Headache

The causes of headaches are widely varied and depend on the person. Some headache causes may be due to health issues, diet, stress or environmental factors.

Stress has a significant impact on headaches. Stress causes a strain on the body and interrupts the healthy flow of blood to the brain. The tension caused by stress on the body and in the brain can result in a headache.

Diet and certain foods are also known to cause headaches in some people. Chocolate, nuts and cheeses have been linked to headaches. Of course not everyone has the sensitivity to these foods. Often when someone has recurring headaches, it is suggested they keep a “headache diary” to note some of the symptoms and causes that lead to the headaches. Certain food choices, like chocolate, nuts and cheeses, have been linked to headaches for some people who suffer from headaches. Not everyone is the same, however, keeping a headache diary has been helpful for some people to find common headache causes and know when to avoid them.

Caffeine has also been linked to headaches. The effect of caffeine on the body depends on the person. Some people can digest large amounts of caffeine and the substance has no effect on their body. However, if you are not used to caffeine, it can be a cause for the headaches. Conversely, many have reported getting headaches from a lack of caffeine, as the body’s response to not having the substance. The nexus between caffeine and headaches really does depend on a person’s body chemistry and their daily use of caffeine. If you are used to having two cups of coffee each morning, and you find yourself in a rush one morning and skip your coffee, you might find that your head hurts from the lack of caffeine later that day.

Those affected with ongoing sinus and allergy issues often report trouble with recurring headaches. Pressure in the nasal cavity and sinuses can cause discomfort between the eyes that feels like a headache. Similarly, colds, influenza and fever can be associated with headaches.

Muscle tension is a common cause for headaches, as well as poor posture. Changes in posture or poor posture over an extended period of time can trigger headaches in some people. Muscle related medical conditions can also make a person more likely to experience headaches like arthritis and degenerative bone diseases. Naturally, head injuries are linked to headaches, but constant and severe headaches may be symptoms of a more serious problem like brain cancer, encephalitis or an aneurysm. Low levels of endorphins in the brain, which are also connected to depression, can also spark headaches.

Simple things like low blood sugar from not eating and missing meals can cause headaches. Not drinking enough fluids which leads to dehydration can increase your chances of getting a headache. Many people know that if they don’t eat or drink regularly, they are likely to get an uncomfortable headache. If you skip breakfast or lunch and overeat later in the day, you might find that too much sugar in the blood can make your head hurt, too.

Research has shown that some people’s headache patterns are affected by environmental factors. Such factors as altitude and temperature changes, snow, rain and wind has affected some people in a way that leads to headaches.

No matter what kind of headache you have, whether it is minor aching or a migraine, it is difficult to discern the cause if you are not intuitive to your own body and the elements that may be triggering the headache pain. Often, headache occurrences can be reduced or weakened if you are keeping track of what elements, either physical or psychological, are causing the headaches.