Headache hitting you hard during your workout? Congratulations, you may be the 'lucky' owner of an exertion headache. These aren't your run-of-the-mill, too-much-white-wine-last-night kind of pains; these monsters queue up when you're trying to do your body a favor. They're like that rude friend who always shows up uninvited.

Whether you’re pounding the pavement or lifting something heavier than your grocery bags, exertion headaches - a sordid gift from the universe - may strike. Apparently, they are triggered not just by physical activity but also by an unwelcome increase in the pressure in the blood vessels of the brain, says Dr. Reuben Chen. Just the right blend of physics and biology to ruin your day.

A typical exertion headache plays out like an overacted soap opera…there’s a varyingly intense level of pain (usually throbbing), you get noticed everywhere (pain is often bilateral), and it leaves you wondering which exact episode this scene of pain is linked to. And just like that TV show you can’t get enough of, these headaches can linger anywhere from a few minutes to two days.

So, what are you doing so wrong that a headache would rather hitch a ride during your workout than let you exercise in peace? Well, it could be a few things, and unfortunately, you seem to be at the center of it all. Overexertion (yes, there is such a thing as too much exercise), dehydration (more wine, less water stuff), too much sun (where your only cool down is a headache), low blood sugar or poor exercise form, could very well trigger a head-to-head standoff with these headaches.

But hold up, sometimes there's more to a headache than meets the 'eye.' Underlying health conditions may betray you, cleverly masking themselves as exertion headaches. In such cases, it's about time you stop self-diagnosing and consult a professional.

You may be thinking - should you just sit and wallow in pain with such tragedy looming over your exercise routine like a dark cloud? Absolutely not! The remedy is straightforward - rest, a quiet and dark environment, hydration, and a little help from over-the-counter pain relievers could do a world of difference. For enthusiasts, you could add a head and neck massage into your self-care routine.

To avoid these 'headache intermissions' in your workout life, consider a proper warm-up (we mean the physical kind), hydrate like you’re preparing to cross the Sahara, avoid overheating and undercooling, work on your form and figure out if there are specific triggers.

However, don't play hero if your headache starts showing advanced capabilities like extreme pain, vision changes, nausea, or neck stiffness. In that case, get a professional assessment immediately. Exertion headaches, as ‘enjoyable’ as they may be, aren't usually life-threatening, but occasional bouts of vigilant health monitoring never hurt anyone. Remember, you’re out to get healthier, not sign up for a world of pain.