When you are suffering from a headache, your first thought is almost always relief. After attacks and in between them, you often wonder about what is responsible for your headaches. There are many common causes for headaches, and it is believed that understanding the root of your headache problems will provide more effective cures for migraine headaches.
Determining a cause for a headache takes time, as they often seem to be elusive. One method of figuring out the cause is by keeping a headache diary. In it, you keep track of headache details: when it started, how long it lasted, and what seemed to help. You should also write down as much as you can about events preceding the attack, including what you did, ate and drank. Over time, a headache diary can reveal patterns you may not notice otherwise.
Most people are not surprised to hear that stress is a frequent headache trigger. Whether it comes from a single event (like a meeting with your boss), or if it is a buildup of stressful events, stress can cause a wide spectrum of health problems. It is unlikely that you can eliminate every single source of stress in your life, but you can learn healthy ways to manage stress.
Stress can also cause muscular tension, another headache trigger. Muscular tension in the back, neck, and shoulders can lead to a pounding head. This tension can also be caused by overexertion or poor posture. Exercise can help, and it also naturally lowers stress levels. Another popular alternative is massage, which stimulates muscles, improves blood flow, and can release the body’s natural painkillers.
Diet plays an important role in headache frequency and severity. Some foods are well known to trigger a headache, including aged cheese, nitrates, foods high in saturated fat, and alcohol. Food allergies can also be responsible for headaches, although they are often unsuspected. Your headache diary should reveal any problem foods in your diet.
Though there are many causes for headaches, there are also certain measures you can take to prevent against headaches, no matter what the cause. Following a healthy diet is always important, but make sure you also stay properly hydrated, get regular exercise, and follow a steady sleep schedule. Leading a healthy lifestyle will improve overall health, as well as limit the frequency and severity of your headaches.