Tell us about your symptoms and treatment experience. Take our survey here.

caret icon Back to all discussions

Fitness

Has anybody have any tips or exercises to help with migraines? I want to start working out but sometimes it triggers a migraine. I was wondering if anyone experience the same thing and has ways to cope with it.

  1. Hi Ryebecca,

    Thanks for your post! You pose a great question. The following articles discuss the relationship between chronic migraine and exercise, while also providing some exercise suggestions - https://migraine.com/migraine-and-mental-health/mental-health-migraine-and-exercise/, https://migraine.com/complimentary-and-alternative-therapies/exercise/, https://migraine.com/blog/exercise-and-migraine/, https://migraine.com/blog/exercise-and-migraine-part-1-what-it-is-and-what-it-isnt/, https://migraine.com/blog/migraine-triggers-5-ways-to-deal-with-exercise-as-a-migraine-trigger/. The community member comments within the articles are helpful and informative as well. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to reach out. We love hearing from you! Hope you have a lovely day.

    Warmly,

    Meaghan (Migraine.com Team)

    1. Mine are funny. I feel better after I run, but I trigger a pounding migraine if I do any upperbody work (bicep curls particularly).

      1. Same here with upper body workouts. I run as well but when it comes to upper body strengthening it triggers a migraine. I know building strength in the trapezius muscles is good for someone with migraines but it's like you cannot win.

        1. Hi, Ryebecca! In addition to the great articles that Meaghan suggested, I'd like to add Tammy's great article Rethinking Exercise.

          Have you considered yoga and Tai Chi offer lots of upper-body strengthening with very little impact and the benefit of increased flexibility? Don't forget to check with your doctor before changing your routine.

          Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences with us! -All Best, Donna (Migraine.com team)

          Please read our rules before posting.