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The Beyond Pain Foundation

Migraine types we support

Related headache condition

Exercise headache

Some people get a headache during or just after exercise. Usually it's a harmless condition called primary exercise headache, but a new headache brought on by exertion should always be checked, because occasionally there's a serious cause.

Starts
During or within 30 minutes of exercise
Lasts
Minutes to under a day
First time
Always get it checked
Usually
Settles over months or years

This guide is general information, not medical advice. Medicines and treatments must be prescribed or recommended for you by a doctor or pharmacist. We do not give doses here.

Related guides: Migraine without aura.

Types

Primary exercise headache

A throbbing headache, sometimes with sickness or sensitivity to light, that comes on during or soon after exercise. It's more likely in hot or humid weather or at altitude. It's harmless, but other causes must be ruled out first, sometimes with a scan.

Cardiac cephalalgia

Rarely, a headache on exertion is caused by heart disease. It eases with rest and may come with chest, arm or neck discomfort, breathlessness or sweating. It needs heart tests, and triptans must not be used.

Treatment

For primary exercise headache, a longer warm-up and building up exercise gradually often help. Some people take indomethacin before exercise, with stomach protection, on a doctor's advice.

When to get urgent help

Call 999 if you have

  • a sudden, extremely bad headache during exercise or sex
  • headache with chest pain, breathlessness or sweating
  • weakness, numbness or slurred speech

Call NHS 111 if

  • you have a headache brought on by exercise for the first time

See your GP if

  • headaches keep coming on with exercise
  • you have a headache brought on by coughing or straining

Work and your workspace

Migraine can count as a disability under the Equality Act 2010 (the Disability Discrimination Act in Northern Ireland) if it has a substantial, long-term effect on your everyday life. Conditions that come and go still count, and the law looks at how you would be without treatment. If it applies, your employer must make reasonable adjustments.

Adjustments that often help

  • Avoiding heavy physical tasks until diagnosed
  • Flexible hours
  • Time off for appointments

A migraine-friendly workspace

  • A chair with good lumbar and neck support
  • A desk big enough to put your screen at arm's length
  • Screen raised so the top is at eye level
  • A flicker-free monitor with an anti-glare or blue-light filter
  • Lighting without flicker or glare, and blinds to control daylight

Access to Work can pay towards equipment and support. Acas and Citizens Advice give free advice on your rights.

How The Beyond Pain Foundation can help

If NHS waits are too long, or the help you need is not available to you on the NHS, we may be able to fund:

  • A private specialist appointment to rule out serious causes sooner
  • Travel to specialist appointments

Every award depends on your situation and the funds we have that month. A letter from your doctor, a headache diary and a written quote all help your application.

Apply for funding Check the requirements

Support and sources

The Migraine Trust

Information and support service

Information on every type of migraine, a free information and support service, and advice on treatment and work.

migrainetrust.org

National Migraine Centre

Charity headache clinic

Specialist appointments in person and online, including routine appointments for a voluntary donation, plus free factsheets.

nationalmigrainecentre.org.uk
Sources for this guide

Written in our own words from the sources above. Last reviewed: October 2026. Figures can differ between sources; where they do, we give the range.