Headaches are aptly named, referring to a pain or ache in the head that won’t go away. Most people experience headaches at some point in their lives. The World Health Organization reported that around47% of the world’s adult population has experienced at least one headache in the last year.
Headaches can be their own condition, be caused by other conditions, or be the reason other illnesses to begin. Understanding where your headaches come from is the first step toward preventing them.
If you are experiencing headaches due to any of the causes described below, see your doctor to find out if there are any other ways to minimize or eliminate your symptoms. There are various prescription medications that can help with the pain or possibly even prevent your headaches from occurring altogether.
Anxiety
Stress can play a big part in causing tension headaches, which are the most common type of headaches among adults. If you suffer from tension headaches, some pain killers, muscle relaxers, or even some antidepressants might minimize or eliminate your symptoms. For prevention of this kind of headache, stress management or relaxation training could be effective.
Harsh Lights
Intense brightness emitted from computer screens, fluorescent lights, or direct sunlight can trigger headaches. The best way to avoid this is by turning down the brightness and using indirect lighting instead, such as a desk lamp.
Noise
Loud, repetitive sounds can obviously trigger headaches, but even softer, continuous noises can contribute as well. Soothing music played through headphones can drown out these sounds.
Sleeping Patterns
Sleeping too much or too little can cause headaches, as can cold rooms or sleeping in odd positions. Get just enough sleep and maintain a comfortable temperature to prevent muscle spasms and headaches.
Medications
Headaches can be a side effect of many different medications. If you notice an increase in quantity or intensity of your headaches, talk to your doctor about other medication options.
Physical Activity
Too much physical activity can cause swelling of the blood vessels in your head, scalp, and neck from overexertion. Be mindful of this, and know what your personal limits are. On the other hand, not being active at all can also lead to headaches. Moderation is always the key.
Posture
Being hunched over for long periods of time can cause cramping of muscles that can lead to headaches. Sitting up straight keeps your blood flowing. Moving around when you can also reduce this risk.
Hormones
For women, the drop in estrogen levels right before a menstrual cycle can sometimes cause headaches. If you keep track of your cycle, you can plan ahead and be prepared to combat these kinds of headaches.
Food Sensitivities
Certain foods release different neurotransmitters. Sometimes, these can trigger headaches. Everyone responds to food differently, but some common triggers include caffeine, chocolate, aspartame, alcohol, and cheese. If you keep track of what you’ve consumed before your headaches occur, you can eventually figure out if you have any specific triggers and avoid them in the future.
