Why does my head hurt when going upstairs, and what should I do about it?
The head generally refers to the cranium. Headaches that occur when climbing stairs may be caused by physiological factors or pathological conditions such as tension headaches and migraines. These symptoms can be relieved through general management, physical therapy, or medication. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Physiological Factors
If excessive effort is exerted while climbing stairs, it may lead to insufficient blood supply to the brain, potentially causing a headache. Usually, no special treatment is required; adequate rest is sufficient.
2. Pathological Factors
1) Tension Headache
Excessive fatigue during stair climbing may cause mental stress, leading to tension headaches, which manifest as tightness, stuffiness, and head pain. Massage and physical therapy can help relieve muscle tension in the head and neck, thereby reducing discomfort.
2) Migraine
Climbing stairs too quickly may result in rapid breathing, potentially triggering a migraine and causing severe, one-sided head pain. Patients may take medications such as flunarizine hydrochloride capsules or ibuprofen sustained-release capsules under medical supervision.
In addition, headaches during stair climbing could also be caused by cervical spondylosis, hypertension, cerebral infarction, or other conditions. It is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation at a hospital to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.