Tension headaches are one of the most common forms of headache and are defined by pain or discomfort in the head and neck along with muscle tightness. It is generally associated with stress, anxiety, depression, alcohol abuse, caffeine and fatigue. Tension headaches can occur at any age but are more common in adults and adolescents. Avoiding the triggers is the best way to prevent the headache. Over-the-counter and prescription pain medications also help manage the condition. Certain supplements such as vitamin D also help prevent and treat tension headaches.
About Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin that plays an important role in the absorption of calcium and thereby, helps in growth and development of bones. It also regulates cell growth, and neuromuscular and immune functions. The National Institute of Health's Office of Dietary Supplements recommends 400 to 800 IU of the vitamin per day, depending on the age and condition of the patient. It is naturally present in very few foods such as salmon, tuna and fish liver oils. Your body can make significant amounts of vitamin D when exposed to sunlight for 10 to 15 times, three times a week, says MedlinePlus. Today's indoor lifestyle and fear of skin cancer, however, is increasing the risk of vitamin D deficiency.
Link Between Vitamin D and Tension Headaches
Significant vitamin D deficiency was found in individuals with headaches, fatigue and musculoskeletal pain, according to a study published in the September 2010 edition of the "Scandinavian Journal of Primary Health Care." Another study in the August 2010 issue of "The Journal of Headache and Pain" has also revealed that there is increased prevalence of headache in fall and winter, possibly due to lower vitamin D levels in the blood during this season. Thus, vitamin D supplementation may help relieve headaches, especially in patients who do not respond well to conventional therapy, report the authors of a September 2009 study in the journal "Headache."
Side Effects
There are no major side effects associated with vitamin D obtained from dietary sources. Exposure to sunlight may, however, increase the risk of skin cancer. Synthetic and natural vitamin D supplements are generally safe, although overuse of the vitamin can lead to calcification of the tissues, kidney stones, nausea, vomiting, weakness and weight loss.
Precautions
Always talk to a doctor before using vitamin D to avoid the possible side effects and drug interactions. In spite of all the benefits associated with vitamin D, limit your sun exposure to lower the risk of skin cancer. Inform your doctor about your pre-existing conditions and any other medications you might be taking.
References
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin D
- MedlinePlus: Vitamin D
- "Scandinavian Journal of Primary Health Care"; Vitamin D Status in Patients with Musculoskeletal Pain, Fatigue and Headache: A Cross-Sectional Descriptive Study in a Multi-Ethnic General Practice in Norway; K. V. Knutsen, et al.; September 2010
- "Journal of Headache and Pain"; The Prevalence of Headache may be Related with the Latitude: A Possible Role of Vitamin D Insufficiency?; Sanjay Prakash, et al.; August 2010
- "Headache"; Chronic Tension-Type Headache With Vitamin D Deficiency: Casual or Causal Association?; Sanjay Prakash, et al.; September 2009
