Nothing beats a good mood like a headache, in fact, an unbearable one. Some of the first general known causes of having these head pains could be lack of sleep or even a lack of some drink or food you like. Yes I said it; some addictions to caffeine can cause a serious headache which can be curbed once you take tea or coffee
What is a headache?
The term “headache” refers to discomfort in the head or face, which can also encompass pain in the upper neck. There are various types of headaches that exist and can be defined medically.
Migraine
Migraine headaches are among the most difficult headaches to deal with. They usually start with a throbbing, acute pain on one side of the head that spreads. Frequently, they produce nausea and vomiting as well and last from a few hours to days. On its extreme, a migraine can cause sensitivity to light, scents, and sounds.
Tension Headache
Tension Headache brings on a dull, non-throbbing ache that might make you feel like your head is wrapped in a tight band. Tension headaches occur when neck and scalp muscles become tense or contract.
Cluster Headaches
As its name states, these headaches tend to come in bunches over weeks. An average cluster can go on for 6 to 12 weeks. While they are common in men and tend to start between ages 25 and 50, heavy smokers get them more often than nonsmokers.
Exertional headache
These are headaches that last up to 2 days and are triggered by physical activities that could be strenuous like weight lifting, jumping, running, or even sexual intercourse.
Hypnic headaches
Also known as “alarm clock†headaches these pains are known to wake individuals at night. This condition which is rare usually begins when one has clocked the age of 50. A hypnic headache consists of mild-to-moderate throbbing pain; usually in both sides of the head which lasts up to 3 hours and may include symptoms such as include nausea and sensitivity to light and sound.
Hangover headaches
These are migraine-like headaches that are resulted from excessive alcohol consumption and mostly occur the day after and could last one or two days.
Menstrual headaches
Changes in estrogen levels around menstruation or ovulation are the reason this type of headache happens. Being hormone-related these headaches are also caused by pregnancy, menopause or oral contraceptives.
Caffeine-related headaches
Caffeine consumption of more than 400 milligrams (mg), or around 4 cups of coffee per day, might cause headaches.
Withdrawal can cause migraine-like headaches in those who have consumed more than 200 mg of caffeine per day for more than two weeks. These usually appear 12–24 hours after suddenly discontinuing. They endure 2–8 days and peak at 20–50 hours.
Sinus headaches
Sinusitis or inflation in sinuses is the cause of this type of headache. A dull, throbbing ache around the eyes, cheeks, and forehead are the symptoms that accompany sinus headaches.
Notably, sinus headaches are extremely uncommon, thus a headache of this sort is more likely to be a migraine attack if there are no nasal symptoms.
What are the main causes of headaches?
Headaches could be caused by a gene where your family has a history of similar headaches, stress levels that are high and are not managed, hormones, the weather, foods, light, sounds, and smells.
Remedies or Medicine for this pain
One can take some pain killers that are mostly available in local shops; hydration is also important to reduce headaches.
Other unlikely methods to stop headaches
Stress levels are one of the known factors that contribute to headaches; therefore being able to manage or remove the same would be a great remedy.
How to
Stress symptoms, such as headaches, can be reduced with relaxation techniques. Listening to music, dancing, playing a sport, reading a book, or playing with your pet can all be beneficial.
Set aside time each day, even if it’s only 10 minutes, to practice relaxation. The following are some examples of techniques: meditation, yoga, tai chi, and deep breathing.
Also, to reduce stress daily, consider these tips:
Simplify your life: Leaving certain things out rather than trying to fit additional activities or duties into the day. Consider what truly needs to be done, what can wait, and what you don’t have to accomplish and saying No to unwanted duties or commitments is perfectly fine.
Exercise regularly: it is a proven way that engaging in exercise activities that are not strenuous can prevent or at least treat headaches.
Eat wisely. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains will help you feel more energized and reduce stress.
Get adequate sleep: did you know that lack of sleep puts your body under stress and may trigger the release of stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol.
Seek Support: Asking for help when you need to or visiting a therapist does help reduce stresses which adequately prevent headaches.
Manage your time wisely. Update your to-do list every day both at work and at home. Delegate what you can and break large projects into manageable chunks. Tackle the rest, one task at a time.
Let go: Â Don’t stress over things you can’t change.
Be prepared: Organize your day, anticipate challenges while trying to keep your plan flexible, this will help you be able to change course if needed.
Laugh: Humor is a great way to relieve stress. Laughter releases endorphins; natural substances that help you feel better and maintain a positive attitude. Don’t know what to laugh about? Try watching funny clips on you tube, Facebook or tiktok.
Adjust your attitude: Putting a positive spin on negative thoughts can help you work through stressful situations. If you need help with this process, consider cognitive behavioral therapy.
Take a break:Â Whenever you feel overwhelmed taking a break to clear your mind is advisable to help you renew your mind. A mental vacation by imagining yourself in a calm, relaxing place is also very beneficial.
When to see a doctor
Most headaches are nothing to worry about. But if headaches disrupt your daily activities, work or personal life, ask your doctor for help. You may be stressed, but perhaps there’s something else going on as well.
If your headache is beyond manageable conditions where you cannot function properly on your daily tasks
If you take any pain-relieving medicine and it does not stop.