Anxiety causes headaches for several reasons. When you are anxious, your adrenaline levels increase, your endorphin levels decrease, the amount /quality of your sleep decreases, and your muscle tension increases, according to headache-migraine-release.com. Additionally, anxiety negatively influences the nervous system, which can lead to headaches, reports headache-migraine-release.com. Several treatment options are available in treating anxiety and headaches related to anxiety.
Adrenaline
Anxiety creates a feeling of stress and worry. When you are stressed, your body releases adrenaline to help you cope with the stress, reports dailymail.co.uk. Adrenaline is helpful in the short run, but too much adrenaline causes fatigue and headaches. Additionally, adrenaline belongs to a family of chemicals called "amines" that have been shown to trigger migraines, according to dailymail.co.uk.
Muscle Tension/Nervous System
Anxiety and stress can also cause muscle tension in your neck, back, and shoulders. The tight muscles can then trigger the symptoms of a headache, reports dailymail.co.uk. On a separate note, anxiety can increase your blood pressure. Several research studies have shown a correlation between high blood pressure and headaches, reports medscape.com.
Endorphins
Endorphins are neurotransmitters that are found in the brain. Endorphins are considered your body's natural painkillers. Endorphins have been connected to "euphoric" feelings, such as the "high" that comes with prolonged, strenuous exercise, reports relieve-migraine-headache.com. When you are feeling anxious, your levels of endorphins decrease, thus decreasing your body's ability to fight potential headaches, according to relieve-migraine-headache.com.
Insomnia
Anxiety often causes you to have difficulty sleeping because you are constantly thinking or are too worried about something to fall asleep. When you do not have adequate or quality rest, headaches may arise.
Treatment
There are several ways to decrease anxiety and headaches due to anxiety. Exercising is an effective way to release endorphins. Using relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, muscle relaxation, or yoga can help decrease stress and anxiety as well, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center. Taking over-the-counter pain medications can also be effective in treating headaches due to anxiety. Eating a balanced and nutritious diet will also help decrease the frequency of headaches, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Psychotherapy and medication management are also options in decreasing anxiety if these home remedies are not effective.
