Photo by Mehrpouya H on Unsplash
Most people get headaches at some point in their lives. For some, these are infrequent, other people can be quite prone to them or even suffer from a headache disorder such as migraines.
If you’re getting more headaches, and your doctor has ruled out any major issues, then you can usually put them down to things like stress, caffeine, or lack of sleep.
Here are some other potential causes of your headaches you might not have thought of.
Bad Posture
If you get headaches at the base of your skull, this pain can actually be caused by poor posture. Slouching or hunching over your phone can cause your upper back, shoulders, and neck. Try and practice good posture by keeping your stomach pulled in, shoulders back (not too far), and sitting up straight. If you’re in a lot of discomforts, visit a chiropractor who will be able to assess your posture and recommend treatment to help you get your posture back and release that headache-causing tension. Many people find that yoga and pilates make a big difference.
Your Teeth
There are a number of reasons that your teeth might give you headaches. In some cases, problems with your teeth cause a headache at the front of your head and cheekbones. You might not realize that your headaches are being caused by this as the teeth themselves might not be hurting.
If you think this might be the cause, ask your dentist to investigate and see if you need any work done.
Clenching or grinding your teeth when you’re asleep can cause painful headaches that can be difficult to get rid of. Your dentist should be able to tell if you’re a teeth grinder and can provide you with a gum shield to use at night when you’re asleep. It might not be the sexiest-looking thing, but waking up without a headache is totally worth it.
Your Hair
OK, not exactly your hair, but your hairstyle. If you wear your hair in a tight ponytail then you could be aggravating the sensitive nerves underneath the scalp, especially when you let your hair down at the end of the day. Try changing your hairstyle for a while, and if you do need to tie your hair back, try wearing it in a loose, low ponytail.
Visiting the salon can also cause a headache. If you’re having your hair washed, then lying back with your head tilted back over the washbasin, this can cause a severe headache as your neck is pressed into the lip of the sink.
If this is a particular trigger for you, then ask your stylist to put a folded towel between the basin and your neck. It can make a huge difference.
Takeaways
Headaches can really ruin your day, so if you’re getting them quite often, you’ll be pretty miserable. Any changes to the frequency of headaches should be investigated by your doctor first. If they rule out any medical reasons, then it could be one of the reasons above that’s causing you pain.
