Post-Exercise Cold Sensation and Mild Headaches: Is It Normal?

Mild body chill and slight headache after light exercise?

My height is 181 cm, and my weight is 104 kg.
My usual body temperature is around 36.6 degrees Celsius.
I typically exercise by cycling about every two days.
Three months ago, I started preparing for exams and interviews, and I haven't exercised for about two months, during which I experienced mild anxiety symptoms.
After a month, my symptoms improved significantly, and I recently resumed cycling for about 20 to 30 minutes each session, maintaining a heart rate of around 100 beats per minute.
However, during exercise, I experience mild headaches, and after exercising, I feel somewhat uncomfortable with slight tension headaches, fatigue, and a lower body temperature.
I feel cold, and when I measured my temperature at home, it was 35.0 degrees Celsius.
Is this normal? I've been experiencing this condition after activities for the past few days.

Mr. Hong, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/05/02

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology

Based on your description, it's unclear whether you performed stretching exercises before and after your workout.
The headache may be related to myofascial inflammation in the back.
As for the definition of hypothermia, it is when the core temperature falls below 35 degrees Celsius.
Sweating and evaporation after exercise could potentially lower your surface body temperature.
If you have related concerns, it is advisable to consult a neurologist or a rehabilitation specialist for evaluation and treatment.
Wishing you good health and peace.
Dr.
Tao cares about you.

Reply Date: 2016/05/02

More Info

Experiencing mild headaches and a sensation of coldness after exercising can be concerning, especially when these symptoms persist. Based on your description, several factors could be contributing to your symptoms, and it’s important to understand them in the context of your overall health and recent lifestyle changes.

Firstly, the mild headaches you are experiencing during and after exercise could be attributed to a few different causes. One common reason for exercise-induced headaches is tension-type headaches, which can occur due to muscle tension in the neck and scalp. This tension can be exacerbated by poor posture, especially if you have been sedentary for a while. Since you mentioned that you had a two-month hiatus from cycling due to preparing for exams and experiencing anxiety, it’s possible that your body is adjusting to the physical activity again, leading to muscle tightness and subsequent headaches.

Another potential cause of your headaches could be dehydration. When you exercise, especially if you are sweating, it is crucial to stay hydrated. Dehydration can lead to headaches and a general feeling of fatigue. Make sure you are drinking enough water before, during, and after your workouts.
Regarding the sensation of coldness and the drop in body temperature to 35.0 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit), this could be a result of several factors. After intense exercise, your body temperature typically rises due to increased metabolic activity. However, if you are sweating and the sweat evaporates, it can lead to a cooling effect on your skin, which might make you feel cold. Additionally, if your body is not used to the exercise intensity or duration, it may struggle to regulate temperature effectively.

The fact that you have been experiencing anxiety may also play a role in your physical symptoms. Anxiety can lead to various physical manifestations, including muscle tension, headaches, and changes in body temperature regulation. It’s essential to address both your physical and mental health, as they are interconnected.

Given that you have resumed cycling after a break and are experiencing these symptoms consistently, it may be beneficial to gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts. Start with shorter sessions and allow your body to adapt before pushing yourself further. Incorporating stretching and warm-up exercises before cycling can also help alleviate muscle tension.

If your symptoms persist or worsen, it would be wise to consult with a healthcare professional. They can conduct a thorough evaluation, including checking for any underlying conditions that may be contributing to your symptoms, such as cardiovascular issues or neurological concerns. Additionally, they may recommend seeing a physical therapist to address any musculoskeletal issues that could be causing your headaches.

In summary, while mild headaches and a sensation of coldness after exercise can occur, especially after a period of inactivity, it is essential to monitor these symptoms. Ensure you are staying hydrated, gradually increasing your exercise intensity, and addressing any anxiety you may have. If symptoms persist, seeking medical advice is crucial to rule out any underlying health issues.

Similar Q&A

Persistent Headaches After Exercise: Should You Be Concerned?

I have been experiencing headaches lately, which feel similar to the pressure I feel when straining during a bowel movement. This has not happened before and has been ongoing for the past two weeks, particularly after exercising and showering. It feels as if I am about to faint. ...

Dr. Ye Boshou reply Neurology
Hello Xiao Huang: If you have persistent headaches, it's important to first understand the underlying cause. Do you experience any vomiting or wake up from sleep due to the pain? If so, you should see a neurologist for a physical examination to check for any signs of increas...

Post-Exercise Headaches: When to Seek Medical Advice

Hello Doctor, sometimes I experience pain in the back of my head, but it only occurs when I shake my head vigorously or engage in intense movements. Pressing on the area does not cause pain. When my head is still, the pain is minimal. It occasionally hurts, but after a while, it ...

Dr. Cai Zongzhang reply Neurology
Hello Allen: It is recommended to visit a neurologist to determine the cause of the above symptoms.

Understanding Cold Weather Headaches: Causes and Treatments

Hello, doctor. I would like to inquire about a symptom that has been persistent for a long time. Whenever there is a sudden drop in temperature, I experience pain in the right occipital region of my head (the frequency on the right side is significantly greater than on the left s...

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Hello, based on your description, cervical myofascial pain syndrome should be considered first. Symptoms may include pain, discomfort, muscle stiffness, or a heavy sensation. These symptoms tend to worsen in colder weather and can be alleviated with stretching activities, often r...

Understanding Post-Cold Symptoms: Fever, Sweating, and Head Pain Explained

Hello doctor, I recently caught a cold. At first, I had a severe headache and a high fever, along with tonsillitis and muscle aches that lasted about two days before improving (the headache became less intense). However, afterward, I started experiencing episodes of sweating, usu...

Dr. Huang Jianling reply Family Medicine
Dear Xiao P, your symptoms are likely indicative of an upper respiratory tract infection combined with tonsillitis. The symptoms are generally more severe and may lead to a bacterial infection. If the infection spreads to the bloodstream, you may experience fever and chills. Plea...