5 Wacky Headache Causes Exposed

If you’re susceptible to headaches, you know all too well how miserable they can be. Therefore, you do your best to avoid your likely triggers (which can include everything from caffeine, stress, eye strain, PMS and more). But, alas, there are still times when you’re blind-sided with an ‘ache even though you’ve done everything right. That ain’t even right…so, what gives?

The problem is, headache triggers can be hiding where you least expect them – even in the bedroom! Don’t believe it? Read on.

Unlikely Trigger #1 – Strong smells. Whether it’s a coworker’s perfume or a heavy duty air freshener, some people are highly sensitive to smells (hello, me!) Strong odors have a way of activating the nose’s nerve cells, which in turn rev up the nerve system responsible for head pain. Your best bet? Avoid perfumes, heavily-fragranced candles, soaps or lotions, and have some Tylenol or Motrin handy just in case.

Unlikely Trigger #2 – Weather. Just like arthritics tend to be affected by the weather, some headache sufferers are highly affected by changes in barometric pressure, rising temperatures, humidity, lightning and cloudy skies.

Meteorological shifts are to blame for a chemical trigger and electrical changes in the brain that fire up nerves. The best thing to do is to try and stop the headache before it starts. Pay attention to the weather forecast and pretreat with ibuprofen a day or two before the weather is predicted to change.

Unlikely Trigger #3 – Earrings, headbands, and ponytails. The connective tissues around our scalps possess pain fibers, and “Ponytail Headaches” can occur when tightly pulled hair irritates that muscle system. Earrings may possibly pull on that same tissue, making those a prime suspect, as well. Your best course of action? Loosen the ‘do and save the heavy earrings for short nights out.

Unlikely Trigger #4 – Hunger. If your diet is more than a pain in the proverbial neck, your head might be getting involved in response to your blood sugar taking a dive. Low blood sugar may fire up nerve pathways that can spur headaches, so obviously, avoid such a nuisance by eating. Regularly. Be sure to keep meals well-balanced by incorporating proteins and complex carbohydrates. But remember, cheese, chocolate, processed meats and MSG may actually trigger headaches or migraines, so leave those on the shelf.

And finally, the shockiest shocker of them all (and the most unfortunate):

Unlikely Trigger #5 – Sex! A class of headaches called “Coital Headaches” can occur during foreplay or right ahead of an orgasm. This is likely a type of “exertion headache” (that’s good – means you’re playing hard!) which could be caused by pressure mounting in the head and neck muscles. Running, coughing, sneezing, and even straining during a bathroom session may bring on the same sort of pain.

If you’ve identified sex as a trigger, first of all, my condolences. Second, try pretreating with ibuprofen or naproxen, and good luck!

Source: CNN.com