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
Tiffany
2011-12-29T10:45:54.000Z
For each month, i would probably get like 1-2 times headache. Is it correct if I say that i lacked of sleep or strained my eyes to much? Is that a reason too? Coz i always like to play computer. :(
sulochana
2011-03-18T05:42:46.000Z
i m 19 n mostly evryday i had to bear headache i m studing as wel as wrking as a counselor due to headache i m not able to concentrate on my studies n carier i used to take disprin as wel to stop it but knw it also didnt wrk . do reply me with sm suggestion as soon as possible wil b waiting for your reply thanking u sulochana
Maysa
2009-11-22T18:45:38.000Z
yessss.. that what's my dr. was telling me about :) and i'll start with this advise .. thank you very much dr. but , could you tell me how can i focus on study more .. like am in the high school and i hope to succeed .. could you tell me how can i focus on study plz ?? am waiting you'r answer .. thx
sandy
2011-03-09T10:11:38.000Z
i have pain at forehead.
paramita
2011-05-05T11:50:10.000Z
past 1 month my husband suffering from a headache.we checked his eyes to doctor.there is a some vision problem and he suggest to wear.past 7 days he used to wear it regularly and we consult with other doctor and and taking medicines like paracetamol one syrup for cough and some other medicine .he used to take it a little bit improved by not 100% cured.as well as when he is in a.c room or weather get cold headache is very slight .but when weather is hot the headache is more.normally he used to stay under A.C .but there is no A.c in his office. please suggest me what i do? i am very much worried regarding this
deepa
2010-08-17T11:24:17.000Z
I AM SUFFERING FROM HEADACHE FROM last one year i am consulting doctor but no use of tablets plese need full some help of your side
plazadental
2016-04-14T06:07:34.313Z
As a doctor, I would like to add some important points here. Headaches can often be more than a pain; Dehydration is what is known as a secondary headache: Dehydration headaches occur when you lose a substantial part of the water and electrolytes that your body needs to perform normal functions. Some experts believe that a dehydration headache occurs as a result of narrowing blood vessels as the body tries to maintain enough fluid. To avoid dehydration, it is recommended that you consume moderate amounts of water during and after exercise.
charly
2009-11-05T11:58:35.000Z
i have the biggest head ache ever, had it for near on 2 weeks now. and its constant all day never letting up i cant sleep am in a terrible mood can barely see cant move my forehead. and head ache tablets dont work.
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Feedback Junction
Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge
2011-12-29T10:45:54.000Z
2011-03-18T05:42:46.000Z
2009-11-22T18:45:38.000Z
2011-03-09T10:11:38.000Z
2011-05-05T11:50:10.000Z
2010-08-17T11:24:17.000Z
2016-04-14T06:07:34.313Z
2009-11-05T11:58:35.000Z