Headache – one of the most common uncomfortable feelings that everyone had experienced at least once in their life.
It’s OK if you have it once or twice a year, it's inevitable if you did not sleep enough for the last couple of weeks or you are coming down with a cold or you had a lot of stress previously.
But if you have a headache 2-3 times a week and consider it normal – don't, cause ... it's not!
If you just keep taking pain medication without thinking why you get the headache you might make things worse, because by covering symptoms you are not solving the problem that causes it. The problem remains the same and even continues to grow.
So here are several basic reasons why you have a headache, so that you know what causes it:
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1. Toxins Build up
Most headaches start because of toxins overload which decreases amount of oxygen in the brain cells. Any pain is always the signal of low oxygen in the area. Some medications can even cause headache as a side effect.
Decreased oxygen levels in the brain, often stemming from a buildup of toxins, can result in discomfort. Poor dietary choices, environmental pollutants, and not drinking enough water can exacerbate this issue. It's vital to stay adequately hydrated and maintain a balanced diet rich in antioxidants to support your body’s natural detoxification processes. Additionally, certain relaxation techniques and regular exercise can help your body efficiently flush out these harmful substances, potentially reducing the frequency or severity of headaches caused by toxic overload. Remember, keeping your environment clean and avoiding overuse of chemicals can also make a significant difference in your body's toxin levels.
2. Food or Seasonal Allergy
Headaches are caused through nutrient deficiencies and oxygen deficiency since oxygen is used by the body to neutralize allergens which by the time becomes toxic.
3. A Tension Headache
Usually caused by tightening in the muscles of the face, neck or scalp is a result of stress or poor posture.
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Tension headaches, also known as stress headaches, are the most common type of headache. They are usually felt as a band of pressure or tightness around the head, and can last from 30 minutes to several days. The pain can range from mild to severe and is usually located on both sides of the head, but can also be felt in the forehead, temples, or neck.
Tension headaches are typically caused by muscle tension, which can be triggered by stress, anxiety, fatigue, depression, or poor posture. Other potential causes include dehydration, eyestrain, or jaw clenching.
Common symptoms of tension headaches include dull, aching pain, tightness or pressure in the head, neck, and shoulders, a feeling of tightness around the head, and difficulty concentrating. Some people also experience sensitivity to light and sound, or a feeling of fatigue.
4. Circulation Problems
Caused by stress, hormonal imbalance, nutrients deficiencies can lead to headaches. They can cause spasm of blood vessels that in turn can lead to reduction of blood flow and oxygen supply to the brain. In extreme cases severe disruption of blood and oxygen supply results in a stroke.
What you choose to wear while working out can have a significant impact on your comfort and performance. One essential item is the sports bra. Lack of proper support can lead to discomfort and muscle tissue damage. Choosing a good sports bra can help prevent these problems and ensure a great workout!
5. Real Migraine or Classic Migraine
(Not to be confused with intense headaches, but considered fake migraine) is caused by excessive dilation of blood vessels in the head. Usually sufferers have warning symptoms before the onset of the pain – for about a few minutes. They include blurring or bright spot in the vision, fatigue, nausea and others.
6. Alcohol
For many people, alcohol can trigger a headache, even if they only drink a small amount. The best way to determine if this is the cause for you is to keep a journal in which you write down everything that you eat and drink and whether you experience a headache in the hours at follow. If alcohol bothers you, you'll see the trend soon enough.
7. Lack of Sleep
Have you been skimping on shut eye lately? Not getting enough sleep is a common cause of headaches. That's because sleep gives the body time to restore and rejuvenate so coming up short can wreak havoc on normal bodily functions, including those that control pain.
8. Hunger
Everyone has probably experienced a hunger headache at one point or another. Fortunately, this one is a simple fix. If you've gone several hours without a meal or snack and your head hurts, try eating something. Chances are, you'll feel better in short order.
9. Brain Disorders
Should you have a brain disorder, you will likely be experiencing headaches on a regular basis, rather than just occasionally. If that's the case, it's vital to talk to your doctor because this can indicate a brain tumor, an aneurysm or a blood clot, all of which are serious and require immediate medical attention.
10. Thirst
Thirst can cause a headache because your body needs enough fluids to function properly. When you are dehydrated, even just mildly, your head may begin to throb. A simple drink of water can really help.
11. Overuse of Pain Medications
When you pop over the counter pills to fight headache pain, your body may become reliant on them. If you stop using them you may experience what's called a rebound headache. This occurs as your body adjusts to lower levels of pain medication in your system. They will likely go away if you continue avoiding said medication.
So if you started having headaches way more often then once every 3-4 months without any visible reason then it’s not time to take stronger pain killers, but it's time to think about the source of the headache. These are by no means the only causes of a headache, so if you can't discern what is causing yours, it's important to see a doctor so you can figure what is causing your headaches so you can decide on the best course of treatment for them.
In the next article I will tell you how to deal with different kinds of headaches and treat them naturally and harmlessly...
This article written in collaboration with editor, Eliza Martinez
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Feedback Junction
Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge
Anonymous
2011-10-18T15:55:42.000Z
I am suffering this head-ache rite from my 6th standard n now am in 12th,2 to 3 times a week i hve head-aches, i m also under a guidance of a doctor,den he suggested a CT Scan,but am scared of it..what if i really hve sum disease?
maysa
2010-07-06T20:48:46.000Z
hey dr how u doing ?? i have vomit ,, plz i need a reason or solution .. plz
Maysa
2009-11-01T18:39:19.000Z
I have the same problem .. When i study and playing football i feel like my heart will fall down .. i don't know why .. can you help me ?? I want to take a rest from the Headache ,, that hurts me so much .. maybe am thinking about lots of things inn the same time ,, and always have problems and thinking about it .. one day i thought that i have cancer in my head :( thank you d.r Maysa
Sofiya
2009-10-09T02:10:24.000Z
Dear p.r - If you could define your pain a little bit more precisely, I would be able to help you more efficiently.
Sofiya
2009-11-21T00:48:11.000Z
OK Maysa. I was sure you do not have something really serious. To help yourself to relax you can start taking some very specific amino acid that comes from green tea - THEANINE 100 mg - one in the morning on empty stom and one at night before sleep. It can relax and improve the memory and concentration at the same time. It's called learning acid quite often.
Molly
2009-03-25T21:42:57.000Z
Or... go to your Chiropractor and get adjusted... eliminates or at least decreases the severity and frequency of headaches. Science is proving that every single person needs to be adjusted by a Chiropractic Doctor at least once a month for wellness care... more in the beginning to "put things where they should be".
gowthami
2012-09-25T05:04:26.000Z
Hi.......... From last two months. I'm suffering from severe headache. Especially in d mornins I jst cant open my eyes. My head feels very heavy...........n sometimes I feel very giddy. , I jst cant bear dis anymore
Maysa
2009-11-20T12:44:37.000Z
:D :D .. its done dr. i dont have a brain cancer :) thank u .. the dr. that met him told me that i have to relax some days without thinking about my problems and the pain that i have came from that thing :) thank u very much .. maysa beltaji .
Bhushan
2010-09-21T19:02:36.000Z
Dear Dr Sofiya, My son Rajat Arora aged 18 is suffering from headache on left & right sides for over 5 years. We have consulted every type of doctor, alopathic, ct scan ayurvedic, but of no avail. His school study suffers a lot all these years. The headache starts any time any day. Sometimes no headache. He is technically intelligent but due to headache can't concentrate on his studies. We as parent, are worried a lot about the real cause. Sometimes the headache starts as he enters a daylight area, and sometimes otherwise. Can you please - please enlighten and guide us. Thanks a lot. Cell +919417619866
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Feedback Junction
Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge
2011-10-18T15:55:42.000Z
2010-07-06T20:48:46.000Z
2009-11-01T18:39:19.000Z
2009-10-09T02:10:24.000Z
2009-11-21T00:48:11.000Z
2009-03-25T21:42:57.000Z
2012-09-25T05:04:26.000Z
2009-11-20T12:44:37.000Z
2010-09-21T19:02:36.000Z