What To Do When You Have A Headache?

Imagine waking up or starting your day with a headache. It surely sounds bad. A headache can upset your day, slow you down and also ruin your mood. Wondering how to get rid of a headache?

Over the counter medicines are an any time option, but we will give you insights into all that you must know and can do to get rid of that nagging headache. Here it is:

Headache Causes

Its not just loud music, stress or a nagging family member who can be the reason behind your headache. While work and home are things that no one can avoid, there are a few external factors that contribute to your headache, which you can definitely stay away from! Here’s what you need to beware of.

1. Glare

Brightness from your computer screen, sunlight or vehicle headlights can lead to a pounding headache. So, take a break while working or put on those shades while driving to keep your head and eyes cool.

2. Eating Patterns

Your eating pattern can be a major contributor for headaches. So, watch what you eat and how you eat. Pack a nutritious meal and also make sure to eat at regular intervals. Remember, junk and haphazard eating hours can put you in a big risk. So, eat healthy and on time.

3. Sleeping Patterns

Similar to your eating pattern, your sleep pattern can also give you a headache. Improper sleep can reduce oxygen flow in your brain, thereby giving you a headache. Human beings need an average of eight hours of sleep. Also, watch your sleeping position and the temperature of the room that you sleep in. The room should neither be too hot nor too cold.

4. Physical Activity

While physical exercise is definitely a good thing, too much can lead to problems. So, take it easy in the gym and go light. Excessive strain can result in a headache from the swelling of blood vessels in your head, neck and scalp.

5. Lack Of Physical Activity

While too much physical activity can be bad, lack of exercise can also be dangerous. Schedule a particular time to exercise and follow it strictly. Remember, by exercise we do not mean running a few miles or doing 10 laps in the pool. It can be as simple as walking, cycling or even climbing the stairs. Do what you enjoy, but make sure to do it regularly.

6. Posture

Your mother was probably right in getting petrified seeing you sit in one place for a long time, looking into your computer. Well, posture can hurt your head more than what you can imagine. Sit upright so that the blood flow in your system is intact. Also, move a bit while working so that your mind gets some time off and the body get some activity.

7. Hormones

Headaches are very common, especially before your monthly cycles. The oestrogen level in your body drops just before your get your period and this can lead to headaches.

8. Foods

Did you know that some foods and drinks can also lead to headaches? Yes, you heard us right! Not all foods are good for everyone. Some foods like caffeine, chocolate, cheese and more can give a headache. So, watch out before you binge!

9. Dehydration

When the body runs short of water, then a headache is sure to set in. 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.

10. Brain Freeze

Also known as ice cream headache, brain freeze occurs merely seconds after the ingestion of cold food. The pain can be felt on the sides of the head and generally lasts for less than a minute.

Types Of Headache

If you thought that headaches are those caused by stress and anxiety, then you may be completely wrong. There are three major types of headaches classified according to the source of pain:

Primary Headache
Secondary Headache
Cranial pain, facial pain and other headaches

Primary Headache

Primary headache includes migraines, tensions and cluster headaches. While these are very common in both men, women and children, they can be nagging and can spoil your mood for the day. However these headaches are not life threatening and vanish with over the counter medication and balms.

Tension headaches stem from the back of the head and radiate all the way to the neck. The intense pain is often at the temple and eyebrow areas where the temporal and frontal muscles are located.

Cluster headaches are those that come as a cluster but are separated by pain-free periods. This type of headache affects men more frequently. They often begin in adolescence but can extend into middle age.

Secondary Headaches

Secondary headaches are caused due to the underlying structural problems in the head or neck. Tooth ache, infected or decayed tooth, neck sprain, sinus etc all lead to secondary headaches. Hangovers, excess medication or too much alcohol consumption also leads to secondary headaches.

Cranial Pain, Facial Pain And Other Headaches

This is the headache caused due to the inflammation of one of the 12 cranial nerves. While this is rare, it definitely needs immediate medical attention.