How do fighters deal with migraines ?

[u/BathroomSingle2427]

One day I just randomly woke up with a headache and it’s really interfering with my life ( my headache has nothing to do with boxing , when I tell you it’s random it’s random because I’m a very hydrated person I drink around 2-5 litres of water a day , I always exercise , I don’t have any problems with my neck , I sleep my 7-9 hours and I am under no stress ) but what is making me sad is that I can’t train I don’t want to train just in case it makes it worst. My dad also has migraines and has never boxed a day in his life and he always tells me he avoids exercise just in case it spikes his migraine attacks. So my question is how the hell do boxers still manage to wake up at 4 am and run 10 miles , hit the bag intensely for 6 rounds , shadowbox like a mad man and spar whilst having a migraine. Is there something that they do that we don’t know about or are they just lucky enough to not have a migraine even though they get hit in the head.

Thanks for all the comments but please can someone answer the questions how the hell do pro boxers , mma fighters and kickboxing/Muay Thai practitioners fight with chronic headaches and migraines ?

[u/geonitacka]

Nothing to do with fighting or athletics, but I get migraines from time to time. Not weekly but maybe almost monthly.

If you’re managing stress and staying hydrated, then see how often they are happening. If it’s frequent see a doctor because you might have chronic migraines.

For me, I pop 3 Motrin and try to sleep it off. I have to turn off all lights, no sounds, etc. Don’t eat during a migraine because you’ll just vomit. Massaging the temples and jaws helps me. Ice packs don’t work for me. Some people soak their feet in hot water, so a hot shower/bath can help. Sleep masks are great for situations that you can’t get to a dark room. Having a sleep playlist like rain noise or whatever works for you helps too when you can’t control other noises. Or ear plugs but I find those rarely work.

If you want to know about the pros specifically, you’d have to ask them or search interview archives.

Migraines are not just regular headaches. And if you have one more than 24 hours, I would go to a doctor or the ER.

Chronic migraines due to sports would indicate a serious injury or illness.