and your workout is becoming too anerobic, this can cause headache as well.
The most likely is from muscle strain of the neck/head. Are you in an age range at risk for osteoarthritis of the neck?
