6 Things That Can Trigger Headaches
Whether they involve a sharp or dull pain, headaches can be quite awful. When your head is pounding, you can't concentrate on anything and just want to lie down in your bed. However, if you learn what your triggers are, you can prevent headaches in the future. Here are six things that can trigger headaches:
Loud Noise
If you are exposed to loud noise for a long period of time, it can result in a pounding headache. If you have to be in a loud environment, such as a factory, you should wear earplugs to reduce some of the noise.
Strenuous Exercise
When you push your body too hard during a workout, you can cause the blood vessels in your head to swell, which may result in a headache. If you are feeling pain or exhaustion during a gym session, it is definitely time to give yourself a break.
Strong Scents
A headache can also result from strong scents, like those from perfumes and paint. If you feel a pounding in your head after being exposed to a certain smell, try to avoid it as much as possible.
Poor Posture
Pay closer attention to how you sit in your chair. If you tend to slouch over, you could increase pressure in your neck and head muscles. Sitting up straight in your chair with your shoulders pushed back can decrease the number of headaches you have.
Processed Meats
Cold cuts are great to use for sandwiches, but they contain nitrates and other chemicals that can lead to headaches in some individuals. If you notice your head hurting after eating cold cuts, you should try eliminating them from your diet.
Secondhand Smoke
You do not have to be a smoker to experience headaches from cigarettes. If you are exposed to secondhand smoke, the nicotine can still constrict the blood vessels in your brain, resulting in a headache. To avoid this, stay away from secondhand smoke as much as possible. If someone you know wants to smoke, ask him or her to not do it around you.
If you avoid your triggers, you will be less likely to experience headaches. However, if you still get frequent headaches no matter what you do, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. He or she might recommend you see a radiologist, such as those at Hudson Valley Imaging, to have an MRI to see if any underlying conditions are responsible for your headaches.