Headaches are one of the most common problems for a majority of people. It brings in discomfort and pain in the head or even neck. There are a number of reasons that can give you a terrible headache. Read on to know about a number of surprising headache triggers as there are many causes for the same.
1. Your boss
Well, it’s not very surprising but your very own boss can be a reason for contributing a severe headache. The mechanism for headaches is yet unclear, but it is believed that the process involves a number of factors. Anything that enhances the level of stress can make you vulnerable to migraines or headaches. The sensitivity of nerve pathways in the brain that generate pain may be a cause for the headache. Sometimes, it could be the changes within the region of brain that might induce migraine headaches.
2. Warm weather
When the temperature exceeds, the chances of developing a migraine or a headache also increase. The researchers have found that for every 9 degrees Fahrenheit, there is an increase of 7.5 percent in the headache. The researchers also found that a certain low pressure was recorded on a barometer which preceded rain and the same resulted to a certain degree of increment in headache but not so intense.
3. Strong odors
Strong smells trigger migraine pain in many people. Even nice fragrances can cause a headache or so. The reason for such headaches is still unknown but it is believed that these odors stimulate the nervous system. Perfumes, deodorants, paints, kerosene and certain types of flowers are the inducers in this category.
4. Hair accessories
It’s important to wear your hair accessories properly and not so tight, because it can take a toll on your head. A very tight ponytail might strain the connective tissue of the scalp and this might cause hairdo headache which is a common problem for many women. Tight braids and headbands produce the same effect on the root of your hair. If this is the reason of your headache, then letting down your hair open will bring you relief.
5. Exercise
Constant exercise, including sex, can also trigger headache. Examples are sex headache and jogger’s headache. This category of headaches is very common in those people who are already vulnerable to migraines.
6. Poor posture
Poor posture can include using a chair with no lower back support, hunching your shoulders or staring your monitor that is too low or too high. It’s not necessary to work up to a limit and build a bad pressure in the head or your muscles. Doctors constantly advise to maintain a proper posture while sitting or standing.
7. Cheese
Cheese is yummy of course, but it aged cheese including cheddar, Swiss and blue cheese might trigger migraine in some people. It’s because of a substance called tyramine. As the food ages, the content of tyramine also increases.
8. Red wine
Tyramine is present in red wine and many other alcoholic drinks as well. There are some other ingredients too that are capable of inducing headache. Alcohols increase the flow of blood into the brain, so the effects are intense. If red wine is a possible trigger for you, then avoid it. You can enjoy a glass on some special occasions but do consult your doctor.
9. Cold cuts
Cold cuts are the preserved meats and have two strikes against them. First, they contain the substance tyramine. The second is that they contain food additives like nitrites which possibly cause headaches in some people. Food additives are harmful and lead to severe pain on both the sides of the brain unlike migraines which hit a particular region of your brain.
10. Skipping meals
If you skip your meal, your head might get a pain before you realize that you are hungry and need some food. It’s probably because of the dip in the blood sugar level. If that’s the reason for your headache, don’t just fill in your empty stomach with a candy bar as it is not going to cure your hunger. It would rather drop your blood sugar level.
11. Smoking
Smoking is one of the most frequent and deadliest causes of headaches. Secondhand smoke contains a harmful substance called nicotine. This nicotine reaches the blood vessels in the brain and cause narrowing of these blood vessels. Reducing the exposure to secondhand smoke or giving up cigarettes definitely helps the patients with frequent headaches. These dreadful pains are one sided and have the ability to cause nose and eye symptoms in the patients.
