Different circumstances can decrease our performance at work or studies markedly because they decrease our concentration ability. All of us, at some point, have felt, for example, the need to suspend a reading or work due to a headache temporarily. Many different circumstances can cause headaches. One of the most common is the involuntary contraction of the muscles in our head, known as a cramp.
In this FastlyHealarticle, we will explain why they cause cramps in the head so that you know what the possible causes of this common condition are. You can give it a solution promptly so that it does not affect your daily performance.
Table of Contents
What are cramps
A cramp refers to the involuntary and excessive muscle contraction that causes pain in the affected part, something that can be felt as the sensation of electric shocks in the head. Different situations can cause a cramp, usually because the muscles have nerve endings that activate them to perform their normal functions. Still, in certain circumstances, the presence of toxic substances or emotional situations can stimulate the release of impulses that produce involuntary muscle contraction. Thus having a cramp.
Heat cramps: anxiety
One of the most frequent causes of cramps are those related to emotional situations, during which the muscle fibers are stressed, and this can induce the production of muscle contractions. Some of these situations are, for example, anxiety, depression, and particularly excessive stress, which has been closely related to cramps and headaches linked to very demanding work hours.
Diseases that cause head cramps
Many diseases are accompanied by alterations that can affect the head, such as cramps or headaches. The most frequently related is hypertension, which, although it is a disease that generally shows few symptoms, one of the most common is the appearance of headaches with no other apparent cause.
The accumulation of sugar in the blood of diabetic patients can cause damage to nerve endings, including those in the head. It may well cause headaches and the fact that diabetes has been frequently linked to the appearance of hypertension.
The thyroid’s condition is hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, which can produce very high or deficient levels of certain hormones or nutritional consequences elements that cause the appearance of headaches.
Cramps from nutritional deficiencies
Deficiencies in certain types of nutrients can be linked-to head cramps. The most common is the appearance of headaches after a considerable period without eating, which is due to a superficial blood sugar level. Dehydration can also cause headaches.
The lack of essential trace elements for the regular diet is related to this condition, particularly potassium, sodium, and calcium deficiencies.
Cramps from other causes
Although the above are the most common, many conditions can cause cramps and headaches, among which we can mention:
- Neuralgias
- Viral or bacterial infections
- Anemia
- Sinusitis
- Head trauma
- Abstinence syndrome
- Demanding exercise
- Dental malocclusion
- Prolonged eye strain, such as when reading or in front of a monitor
Treatments for head cramps
Because head cramps are not a disease in themselves but rather a symptom or a consequence of other conditions. To alleviate a cramp, a solution must be given to the situation, such as controlling hypertension or diabetes. Or overcome a stage of stress. However, some measures can be taken into account to alleviate this symptom:
- Because cramps are caused by muscle contraction, changing posture to relieve muscle tension or taking short breaks during work hours can go a long way toward improving the condition.
- Performing circular massages on the temple and the back of the head and applying cold compresses for 20 minutes on the forehead help relieve symptoms.
- Certain medications are widely used to relieve headaches and cramps, most commonly pain relievers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. Combining a pain reliever with a muscle relaxant can enhance the effect of cramps. An excellent natural alternative to take chamomile infusions, and red fruits and vegetables usually have elements that produce a somewhat practical analgesic effect.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Why do they give cramps in the head, we recommend that you enter our category of Bones, Joints and Muscles .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.