A headache is the most common pain complaint any individual experience every day. By definition, a headache is a result of pain signals due to the interactions between the blood vessels, the brain and the surrounding nerves. The pain comes from the agitated nerves that surrounds the skull, head muscles and blood vessels and not from the brain as many believe. Primary and secondary are the two types of headaches known today. A primary headache is an actual clinical condition and not a symptom of another disorder. This includes cluster headaches, migraine and tension headaches. A secondary headache is one arising to a condition known to cause a headache or is due to other medical conditions such as allergies, dental disorders, sinuses, head injury or brain tumors. Whether any person is plagued with regular headaches everyday of only get once in a while, here are 20 facts about the dreaded headache that you may not know yet or already know.
- Eating a bedtime snack can minimize morning headaches. Most morning headaches are caused by low blood sugar that occurs overnight. Having a light snack before going to sleep can help minimize morning headaches. A light snack will provide enough sugar for the body to use and prevent headaches from happening. Diced fruits with cottage cheese, a small bowl of cereal or a cracker and milk can offer relief.
- Prolonged watching 3d images can cause headaches and brain strain. A study was made by the Northwestern University states that people exposed or watching 3d movies for long periods can develop a headache and nausea. The effect is due to the brain strain in processing 3d images.
- Rebound headaches are caused by taking in many headache medications in a given time frame. The headache will not go away unless the individual stops taking all medications. Overdosing on pain killers will damage the kidneys, liver and can cause death. Check with a preferred physician for the right medication.
- Over exposure to insecticides and pesticides can cause headaches plus dizziness, vomiting, nausea and breathing troubles. This is a serious case since dangerous chemicals are involved and can even cause death. Over exposure will require immediate medical attention.
- High cholesterol can cause headaches. A study was made and linked migraine with aura (flashing lights and tingling sense) and high cholesterol in seniors. This is also linked to a higher risk of stroke and heart disease.
- Ancient Greeks and Romans drank chamomile, lavender rosemary and peppermint tea to treat headaches. This has been proven that drinking different kinds of tea and coffee provides caffeine that relieves pain as quickly as painkillers.
- Migraines may be hereditary. People suffering migraines have at least one family member having the same condition. If a parent is suffering from migraine, there’s a 50% chance of one of the kids will have the same condition.
- Most headaches are harmless although most of them are uncontrollable and disabling at times. Most can be cured by over the counter medications or just by taking a full rest.
- Alcohol as a headache trigger is overstated. Some researchers believe that stress, fatigue and menstruations in women are some of the top triggers. Although too much alcohol in one night will cause a massive hangover and dizziness the morning after.
- Sex can cause headaches. This, according to the American Headache Society, men are more likely to get these kinds of headaches than women. There are two types of headaches related to sex – a dull headache that happens as sex increases and a severe attack as orgasms nears.
- Some headaches are caused by dental issues. Jaw clenching and teeth grinding during sleep are some of headache triggers. Checked with a preferred dentist for any dental issues and solutions regarding teeth grinding and jaw clenching.
- Fasting can cause headaches. As mentioned earlier, an individual with a low blood sugar lever will suffer from headaches. Fasting for a number of hours will lower a person’s blood sugar level.
- Hormones and headaches are linked. Headaches and migraines are linked to hormonal spikes and fluctuations. This is true for women a few days before and during their periods.
- An unhealthy lifestyle will trigger migraines and headaches. Too much smoking, lack of sleep, too much alcohol and an unhealthy diet can cause massive head pains.
- Headaches due to tension can affect anyone. It is mostly caused by the neck and shoulder muscles going into spasms, in some cases lasting for days.
- During the Neolithic period, it is believed that headaches are caused by bad spirits thus circular chunks of the skull were removed to let the bad spirits go out and escape. Be thankful that this practice is no longer is use.
- Brain freeze. Gulping a large Slurpee or eating a frozen dessert as fast as your body can hold will surely give you a brain freeze. This pain is caused by blood vessel spasms caused by intense cold from foods. The spasms interrupt the flow of blood and causes the vessels to swell thus the brain freeze.
- Acupuncture can help in stopping headaches. A study made by the University of Rochester found that acupuncture bolster a neurotransmitter called “adenosine” that has a numbing effect to nerve cells and bring natural pain relief. It is said that it is more effective in minimizing the frequency of migraines and headaches during the first 4 months of therapy.
- Dehydration and temperature can trigger headaches. When dehydrated, avoid drinking sodas, coffee, tea or alcoholic beverages because it will worsen dehydration. Drink lots of water and rest. High temperatures and low air pressure will also increase the risks of headaches.
- Some think that recurrent headaches are something that they have to live with, this is not true. Headaches can be managed with proper medical care, effort and education.