7 Facts About Headaches That Will Blow Your Mind

Anyone who has ever experienced a headache has probably wondered what causes them in the first place. After all, they're a universal experience that affects us all in some form or another. If you have suffered from migraines in the past, then you may know that they can be triggered by certain foods or stress. In this article, we will explore some of the strangest facts about headaches and how they work. We are sure that you will be shocked by some of these revelations!

1. Headaches are more common in women

In the United States, approximately 41% of women report having migraines. This is compared to 29% of men. In general, migraine disorders are on the rise and one in four people will experience a headache at least once a month. If you often experience headaches, it is better to visit a neurologist to define the exact cause of your issue.

2. Drinking alcohol can trigger a headache

Many people believe that drinking alcohol can ease a headache. However, the truth is that it can actually disguise the pain and make you feel better. In medical terms, this is called a "masking effect" and it is one way that alcohol masks pain. If you suffer from severe headaches on a regular basis, then you may want to avoid drinking alcohol.

3. Tight clothing can also cause headaches

Sometimes a headache can be caused by tight clothing, which creates pressure on the head. This is because the blood flow to the head is obstructed and it cannot receive enough oxygen. The good news is that this condition can be fixed easily by loosening your clothing, allowing your blood flow to re-establish itself.

4. Standing up after being seated for too long can trigger a headache

Many people find it difficult to stay seated for long periods of time. However, a study found that sitting for an extended period of time can lead to a headache. The reason is that your body's muscles are in a state of rest and you may be missing the signals that tell them to contract, which causes your head to throb.

5. Lack of sleep and stress can cause headaches

A large percentage of headaches are caused by stress. This is because the brain releases a small amount of a chemical called serotonin and this causes headaches. So what does this mean? Basically, if you're experiencing stress, it can lead to headaches. If you find yourself getting sick often, then you may want to consider reducing the amount of caffeine in your diet or better yet, avoid caffeine altogether. Caffeine has been linked to migraines as well as tension headaches.

6. Dental problems can cause headaches

If you are suffering from headaches, then it is likely that you have visited your dentist more than once in the past year. If you haven't been to your dentist lately and are not sure what's going on with your jaw, then never fear! According to the American Dental Association, half of all adults will suffer from a toothache or other oral-related problem in their lifetime. The most common cause of these problems is cavities. The pain caused by dental pain can be very intense and unbearable. You may have already tried the treatment for your dental problem, but if it doesn't work out you should consider talking to your dentist about a stronger form of treatment.

7. Smoking can contribute to a painful headache

We all know that smoking is bad for your health in general, but did you know that it can also make your head feel worse? There is actually a study published in the Journal of Headache and Pain that found that smoking more than a pack of cigarettes a day increased the likelihood of developing headaches. This is because nicotine, which is present in cigarettes, affects certain receptors on the head. This causes pain and inflammation to develop, which leads to headache symptoms.