Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Does Exercise Make Migraines Worse and Tension Type Headaches Better?

  • Migraine (R Cowan, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Pain and Headache Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Many non-pharmacological treatments have been implicated in the treatment of primary headache, with exercise being a common recommendation. In this review we first provide an overview of the relationship between exercise and primary headaches. We then review the physiology of pain modulation, with focus on the endogenous opioids, endocannabinoids, and neuropeptides calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and their associations with primary headache and exercise. Finally, we summarize current literature evaluating effects of exercise on primary headache in an effort to understand the benefits and disadvantages of exercise in primary headaches.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance

  1. Olesen J, Goadsby PJ, Ramadan NM, Tfelt-Hansen P, Welch KMA. The headaches. 3rd ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins; 2006.

    Google Scholar 

  2. Kojić Z, Stojanović D. Pathophysiology of migraine–from molecular to personalized medicine. Med Pregl. 2013;66:53–7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. Halker RB, Vargas BB. Primary Exertional Headache: updates in the literature. Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2013;17:33.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. Headache Classification Subcommittee of the International Headache Society. The International Classification of Headache Disorders, 2nd ed. Cephalalgia. 2004;24:1–160.

  5. Chen SP, Fuh JL, Lu SR, Wang SJ. Exertional headache—a survey of 1963 adolescents. Cephalalgia. 2009;29:401–7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. Massey EW. Effort headache in runners. Headache. 1982;22:99–100.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  7. Thompson J. Exercise-induced migraine prodrome symptoms. Headache. 1987;27:250–1.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. Ross W, Lambert Jr MD, Deborah L, Burnet BA. Prevention of exercise-induced migraine by quantitative warm-up. Headache. 1985;25:317–9.

    Google Scholar 

  9. Kelman L. The triggers or precipitants of the acute migraine attack. Cephalalgia. 2007;27:394–402.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  10. Darling M. The use of exercise as a method of aborting migraine. Headache. 1991;31:616–8.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  11. Atkinson R. Physical fitness and headache. Headache. 1977;17:189–91.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  12. Söderberg E, Carlsson J, Stener-Victorin E. Chronic tension-type headache treated with acupuncture, physical training and relaxation training. Between-group differences. Cephalalgia. 2006;26:1320–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  13. Andersen LL, Mortensen OS, Zebis MK, Jensen RH, Poulsen OM. Effect of brief daily exercise room headache among adults — with a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial. Scand J Work Environ Health. 2011;37:547–50.

    Google Scholar 

  14. Mongini F, Evangelista A, Milani C, Ferrero L, Ciccone G, Ugolini A, et al. An educational and physical program to reduce headache, neck/shoulder pain in a working community: a cluster-randomized controlled trial. PLoS One. 2007;7.

  15. • Fricton V, Ouyang A, Look W. Does exercise therapy improve headache? A systematic review with meta-analysis. Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2009;13:413–9. A good review summarizing various studies looking at TTH and exercise.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  16. Torelli P, Jensen R, Olesen J. Physiotherapy for tension-type headache: a controlled study. Cephalalgia. 2004;24:29–36.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  17. Williams MA, Marcus BH, Berra K, Blair SN, Costa F, Franklin B, et al. Exercise and physical activity in the prevention and treatment of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease: a statement from the Council on Clinical Cardiology (Subcommittee on Exercise, Rehabilitation, and Prevention) and the Council on Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Metabolism (Subcommittee on Physical Activity). Circulation. 2003;107:3109–16.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  18. Fletcher GF, Balady GJ, Amsterdam EA, Chaitman B, Eckel R, Fleg J, et al. Exercise standards for testing and training: a statement for healthcare professionals from the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2001;104:1694–740.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  19. Hughes J. Isolation of an endogenous compound from the brain with pharmacological properties similar to morphine. Brain Res. 1975;88:295–308.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  20. Pasternak GM, Goodman R, Snyder SH. An endogenous morphine-like factor in mammalian brain. Life Sci. 1975;16:1765–9.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  21. Terenius L, Wahlström A. Morphine-like ligand for opiate receptors in human CSF. Life Sci. 1975;16:1759–64.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  22. Hartwing AC. Peripheral beta-endorphin and pain modulation. Anesth Prog. 1991;38:75–8.

    Google Scholar 

  23. Basbaum AI, Fields HL. Endogenous pain control mechanisms: review and hypothesis. Ann Neurol. 1978;4:451–62.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  24. Sicuteri F. Endorphins, opiate receptors and migraine headache. Headache. 1978;17:253–6.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  25. Beamont A, Hughes J. Biology of opioid peptides. Ann Rev Pharmacol Toxicol. 1979;19:245–66.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  26. Anselmi B, Baldi E, Casacci F, Salmon S. Endogenous opioids in cerebrospinal fluid and blood in idiopathic headache sufferers. Headache. 1980;20:294–9.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  27. Genazzani AR, Nappi G, Facchinetti F, Micieli G, Petraglia F, Bono G, et al. Progressive impairment of CSF beta-EP levels in migraine sufferers. Pain. 1984;2:127–33.

    Google Scholar 

  28. Misra UK, Kalita J, Triphathi GM, Bhoi SK. Is beta endorphin related to migraine headache and its relief? Cephalalgia. 2012;33:316–22.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  29. Schwarz L, Kindermann W. Changes in beta-endorphin levels in response to aerobic and anaerobic exercise. Sports Med. 1992;13:25–36.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  30. De Meirleir K, Naaktgeboren N, Vaan Steirteghen A, Gorus F, Olbrecht J, Block P. Beta-endorphin and ACTH levels in peripheral blood during and after aerobic and anaerobic exercise. Eur J Appl Physiol. 1986;55:5–8.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  31. McMurray RG, Forsythe WA, Mar MH, Hardy CJ. Exercise intensity-related responses of beta-endorphin and catecholamines. Med Sci Sports Exer. 1987;19:570–4.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  32. Goldfarb AH, Hatfield BD, Armstrong D, Potts J. Plast beta-endorphin concentration: response to intensity and duration of exercise. Med Sci Sports Exer. 1990;22:241–4.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  33. Langenfeld ME, Hart LS, Kao PC. Plasma beta-endorphin responses to one-hour bicycling and running at 60% VO2max. Med Sci Sports Exer. 1987;19:83–6.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  34. Rahkila P, Halala E, Alen N, Salminen K, Laatikainen T. Beta-endorphin and corticotropin release is dependent on a threshold intensity of running in male endurance athletes. Life Sci. 1987;45:451–5.

    Google Scholar 

  35. Brooks S, Burrin J, Cheetham ME, Hall GM, Yeo T, et al. The responses of the catecholaminese and beta-endorphin levels during extreme exercise. Eur J App Phsyiol. 1988;57:230–4.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  36. Farrell PA, Kjaer M, Bach FW, Galbo H. Beta-endorphin and adrenocorticotropin response to supramaximal treadmill exercise in trained and untrained males. Acta Physiol Scand. 1987;130:619–25.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  37. Rahkila P, Halala E, Salminen K, Laatikainen T. Responses of plasma endorphins to running exercises in male and female endurance athletes. Med Sci Sports Exer. 1987;19:451–5.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  38. Kraemer WJ, Patton JF, Knuttgen HG, Marchetelli LJ, Cruthirds C, et al. Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal responses to short-duration high-intensity cycle exercise. J App Physiol. 1989;66:161–6.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  39. Schwarz L, Kindermann W. Beta-endorphin, adrenocorticotropic hormone, cortisol and catecholamines during aerobic and anaerobic exercise. Eur J App Phsyiol. 1990;61:165–71.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  40. Schwarz L, Kindermann W. Beta-endorphin, catecholamines, and cortisol during exhaustive endurance exercise. Int J Sports Med. 1989;10:324–8.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  41. Greco R, Gasperi V, Maccarrone M, Tassorelli C. The endocannabinoid system and migraine. Exp Neurol. 2010;224:85–91.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  42. Dietrich A, McDaniel WF. Endocannabinoids and exercise. Br J Sports Med. 2004;38:536–41.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  43. Sparling PB, Giurida A, Piomelli D, Rosskopf L, Dietrich A. Exercise activates the endocannabinoid system. Cognit Neurosci Neuropsychol. 2003;14:2209–11.

    Google Scholar 

  44. Katona I, Freund TF. Endocannabinoid signaling as a synaptic circuit breaker in neurological disease. Nat Med. 2008;14:923–30.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  45. Wotherspoon G, Fox A, McIntyre P, Colley S, Bevan S, Winter J. Peripheral nerve injury induces cannabinoid receptor 2 protein expression in rat sensory neurons. Neuroscience. 2005;135:235–45.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  46. Anand U, Otto WR, Sanchez-Herrera D, Facer P, Yiangou Y, Korchev Y, et al. Cannabinoid receptor CB2 localization and agonist-mediated inhibition of capsaicin responses in human sensory neurons. Pain. 2008;138:667–80.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  47. Russo EB. Clinical endocannabinoid deficiency (CECD): can this concept explain therapeutic benefits of cannabis in migraine, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome and other treatment-resistant conditions? Neur Endocrinol Lett. 2004;25:31–9.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  48. Vaughan CW, Connor M, Bagley EE, Christie MJ. Actions of cannabinoids on membrane properties and synaptic transmission in rat periaqueductal gray neurons in vitro. Mol Pharmacol. 2000;57:288–95.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  49. Akerman S, Kaube H, Goadsby PJ. Anandamide is able to inhibit trigeminal neurons using an in vivo model of trigeminovascular-mediated nociception. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2004;309:56–63.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  50. Sarchielli P, Pini LA, Coppola F, Rossi C, Baldi A, Mancini ML, et al. Endocannabinoids in chronic migraine: CSF findings suggest a system failure. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2007;32:1384–90.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  51. Van der Schueren BJ, Van Laere K, Gerard N, Bormans G, De Hoon JN. Interictal Type 1 cannabinoid receptor binding is increased in female migraine patients. Headache. 2012;52:433–40.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  52. Perrotta A, Arce-Leal N, Tassorelli C, Gasperi V, Sances G, Blandini F, et al. Acute reduction of anandamide-hydrolase (FAAH) activity is coupled with a reduction of nociceptive pathways facilitation in medication-overuse headache subjects after withdrawal treatment. Headache. 2012;52:1350–61.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  53. Petrosino S, Palazzo E, deNovellis V, et al. Changes in spinal and supraspinal endocannabinoid levels in neuropathic rats. Neuropharmacology. 2007;52:415–22.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  54. Akerman S, Holland PR, Goadsby PJ. Cannabinoid (CB1) receptor activation inhibits trigeminovascular neurons. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2007;320:64–71.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  55. Sparling PB, Giuffrida A, Piomelli D, Rosskopf L, Dietrich A. Exercise activates the endocannabinoid system. Neuro Report. 2003;14:2209–11.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  56. Raichlen DA, Foster AD, Gerdeman GL, Seillier A, Giuffrida A. Wired to run: exercise-induced endocannabinoid signaling in humans and cursorial mammals and the evolution of the runner’s high. J Exp Biol. 2012;215:1331–6.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  57. Raichlen DA, Foster AD, Seillier A, Giuffrida A, Gerdeman GL. Exercise-induced endocannabinoid signaling is modulated by intensity. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2013;113:869–75.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  58. • Bigal ME, Walter S, Rapoport AM. Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and migraine current understanding and state of development. Headache. 2013;53(8):1230–44. Good review on the role of CGRP in migraine and future theraputic options.

  59. Arulmani U, MaassenVanDenBrink A, Villalon CM, Saxena PR. Calcitonin gene-related peptide and its role in migraine pathophysiology. Eur J Pharmacol. 2004;500:315–30.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  60. Gallai V, Sarchielli P, Floridi A, Franceschini M, Codini M, Giloti G, et al. Vasoactive peptide levels in the plasma of young migraine patients with and without aura assessed both interictally and ictally. Cephalalgia. 1995;15:384–90.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  61. Goadsby PJ, Edvinsson L, Ekman R. Vasoactive peptide release in the extracerebral circulation of humans during migraine headache. Ann Neurol. 1990;28:183–7.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  62. Ashina M, Bendetsen L, Jensen R, Schifter S, Olesen J. Evidence for increased plasma levels of calcitonin gene-related peptide in migraine outside attacks. Pain. 2000;86:133–8.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  63. Lassen LH, Jacobsen VB, Haderselv PA, Sperling B, Iversen HK, Olesen J, et al. Involvement of calcitonin gene-related peptide in migraine: regional cerebral blood flow and blood flow velocity in migraine patients. J Headache Pain. 2008;9:151–7.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  64. Lind H, Brudin L, Lindholm L, Edvinsson L. Different levels of sensory neuropeptides (calcitonin gene-related peptide and substance P) during and after exercise in man. Clin Physiol. 1996;16:73–82.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  65. Schifter S, Breum L, Niclasen B, Vollmer-Larsen A, Rasmussen HS, Graif-Larsen O. Calcitonin gene-related peptide during exercise and training. Horm Metab Res. 1995;27:473–5.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  66. Hasbak P, Lundby C, Olsen NV, Schifter S, Kanstrup IL. Calcitonin gene-related peptide and adrenomedullin release in humans: effects of exercise and hypoxia. Regul Pept. 2002;108:89–95.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  67. Jonhagen S, Achermann P, Saartok T, Renstron PA. Calcitonin gene-related peptide and neuropeptide Y in skeletal muscle after eccentric exercise: a microdialysis study. Br J Sports Med. 2006;40:264–7.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  68. Thompson SW, Bennett DL, Kerr BJ, Bradbury EJ, McMahon SB. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor is an endogenous modulator of nociceptive responses in the spinal cord. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1999;96:7714–8.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  69. Kaplan DR, Miller FD. Neurotrophin signal transduction in the nervous system. Curr Opin Neurobiol. 2000;10:381–91.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  70. Buldyrev I, Tanner NM, Hsieh HY, Dodd EG, Nguyen LT, Balkowiec A. Calcitonin gene-related peptide enhances release of native brain-derived neurotrophic factor from trigeminal ganglion neurons. J Neurochem. 2006;99:1338–50.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  71. Balkowiec-Iskra E, Vermehren-Schmaedick A, Balkowiec A. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression in trigeminal ganglion neurons in an activity-dependent manner. Neuroscience. 2011;180:322–33.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  72. Blandini F, Rinaldi L, Tassorelli C, Sances G, Motta M, Samuele A, et al. Peripheral levels of BDNF and NGF in primary headaches. Cephalalgia. 2006;26:136–42.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  73. Túlio M, Tanure A, Gomez RS, Hurtado RC, Teixeira AL, Domingues RB. Increased serum levels of brain-derived neurotropic factor during migraine attacks: a pilot study. J Headache Pain. 2010;11:427–30.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  74. Fischer M, Wille G, Klien S, Shanib H, Holle D, Gaul C, et al. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor in primary headaches. J Headache Pain. 2012;13:469–75.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  75. Sarchielli P, Mancini ML, Floridi A, Coppola F, Rossi C, Nardi K, et al. Increased levels of neurotrophins are not specific for chronic migraine: evidence from primary fibromyalgia syndrome. J Pain. 2007;8:737–45.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  76. Nugraha B, Karst M, Engeli S, Gutenbrunner C. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor and exercise in fibromyalgia syndrome patients: a mini review. Rheumatol Int. 2012;32:2593–9.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  77. Sarchielli P, DiFilippo M, Nardi K, Calabresi P. Sensitization, glutamate, and the link between migraine and fibromyalgia. Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2007;11:343–51.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  78. Haas L, Portela LVC, Bohmer AE, Oses JP, Lara DR. Increased plasma levels of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in patients with fibromyalgia. Neurochem Res. 2010;35:830–4.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  79. Laske C, Stransky E, Eschweiler GW. Increased BDNF serum concentration in fibromyalgia with or without depression or antidepressants. J Psychiatr Res. 2007;41:600–5.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  80. Duric V, McCarson KE. Neurokinin-1 (NK-1) receptor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene expression is differentially modulated in the rat spinal dorsal horn and hippo- campus during inflammatory pain. Mol Pain. 2007;3:32.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  81. Xu HW, Li XC, Li HD, Ruan HZ, Liu ZZ. Effects of corticotrophin on pain behavior and BDNF, CRF levels in frontal cortex of rats suffering from chronic pain. Acta Pharmacol Sin. 2000;21:600–4.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  82. Knaepen K, Goekint M, Heyman EM, Meeusen R. Neuroplasticity-exercise-induced response of peripheral brain-derived neurotrophic factor. A systematic review of experimental studies in human subjects. Sports Med. 2010;40:765–801.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  83. Neeper SA, Gomez-Pinilla F, Choi J, Cotman C. Exercise and brain neurotrophins. Nature. 1995;373:109.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  84. Cotman CW, Berchtold NC. Exercise: a behavioral intervention to enhance brain health and plasticity. Trends Neurosci. 2002;25:295–301.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  85. Liu YF, Chen HI, Yu L, Kuo YM, Wu FS, Chuang JI, et al. Upregulation of hippocampal TrkB and synaptotagmin is involved in treadmill exercise-enhanced aversive memory in mice. Neurobiol Learn Mem. 2008;90:81–9.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  86. • Coelho FGM, Gobbi S, Andreatto CAA, Corazza DI, Pedroso RV, Santos-Galduroz RF. Physical exercise modulates peripheral levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF): a systematic review of experimental studies in the elderly. Arch Gerontol Geriat. 2013;56:10–5. Good review of BDNF and exercise, supporting moderate exercise to elevate BDNF levels in the elderly.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  87. Huang T, Larsen KT, Ried-Larsen M, Moller NC, Andersen LB. The effects of physical activity and exercise on brain-derived neurotrophic factor in healthy humans: a review. Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2013;10.

  88. Schmidt-Kassow M, Schadle S, Otterbein S, Thiel C, Doehring A, Lotsch J, et al. Kinetics of serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor following low-intensity vs high- intensity exercise in men and women. Neuroreport. 2012;23:889–93.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  89. Koseoglu E, Akboyraz A, Soyuer A, Ersoy AO. Aerobic exercise and plasma beta endorphin levels in patients with migrainous headache without aura. Cephalalgia. 2003;23:972–6.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  90. Lassen LH, Haderslev PA, Jacobsen VB, Iversen HK, Sperling B, Olesen J. CGRP may play a causative role in migraine. Cephalalgia. 2002;22:54–61.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  91. Cirulli F, Berry A, Alleva E. Intracerebroventricular administration of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in adult rats affects analgesia and spontaneous behavior but not memory retention in a Morris Water Maze task. Neurosci Lett. 2000;287:207–10.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  92. Zhang X, Xu Y, Wang J, Zhou Q, Pu S, Jiang W, et al. The effect of intrathecal administration of glial activation inhibitors on dorsal horn BDNF overexpression and hind paw mechanical allodynia in spinal nerve ligated rats. J Neural Transm. 2012;119:329–36.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  93. Ichikawa H, Yabuuchi T, Jin HW, Terayama R, Yamaai T, Deguchi T, et al. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor-immunoreactive primary sensory neurons in the rat trigeminal ganglion and trigeminal sensory nuclei. Brain Res. 2006;1081:113–8.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  94. Locket DC, Campbell JF. The effects of aerobic exercise on migraine. Headache. 1992;32:50–4.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  95. Dittrich SM, Günther V, Franz G, Burtscher M, Holzner B, Kopp M. Aerobic exercise with relaxation: influence of pain and psychological well-being in female migraine patients. J Sport Med. 2008;18:363–5.

    Google Scholar 

  96. Domingues RB, Teixeira AL, Domingues SA. Physical practice is associated with less functional disability in medical students with migraine. Arq Neuropsiquiatr. 2011;69:39–43.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  97. Baskin SM, Smitherman TA. Migraine and psychiatric disorders: comorbidities, mechanisms and clinical applications. Neurol Sci. 2009;30:61–5.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  98. Carek PJ, Laibstain SE, Carek SM. Exercise for the treatment of depression and anxiety. Int J Psychiatry Med. 2011;41:15–28.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  99. • Busch V, Gaul C. Exercise in migraine therapy- is there any evidence for efficacy? A critical review. Headache. 2008;48:890–9. Good review detailing several studies that have looked at the efficacy of exercise in migraine.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  100. Narin SO, Pinar L, Erbas D, Ozturk V, Idiman F. The effects of exercise and exercise-related changes in blood nitric oxide level on migraine headache. Clin Rehabil. 2003;17:624–30.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  101. Grimm L, Douglas D, Hanson P. Aerobic training in the prophylaxis of migraine. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1981;13:98.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  102. Gerber W, Miltner W, Gabler H, Hildebrand E, Larbig W. Bewegungs- und Sporttherapie bei chronischen Kopfschmerzen. In: Gerber W, Miltner W, Mayer K, editors. Vorgebnisse und Perspektiven interdisziplinärer Forschung. Weinheim: edition medizin. 1987:55–66.

  103. Varkey E, Cider A, Carlsson J, Linde M. Exercise as migraine prophylaxis: a randomized study using relaxation and topiramate as controls. Cephalalgia. 2011;31:1428–38.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Compliance with Ethics Guidelines

Conflict of Interest

Nada Ahmad Hindiyeh declares that she has no conflict of interest. John Claude Krusz declares that he has no conflict of interest. Dr. Robert Cowan serves as a Section Editor for Current Pain and Headache Reports.

Human and Animal Rights and Informed Consent

This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Stanford University School of Medicine, 291 Campus Drive Rm LK3C02, Li Ka Shing Building, 3rd floor, Dean’s Office, MC 5216, Stanford, CA, 94305-5101, USA

    Nada Ahmad Hindiyeh

  2. ANODYNE Headache and Pain Care, 5446 Glen Lakes Drive, Dallas, TX, 75231, USA

    John Claude Krusz

  3. Department of Neurology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Room H3160, 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA, 94305-5235, USA

    Robert Paul Cowan

Authors
  1. Nada Ahmad Hindiyeh
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. John Claude Krusz
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Robert Paul Cowan
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Nada Ahmad Hindiyeh.

Additional information

This article is part of the Topical Collection on Migraine

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Hindiyeh, N.A., Krusz, J.C. & Cowan, R.P. Does Exercise Make Migraines Worse and Tension Type Headaches Better?. Curr Pain Headache Rep 17, 380 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-013-0380-5

Download citation

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-013-0380-5

Keywords

Search

Navigation