Headache when practicing?

[cmonte]

Lately, I've been experiencing a mild headache when practicing. I'm hoping it's because it's flu season and my sinuses are sensitive or something. I haven't played in a big room yet so I'm not sure if that would change anything.
Thoughts??
Thanks!!

[fairweathertuba]

How long is a typical practice session? How loud are you playing? Finally, is there possibly something wrong with your horn?

I would only ever get a headache if blowing the horn extremely abusively. If you are in a tiny tiny room practicing that may also contribute.

[sousaphone68]

Has anything changed in your practice room? Eg carpet fresh paint lighting.
Is it your usual practice room?
Anything different with your tuba? Eg new brand of oil.

[tbn.al]

Listen to the Doctor.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCh7z5EwYF8" target="_blank

[cmonte]

I haven't changed anything except that I'm probably practicing closer to the wall. I practice in the den when no one is around and it echoes really oddly around the house when I practice at home. The only thing that has really changed is that I play with my tuba on my chair sometimes and that I have been doing breathing exercises before I play. Also, being sick but I've mentioned that before.
BUT one thing that I have noticed that it didn't get bad when I was at brass choir rehearsal the other day

[thattubachick]

Sometimes I get headaches when I practice a lot of low range or range-jumpy stuff, I think because I have a bad habit of jutting my jaw out to go lower and holding tension there in general. It's worst when I'm coming off a little hiatus from practicing and I havent had a chance to get my embouchure back in tip top shape. You might have been better in brass choir because the parts are generally less range-y and you get more rest (also, playing with other people gives you more to focus on so you might not have noticed the headache). Neck tension can also lead to headaches (and sometimes breathing exercises, if not done relaxed, can contribute to that). Hope you feel better soon!

[Dean E]

Headaches could be situational, for example from dieting or caffeine withdrawal. Serious headaches need medical help. http://www.migraines.org/" target="_blank" target="_blank

[cmonte]

These are great insights!
My sinuses are clearer than usual, I moved to a different part of my house that has more room for sound to resonate, and I'm more relaxed with my jaw. Thanks!

[Pat S]

My wife sometimes gets a headache when I practice...