Helmet Headache

Does anyone have any ideas about how to manage riding headaches? I believe there are 3 factors contributing to the headaches; helmet, heat and glasses.

Can't do much about the heat, but we hydrate well along the way.

I think I fixed the problem with glasses today. I didn't have proper riding glasses that were wide enough to not be staring at the top of the frame the whole ride. It was ok until the headache set in but then it exasperated the problem.

I believe the ultimate source is my helmet. Riding without one is not an option. It seems to fit well. But, after about an hour the headache sets in. I 'dialed' it down to reduce the tension but then as I went over bumps it would bounce around; that didn't seem right so I tightened it back down. I had the same problem with motorcycle helmets.

Anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks.

I tend to get headaches very easily from tension on my head, particularly headbands and glasses. My first helmet was very cheap and uncomfortable, as were my first cycling glasses (both from Performance). I ended up caving and spending the extra money on a Lazer helmet which tightens all around your head instead of creating pressure points. It absolutely will not bounce around. I also got slightly nicer cycling glasses that aren't tight on my temples. Both have made a huge difference. Good luck!

I have the Lazer Genesis helmet; as you say it feels comfortable and no evident pressure points. But after about an hour I get a headache that is almost unbearable. I've been taking some Excedrin with me on my rides, but if I'm missing something I'd rather not use drugs to make it better. It only bounced around because I loosened it too much.

Maybe it was more the glasses vs. the helmet. I just got some Chris Optics glasses and will give those a try tomorrow. I was using my driving sunglasses and they are just not right.

try losening the band around your head until the helmet sits well down on your forehead and then tightening your chin strap so it fits snugly.

You say you think the helmet fits well, but it doesn't sound like it.

What part of your head is the headache in? What motorcycle helmet fits you best?

The last time I tried on a Lazer helmet it was VERY short from front to back. I have a "Shoei head," what Arai calls a "long oval," and there's no way I could have worn that Lazer. Giro helmets are similarly shaped but not quite as extreme. I am wearing a Specialized helmet now and the fit isn't too bad.



ETA: you mentioned heat and hydration as a possible contributor, are you making sure to replace electrolytes?

Me thinks I am wearing the wrong helmet...
I always get the dent in my forehead. However, I tighten the chin strap and am constantly loosening/tighteningthe ratchet, to control the headache issue.
DH bought me the Lazar helmet, thinking it would help this issue and it felt like a torture device! It was just too tight on my little head. I gave it to my son, who also has a little head.

I've heard that Uvex helmets are also longer from front to back, but I haven't tried one on.

I think Specialized helmets are all the same shape, all the ones I tried on anyway. They make a range from quite inexpensive (and correspondingly heavier and less ventilated) all the way up the line.

I'm sure if you took your helmet to the LBS that you bought the helmet at they would be more than happy to help you adjust the straps to better fit you (or decide that it just doesn't fit you well). It might be worth doing that first. Also if you get the dent in the front of your forehead then maybe you could change that little bit of padding. I've noticed the Lazer Genesis has far less padding than other helmets I've worn and it wouldn't be much work to add a tiny bit more padding at that front velco circle.

.... except that if you have a pressure point, what you want is less padding, not more.

That said, if your helmet has a removable front pad, it *is* perfectly safe to take it off - or use a thinner pad from an old helmet - if it fits better that way. I have done that.

As many people have mentioned, the trick to buying a helmet is knowing the shape of your head versus the shape of the helmet. Most LBS can explain the differences between the helmets that they carry, one can't always assume that every model in particular brand all runs the same... quite often they don't. For those that have long/narrow shapes, Louis Garneau is a good brand to try.
Uvex helmets are great helmets, unless you have a small head. They make various sizes, but the outer part of the shell is only one size and has too much play if you're like me and have a small head.

The key here is to try EVERYTHING on before you buy, not only will you become knowledgable about what you like/dislike, but you'll find what fits and that it what is the most important!!

Plus one for trying every helmet on. I literally tried every helmet on in every store twice before deciding on my Giro Ionos.

Understand the shape of your head.

I didn't know myself ....I cannot wear any Nutcase helmet style because those tend to be round helmets.

I wear my helmet pleasantly snug but it's not pressing me anywhere. I don't really feel much pressure anywhere on my head. I don't really notice my helmet on my head. Not even in the winter, when I readjust for a headband. (That's all I wear underneath helmet.) I just get ...slight wave helmet hair dent. :D I don't get any dents on my forehead.

There are certain sunglasses which has an arm that's too thick at the sides that hurts my head with helmet strapped on, ,so I'm picky about sunglass arms too and their fit.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by OakLeaf

.... except that if you have a pressure point, what you want is less padding, not more.

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I don't doubt that is true but at least for me with the same helmet I find that the front part digs into my head a bit in longer rides and a tiny bit more padding prevents that from happening. I'm sure with helmet adjustments everyone is completely different because of different in head shape and helmet shape.

[EDIT] I just pulled my helmet out to show DBF what I was talking about and he pointed out that the circle of velcro in the front of the helmet creates a small bump in the padding which causes that discomfort. If the padding maybe had some give for that velcro bump such that the surface was level I'm confident that it wouldn't be an issue. I wonder if this is what is bothering you? [/EDIT]

[EDIT2] Maybe something like these pads would help me. [/EDIT2]

I don't need to go to the LBS to show me anything.... DH does it for me, as I really cannot remember how to do the straps. I've always worn the same Bell mountain style helmet; I've had several in the past 12 years. In fact, I think it's discontinued now, but there's a slightly newer iteration. Frankly, I haven't tried on any of them, except once, when I went to Belmont Wheelworks, when they were having a sale. I might look at the 2 Murienn recommended. My head is extremely small, so I am limited. I have to buy kid's sized winter hats and glasses.
However, I get indentations and lines from *everything,* so this might just be one more of the weird things that my body does.

Although I could certainly be wrong, it sounds to me like the helmet is more of a rounded shape where you feel the 'need' to tighten it because it feels loose. Perhaps your head is more oblong shape??

No, I actually feel the need to loosen it, because I keep it very tight, so it would actually work as intended in a crash. I just see too many riders who wear their helmets too loose, and with the straps dangling way below the chin. I spend a lot of time when I lead rides, helping people situate their helmets correctly. Some get very ornery, but I won't let a person come on a ride I am responsible for,with a helmet that is loose and crooked!

Yeah, well, I take my leader responsibilities very seriously.
Especially when a rider comes with a helmet on, that is pushed back all the way toward their neck! Like that's going to work.

Actually, I think it's more "teacher" than "mom."

Wow! Thanks for all the great ideas.

Oakleaf, Shoei was my motorcycle helmet of choice in the end. But none were ever comfortable beyond an hour or so. Also, I think you are right about the electrolytes. I'm good about that when running but haven't really taken good care while riding.

The headache seems to be in the front of my head, definitely not the sides.

I had to chuckle at the suggestion to try on every helmet in the store. :) my hubby laughs at me when I shop because I do that with everything. I'm going to check out all the helmets and suggestions noted above. I'll repost back on any findings.

The new sunglasses were a much better help than I would have imagined. I rode 40 miles today and no headache. Yay!

I still think I can do better on the helmet though after reading the thoughts here. So, thanks for all the great advice. I will now do my homework.

Bike fit issues would be my other thought. :)

I'm still trying to figure out what helmet I need, though. I'm wearing a Bell (discontinued model, I think). It's not uncomfortable, but I wonder how much of that is the fact that it's my helmet and I'm used to it. Every other helmet I've tried has in some way been uncomfortable, with the possible exception of the Giro Ionos. Scattante--too round and shallow. Louis Garneau, Giro, Bell--can't put my finger on it, but doesn't feel right once it's adjusted properly.

Crankin, my comments were directed to the orginal post, Karenanywild. She mentioned that she was getting headaches...

Sorry for the confusion...

No problem...
I should go try on helmets, but I am lazy. I like the ventilation in mine, and I can easily dial in the fit with the ratchet. I don't always get a headache, just an "uncomfortable" feeling, at times. Sometimes, when it gets hot when I am riding, I should loosen it a little, and I would probably avoid most of this!

I don't know if this is relevant for anyone else, but when I get a headache while riding on an hot day, it usually helps a lot to loosen my ponytail.

Just a +1 to try different brands til you find one that fits your head shape. Bell helmets give me headaches (tried a couple different ones with the same result). Specialized helmets consistently work well for me. I think it's kind of like buying shoes, you have to find the company that uses the right pattern for you.

Lots of good suggestions here, but another thing to try is just stopping every hour and giving your head a 5-minute breather by taking your helmet off.

Update: No more headaches; riding 5 to 6 days a week. Here's what I've changed so far:

1. Switched my glasses for some with a wider lens and thinner arms.
2. Putting NUUN in one of my water bottles.
3. Stopping every 30 minutes to drink regardless of thirst or no thirst.

Still trying on helmets everywhere I go to see if something fits better. Nothing so far.

K.

Glad you aren't having headaches!

Glad you've resolved the headaches. I had a lot of issues when I wore a Giro helmet, I ended up having to sell it after a month. My head only seems happy in Bell so now I just stick with them, unless I find out they make some major change to their shape. Giros I think are less round than Bell, I had *assumed* since I thought they were manufactured very similar it wouldn't matter. I didn't realize they had slight variations in shape.

I have recently found that sticking with the same brand doesn't guarantee a good fit...I previously had a Bell helmet that I liked and never had any problem with the fit. Decided that after 6 years of wearing that one I probably should replace it so got another Bell that appeared to be the same shape and size (different model--the one I had before was discontinued). This new one gives me a headache! The only big difference I can see is in the fit system--the old one (Deuce) had one type of ring-fit, the new one (Muni) has a different one that isn't as finely adjustable, and also has a rear stabilizer that comes down much lower on the back of the head. I think it's the rear stabilizer that is the problem--it puts pressure in a bad spot.