Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: Eric Lin on 16/09/2008 21:17:36

Title: What causes this extreme pain in the back of my head?
Post by: Eric Lin on 16/09/2008 21:17:36

Eric Lin  asked the Naked Scientists:

Hi Chris (Naked Scientist),

I"ve been working out on and off for many years.

About 10 years ago, I was bench pressing about 185 pounds (typical
workout).  When I got to about 10 reps, I felt what seemed like a blood
vessel exploding in the back of my head.  There was about 5 minutes of
sharp pain along with a throbbing feeling.  Following this, any upper body
exercises would bring this pain back.  I took a few weeks off and the
problem went away.  

More recently, this problem resurfaced several times again.  Each time, the trigger was lifting about 185 pounds 9-10 reps.  After this issue arises, the simplest upper body exercises can easily aggravate it (ie. a single pull-up).  The pain is extreme, but short-lived.

When not working out, I don't feel any pain at all.  Could this be due to blood pressure/blood vessels straining?  Or could this just be a muscle strain in the back of the neck?  How can I prevent this?

Thanks!

Eric


What do you think?

Title: What causes this extreme pain in the back of my head?
Post by: Don_1 on 17/09/2008 07:33:57

Old Tommy Cooper joke:

I went to the doctor the other day and said "Doctor, it hurts when I do this". The doctor said "Well don't do it then!"