Most common causes of headache

The tension headache is the cause of most common head pain occurs due to stress or contractures generated in various muscles such as those in the neck, the shoulder, the eye sockets or face. Cervical contractures or the accumulation of tension in the neck area are the usual causes of this condition.

It is a headache that is constant and of the dull type, very similar to a kind of pressure that is generated from the affected area to our head. It is annoying, however it does not cause other symptoms and usually reduces or disappears when we do physical activity because normally the tense area relaxes a little. The most common causes of tension headache are:

• Stress.
• Sleeping in a bad position.
• Tension in the ocular or cervical area.
• Bruxism, that is, grinding or clenching the teeth when sleeping.
• Tiredness or trouble sleeping
• Excessive use of alcohol, caffeine, or cigarettes.

A good way to know if it is this condition is to keep a headache diary , so you can determine the moment in which the discomfort arises to be able to find the main causes. Normally engaging in frequent physical activity, trying to control stress and tension, getting adequate sleep, and eating a healthy diet without consuming excess alcohol or caffeine will help to end this type of discomfort.

Much less common than tension headache is migraine , one of the causes of headaches that occurs especially in women due to hormonal changes, hereditary factors, an improper diet or the accumulation of stress and tension.

Migraine consists of a dull and intense pain that usually occurs on one side of the head, generating a pulsing or throbbing sensation in the affected area. Most patients usually see a kind of aura before presenting the migraine attack, so alterations such as seeing lights, having blurred vision or pain in the eyes can be signs of its presence. In addition to the pain, other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light or loud sounds are usually manifested. The discomfort is intense and can last between 6 hours and 2 days, normally requiring rest in a dark and quiet room to reduce discomfort.

This condition must be diagnosed by a neurologist.

Not eating properly, skipping meals or spending many hours without eating, eating little food or drinking little water are conditions that immediately trigger headaches.

Our organs need water and energy to function properly, and the absence of any of these elements can lead to significant headaches that normally happen when we eat properly or when we ingest the water that our body asks for.

If you spend many hours of the day working in front of the computer, watching TV or reading without adequate lighting, it is very likely that your eyesight will feel tired and also that possible common vision problems such as astigmatism or myopia, among others, will worsen. .

One of the first signs that something is wrong with our eyesight is eye strain and headaches that usually appear in the middle or end of the day. These discomforts are exacerbated during peak hours, so if you have detected that there is a relationship between your eyes and headaches, it is best to go to an ophthalmologist for a check-up.

Maintaining an inadequate rest is one of the reasons why our head hurts , and it is that if we do not rest what our body needs, we can give rise to an annoying tension headache that prevents us from carrying out our daily activities with willingness and energy. Having insomnia for one or several nights, having problems sleeping that prevent us from resting properly or taking our worries to bed, can undoubtedly affect our well-being, causing indisposition, mental discomfort and headaches.

If you suffer from this problem, in our article foods for a good sleep we give you some ingredients that can promote adequate rest.Headache-causing infections

Various infections can also be the cause of headaches, however this type of discomfort occurs in specific cases and usually disappears when the condition is treated. Some infections that cause headaches are:

• The cold and the flu .
• Sinusitis .
• Infections in the tonsils or pharynx.
• Ear infections
• Urinary infections.

In most cases the reason why our head hurts is related to the conditions mentioned above, being stress, muscle tension or contractures, vision problems or an inadequate diet the most common. However, there are other conditions that can cause headaches, such as:

• High blood pressure.
• Very high temperatures, being very hot or being in the sun for a long time.
• Hormonal changes.
• Brain infections
• In more serious cases, a stroke or brain tumor may be detected.

If you have 3 or more headaches per month with no apparent cause or suspected migraine, it is important to go to a neurologist to find the cause of the problem and offer you appropriate treatment.

However, there are headaches that are considered a medical emergency , so see a health care service immediately if:

• The headache occurs suddenly and with great intensity, especially if it increases when you are lying down, stooping or making any sudden movement.
• You have suffered a concussion to the head that has caused you pain.
• Discomfort occurs right after any physical activity.
• If other symptoms are manifested with the pain, such as vision problems, difficulty speaking or articulating certain words, problems walking, moving or general confusion.
• Discomfort increases after 24 hours or lasts more than 4 days.
• There is neck pain and a stiff neck, which could indicate the presence of viral or bacterial meningitis .
• Along with the pain are other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, fever, skin rashes, etc.

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 does my head hurt? , we recommend that you enter our category of Brain and nerves .