Surprising Triggers for Your Nagging Headaches

If you often have headaches, you might be able to discover what causes them. Then you can make some changes to prevent them or at least minimize their frequency. You might be surprised to find out the little things that might be triggering those nagging headaches.

To help you get some relief from headaches, look through the list below to find out the cause and the cure you need.

Possible Causes of Headaches

Stress

Emotional stress is a major cause of headaches. Without realizing it, many people go through periods of excruciating headaches because they are stressed. Headaches usually go away when stress is eliminated.

The Weather

You can't do anything about it, but changes in the weather can cause a headache. It is not always bad weather that triggers headaches. Sunny days and hot days can also make you have a headache. Avoid the midday sun. Wear sunglasses when you go outside on a bright day. Stay hydrated on hot days.

Daylight Saving Time

Twice a year the time changes. In the spring, time goes forth an hour. In the fall, it goes back an hour. Just because the time changes on the calendar, it doesn't mean your body initially accepts the change. Some people have headaches until they get adjusted to the new time.

Some Scents

Some scents can trigger migraines in many people. Even mild scents can be the culprit. Take notice to see if you get a headache after being around common scents such as paint, some cleaning products, perfume, tobacco smoke, and certain types of flowers.

Hair Accessories

Women have discovered that some hairstyles give them headaches. Braids and ponytails that are too tight may strain the connective tissue in the scalp. Headbands and tight-fitting hats could also cause headaches.

Illness

Sometimes a headache can be caused by an infection, cold, fever, or other illnesses. In some cases, headaches can develop after you bump your head.

Side Effects of Medicines

When you get medicines, there is a long list of side effects. Take an inventory of your medicines whether they are prescriptions or over-the-counter pain relievers. Headaches might be included on the list of side effects.

Genetics

Migraine headaches run in some families. Ninety percent of children get migraines because other family members also get them. There is a 70 percent chance of a child getting migraine headaches if both parents have a history of migraines. The number drops to 25 to 50 percent if only one parent has a history of headaches.

Some Foods

Processed meats often contain tyramine and food additives such as nitrites that may trigger headaches in some people. If you think processed foods could be a trigger for you, stop eating them for a while to see if you recognize a difference.

Eating aged cheese might trigger headaches in some people. These include blue cheese, cheddar, Parmesan, and Swiss because they include tyramine as in cold cuts and processed meats.

Some Drinks

Drinking too much coffee and soda could be the reason you get headaches because of the caffeine. When consumed in moderation, caffeine often helps. In fact, caffeine is in many headache medications. If you decide to stop consuming caffeine, do so gradually because caffeine withdrawal will trigger another headache.

The tyramine that is in aged cheese and processed meats is also in red wine and other alcoholic drinks. Because alcohol boosts blood flow to the brain, headaches may be even more intense. Sipping sparkling water or other non-alcoholic drinks will keep you from getting headaches.

Skipped Meals

If you don’t eat, your head could begin to ache even before you realize you are hungry. That is likely to cause a drop in blood sugar that results in a headache.

Strenuous Exercise

Exercise is the cause and the cure for some headaches. Strenuous activity can sometimes lead to headaches especially if you are not used to exercising. Exercise can also be a cure if you are stressed.

What You Can Do About Headaches

Keep a Headache Diary

If you find what triggers your headaches, you will be able to stop them before they start. Every single day, write down what you usually do, such as the time you go to bed at night, the time you get up in the morning, the foods you eat, the weather, stressful events, hearing bad news, physical activity, and engagement with toxic people.

Jot down the time a headache starts, its duration, and when it stops. This will give you patterns so you can avoid your triggers. Phone apps are available to help you identify those triggers.

Manage Stress

Cut out as much stress as possible. Having less stress helps to eliminate migraines and tension headaches. Try to manage stress by staying away from people and things that cause stress. Also, try to relax by taking a short walk and meditating.

Exercise

Even though too much exercise can cause a headache, when done in moderation, it can be a powerful stress reliever. You can do anything that is comfortable for you, but walking is always a great choice. When you swing your arms while walking, it tends to relax the muscles in your neck and shoulders which makes your headache disappear.

Eat and Drink Regularly

Keep headaches at bay by eating regularly. Do not skip meals and eat when you are hungry. Diabetics should eat small meals and have snacks throughout the day to keep their blood sugar balanced. For the same reason, drink enough fluids because dehydration can also bring on a headache.

Headache Medicines

Over-the-counter medicines such as acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen work well against many types of headaches.

Hopefully, this information will help you get rid of the nagging headaches you have been having.