While most of have experience some type of headache pain, some people regularly suffer from minor to severe chronic pain. In most cases, a headache is not a sign of serious illness. The following are a few common but lesser known headache triggers.
Eye Strain
Staring at a computer screen all day, glare from overhead lighting, and outdated glasses can all lead to eye strain and headaches. To prevent eye strain, make sure you take frequent breaks to allow your eyes to focus off into the distance, and adjust your computer screen and ambient lighting to minimize glare. You should also visit a professional like those at All About Eyes regularly to make sure you keep your eye prescription up-to-date.
Food Sensitivities
Certain foods may cause headaches in some people. Common culprits include red wine, cheeses, and processed meats with nitrates. Wine and aged cheeses contain tyramine that can cause a headache by dilating and constricting blood vessels. Polyphenols in red wine may also interfere with the metabolism of serotonin in the brain.
Dental Problems
Dental problems may cause local pain in the teeth or jaw as well as referred pain in the form of a headache. One of the most common dental problems causing headaches is a temporomandibular joint disorder involving the facial muscles that control the lower jaw. Standard treatments for TMJ include physical therapy and orthodontic appliances designed to adjust the bite.
Caffeine Withdrawal
If you guzzle caffeine by the gallon, you should be careful about quitting cold turkey. Drinking more than 200 mg of caffeine a day for two weeks can lead to withdrawal symptoms. The average cup of brewed coffee contains 95 to 200 mg of caffeine. To avoid a headache, try gradually decreasing your caffeine over several days.
Changes in Sleep Pattern
Most of us go through the various stages of sleep about six times a night. The deepest stages of sleep are required for the production of the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine. Poor sleep or changes in sleep pattern can affect your body’s levels of these “feel-good” chemicals, which can increase your sensitivity to pain signals and trigger a headache.
Changes in Weather
Climate changes, including fluctuations in temperature and barometric pressure, can trigger headaches. Researchers suggest a couple of reasons for this phenomenon. Weather changes may alter brain chemistry by lowering levels of serotonin. Storms and barometric pressure changes may also affect the trigeminal nerve in the eye and sinuses and trigger a headache.
You should consult your doctor if your headache persists, worsens, or doesn’t respond to usual home remedies like pain relievers and rest. While these are some of the common causes of headaches, there may be other reasons you should discuss with your doctor as well.
Anita is a freelance writer from Denver, CO and often writes about family, health, home and lifestyle. A mother of two, she enjoys traveling with her family when she isn't writing.