Why does headache happen

Sit up straight and support your lower back. Consider using a special headset if you spend a lot of time on the phone, as holding a handset between your head and shoulder can strain muscles and cause headaches. You could also see a physical therapist, such as an osteopath or Alexander technique practitioner.

If you think housework is giving you a headache, you could be right. Household cleaners, along with perfumes and fragranced air fresheners, contain chemicals that can bring on headaches. Use fragrance-free air fresheners and household cleaners, and keep your doors and windows open as much as possible at home. If a colleague's perfume is bothering you, put a fan on your desk at work. If you're prone to getting headaches, you could find that grey skies, high humidity, rising temperatures and storms can all bring on head pain.

Pressure changes that cause weather changes are thought to trigger chemical and electrical changes in the brain. This irritates nerves, leading to a headache. How to fix it: There's not much you can do to change the weather.

However, by looking at the forecast, you can predict when you're likely to have a headache and make sure you have some painkillers ready for when you might need them. You can check the weather forecast using the Met Office website. Grinding your teeth at night the medical name is bruxism makes your jaw muscles contract, causing a dull headache. How to fix it: Your dentist can fit you with a mouth guard to protect your teeth while you sleep.

Bright lights and glare, especially if flickering, can induce migraines. This is because bright and flickering lights boost the levels of certain chemicals in the brain, which then activate the migraine centre. How to fix it: Sunglasses are great at reducing light intensity, and you can wear them inside and outside. Polarised lenses can also help to reduce glare. At work, adjust your computer monitor or attach a glare screen.

You may be able to turn off certain lights or move them. If you cannot, change where you sit in the office. Fluorescent lighting tends to flicker, so if you're able to, substitute it with some other form of lighting. It may help to put a cool, moist cloth across your forehead or eyes. Breathe easily and deeply. If a headache doesn't go away or it's really bad, you may want to take an over-the-counter pain reliever like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

You can buy these in drugstores under various brand names, and your drugstore may carry its own generic brand. It's a good idea to avoid taking aspirin for a headache because it may cause a rare but dangerous disease called Reye syndrome. If you are taking over-the-counter pain medicines more than twice a week for headaches, or if you find these medicines are not working for you, talk to your doctor. Most headaches are not a sign that something more is wrong. But if your headaches are intense and happen often, there are lots of things a doctor can do, from recommending changes in your diet to prescribing medicine.

You don't have to put up with the pain! Larger text size Large text size Regular text size. What Are Headaches? What Are the Kinds of Headaches? This causes pain often described as: feeling as though someone is pressing or squeezing on the front, back, or both sides of the head dull aching constant Pain that's especially sharp and throbbing can be a sign of a migraine headache. What Causes Headaches? Lots of different things can bring on headaches.

Most headaches are related to: infections such as ear infections, viruses like the flu or a cold , strep throat , meningitis , or sinus infections stress dehydration computer or TV watching loud music smoking alcohol caffeine people who drink a lot of caffeinated drinks might get caffeine-withdrawal headaches skipping meals lack of sleep or sudden changes in sleep patterns having a head injury taking a long trip in a car or bus allergies some medicines headaches can be a side effect vision problems smelling strong odors such as perfume, smoke, fumes, or a new car or carpet some foods such as alcohol, cheese, nuts, pizza, chocolate, ice cream, fatty or fried food, lunchmeats and hot dogs, yogurt, aspartame, and MSG For some teens, hormonal changes can also cause headaches.

Who Gets Headaches? How to get your child to put away toys. Is a common pain reliever safe during pregnancy? Research health conditions Check your symptoms Prepare for a doctor's visit or test Find the best treatments and procedures for you Explore options for better nutrition and exercise Learn more about the many benefits and features of joining Harvard Health Online ».

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