OpenHealth Q&A

Struggling with Persistent Neck and Head Discomfort After Workouts – Seeking Guidance

Hello! I’m a 19-year-old female and have been dealing with unusual neck and head sensations that seem to linger. I would greatly value any advice or shared experiences. **Background:** - I maintain an active lifestyle, engaging in weight training four to five times weekly, plus running once or twice. - My workouts take place at Planet Fitness, focusing on muscle toning rather than heavy lifting. - My height is about 5’7” and I weigh approximately 126 lbs. - Although I do not have any severe health issues, I experience dizziness upon standing, occasionally leading to fainting spells. My physician indicates my blood pressure is normal, but I suspect it might be lower than what’s ideal. - I should mention that I take Adderall and Sertraline for managing ADHD and anxiety symptoms. - I also struggle with sinus issues due to narrow nasal passages, making it harder to clear mucus during colder seasons and increasing my susceptibility to infections. **Medical Evaluations:** - Blood tests returned normal results. - A neurologist examined me and found no neurological impairments. - An MRI revealed no abnormalities. **Onset of Symptoms:** The trouble began in early May, particularly while performing hip thrusts. I noticed a peculiar sensation in my sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle, feeling as if it was catching near a lymph node below my jaw, particularly when my chin was tucked and my head unsupported. Though there was no pain, it was disconcerting. Despite this, I continued with my workouts. Since then, the lymph node in that area has remained tender to the touch. Typically, I conclude my workouts with abdominal exercises, which include: - Weighted decline sit-ups - Hanging leg raises - Weighted toe reaches - Using the ab slide at Planet Fitness After completing decline sit-ups one day, I stood up and experienced lightheadedness along with fullness in my ears, as if they needed to pop. I thought nothing of it. Later that evening, while washing my hair, tilting my head back intensified the soreness in my head. When returning to an upright position, the discomfort escalated further — this sensation mirrored the angle from the decline abs. Keeping my mouth open worsened it too. In the following days, sipping liquids induced soreness in my neck, which felt strained and overworked. When I began to see a bit of recovery, I returned to the gym, and although my workout seemed typical that Saturday, I became dizzy again post-session, had fullness in my ears, and later experienced an extremely unusual headache: - It initiated at the lower right section of my head. - The pain radiated upward and was predominately isolated to one side. - It felt dull and throbbing, with a pattern of emergence and retreat. - This headache persisted for five days. - Even as it subsided, my head maintained a peculiar sensation, as if under pressure. **Current State:** Since that episode, the discomfort has fluctuated. There was one particularly tough week marked by: - Severe, migraine-like pain behind my right eye. - Intense tiredness, feeling as though my brain was completely exhausted. - No amount of rest seemed sufficient. I took a substantial five-day break from exercise and changed contact lenses, which brought some relief to the eye discomfort. However, upon attempting light abdominal workouts again, I found my neck felt tight and activated, regardless of how cautious I tried to be. Additionally, there was notable pressure at the base of my skull on the right side, especially when I turned my head. - The more intense pain has subsided, but I remain anxious about its return. - I’ve refrained from any neck-straining movements, but I miss the freedom of exercising without fear. - Occasionally, I wake up with a sore head and overall tightness. - This situation has been disheartening as exercise typically brings me happiness. **Seeking Opinions:** Has anyone else encountered peculiar pressure headaches, neck or SCM strain, or eye discomfort following ab exercises or hip thrusts? Could this issue be cervicogenic, nerve-related, or muscular in origin? I welcome any insights, similar experiences, or recommendations for specialists to consult. My hope is to recover and confidently resume my training without this ongoing anxiety. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

Answers (1)

7/1/2025, 4:40:56 PM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you are experiencing complex and distressing symptoms related to your workouts. Key points to address include the lingering neck discomfort, head pressure, and associated dizziness that occur especially after certain exercises.

Explanation:

Your symptoms may relate to multiple factors, including muscle strain (especially in the sternocleidomastoid), potential issues with posture during exercises, and possibly your sinus condition. Since you've already been evaluated by a neurologist and passed MRI tests, structural neurological issues seem unlikely. You may be dealing with a combination of muscle tension and potential overexertion, particularly linked to exercises that involve significant neck and abdominal engagement.

Next Steps:

1. Adjust Your Workout Routine:

   • Focus on form and technique: Ensure that your head and neck position are stable during exercises. Especially for hip thrusts and abdominal workouts, maintaining a neutral spine can help alleviate stress on your neck.
   • Consider alternatives that place less strain on your neck, such as resistance bands or bodyweight exercises while you recover.

2. Incorporate Strengthening & Stretching:

   • Implement neck and shoulder stretches to relieve tension. Gentle movements like chin tucks and neck rolls can help.
   • Strengthen your neck muscles with very light resistance, focusing on proper alignment. Physical therapy could provide tailored exercises and guidance.

3. Monitor and Manage Symptoms:

   • Keep a symptom diary to track when discomfort worsens. Note what activities exacerbate the symptoms and adjust accordingly.
   • Use ice or heat on affected areas to soothe tightness, as needed. Heat can help with muscle relaxation, while ice may reduce inflammation.

4. Hydration and Nutrition:

   • Maintain proper hydration as dehydration can contribute to headaches and dizziness, particularly if you’re exercise-intensive.
   • Ensure you have a balanced diet that supports your overall health, especially given your exercise routine.

5. Gradual Return to Exercise:

   • Start with low-impact workouts, focusing on flexibility and building back strength slowly. Avoid heavy lifting and straining until you feel fully recovered.
   • Gradually reintroduce exercises that previously caused issues, monitoring your response closely.

6. Evaluate Medication Effects:

   • Since you're taking Adderall and Sertraline, discuss with your healthcare provider if these might contribute to dizziness or headaches, particularly upon standing.

7. Consider Professional Guidance:

   • Engaging with a physical therapist can provide personalized strategies for managing your symptoms effectively.

Reassuringly, many individuals experience fluctuations in discomfort, especially when resuming physical activities. Prioritize listening to your body and giving yourself time to heal; preventing further injury is crucial. With these tailored steps, you'll hopefully regain your confidence in training without ongoing anxiety. Feel free to share updates or ask for more specific advice as you progress!