A headache is a condition of mild to severe pain in the head. The International Headache Society classifies headaches into three categories: tension-type headache, migraine, and cluster headache. Headaches can be acute or chronic. According to the National Headache Foundation, more than 45 million Americans suffer from chronic, recurring headaches. Knowing the cause of a regular headache can determine the type of treatment and prevention necessary to avoid headaches in the future.
Tension
According to the Mayo Clinic and Foundation for Medical Education and Research, tension headaches are the most common type of headache. The primary cause of the pain is sustained muscle tension around the head and neck. Tension headaches can be single in nature or chronic and are more common in women than men. The pain of tension headaches feels like pressure or tightness and is usually mild to moderate. Aspirin and ibuprofen are effective in relieving tension headaches. To prevent tension headaches, practice good posture, drink water and eat regularly, take a 20-minute nap daily, and meditate.
Eye Strain
An eye strain headache can come from overexposing the eyes to television, computer screens, and books. In addition, pollution in the environment creates irritation in the eyes sometimes leading to eye strain headaches. These persistent conditions lead to blurred vision that can result in a headache. Too much strain on the eyes without giving the proper rest or the required nourishment to the tissues and blood vessels around the eyes can ultimately lead to eye strain headaches. When looking at a computer screen or reading a book a particular muscle in the eye contracts. Shifting the focus of the eyes or simply closing the eyes, relaxes the muscles allowing the eyes to recover and return to their original strength. To prevent eye strain headaches, take a break from the computer for two minutes for each 60 minutes of working on the computer. When reading a book, take a short break every 30 minutes. Blinking the eyes gently will naturally massage the eyes, releasing the muscle contraction. Taking regular breaks and blinking the eyes will prevent eye strain headaches from occurring.
Dehydration
As reported by HeadacheUpdates.com, three out of four Americans don't drink enough water, which is a major cause of headaches. The human body consists of 65% water. When the body loses water and it is not replenished, headaches can occur. Preventing dehydration is the best defense against headaches. Drink 64 to 80 ounces of water a day. Avoid caffeinated drinks as well as alcohol as they trigger dehydration. Drink low-calorie sports drinks to increase essential electrolytes and keep the body's pH levels in check if you are performing exercise for extended periods. Once a headache has set in, aspirin or ibuprofen can relieve the pain.
Sinus Infection
Sinus headaches cause a dull, deep, throbbing pain in the front of the head, behind the eyes, and on the face. They are caused by an inflammation in the air-filled cavities around the nose, eyes, and cheeks called sinuses. Bending down or leaning over generally makes the pain worse, as does cold and damp weather. To avoid sinus headaches, use a humidifier, irrigate the nasal passages with salt water, and take dietary supplements that boost the immune system. If a sinus infection has set in, a doctor can prescribe antibiotics and nasal corticosteroids. Over-the-counter medications such as antihistamines and decongestants are also helpful in relieving pain.
Menstrual Cycle
The Mayo Clinic and Foundation for Medical Education and Research suggests that the drop in estrogen just before a woman's period may contribute to headaches. Headaches are a common symptom of premenstrual syndrome, and many women with migraines report headaches before or during menstruation. To relieve the pain, apply ice to the painful area, massage the muscles in the back of the head, neck, and shoulders, and/or take over-the-counter medications such as aspirin. If the headache persists, a physician can prescribe stronger medications.
Foods
Specific foods can trigger a headache. The Cleveland Clinic reports that cheese, alcohol, and certain additives are major contributors to headaches. Those who are sensitive to tyraminie should avoid foods such as cheese, alcoholic beverages, and some processed meats. Tyramine is found naturally in some foods and is formed from the breakdown of protein as foods age. The longer a high-protein food ages the greater the tyramine content. A headache caused by alcohol is the result of the impurities or the metabolism byproducts of the alcohol that travel straight to the brain. Food preservatives, or additives, such as nitrates, nitrites, and monosodium glutamate, can trigger headaches. Cold foods, such as ice cream, may create a sudden headache that can last between seconds to two minutes. Keep a food journal to determine what foods are eaten when the headaches occur so that those foods can be avoided in the future.
