What causes head pain, and how do you know when it’s serious? - #14684

Head pain, or headaches, can have several causes, and it's important to understand the type and triggers. Here’s a quick breakdown: Causes of Head Pain: Stress: Tension headaches are often caused by stress, poor posture, or muscle tension in the neck and shoulders. Dehydration: Not drinking enough water can lead to dehydration, which is a common headache trigger. Sinus Issues: Sinus headaches result from sinus infections or congestion, often causing pressure around the forehead, eyes, and cheeks. Eye Strain: Spending too much time on screens or reading without breaks can strain the eyes, leading to headaches. Types of Headaches: Tension Headaches: The most common type, usually caused by stress or muscle tension, feels like a dull, tight band around the head. Migraines: These are more severe and often come with symptoms like nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and throbbing pain usually on one side of the head. Cluster Headaches: Intense, sharp pain typically around one eye, often occurring in clusters (several headaches in a short time frame). Natural Ways to Relieve Head Pain: Hydration: Drinking water can help if dehydration is the cause. Yoga and Stretching: Gentle yoga, stretching, or neck exercises can relieve muscle tension that causes tension headaches. Ayurveda: Herbs like ginger, turmeric, and peppermint oil are known to ease headache pain. Applying peppermint oil to the temples may reduce tension headaches. Acupressure: Points like LI4 (between the thumb and index finger) and GV20 (on the top of the head) are commonly used to relieve headaches. When to Seek Medical Help: If the headaches are severe, persistent, or associated with other symptoms like vision changes, confusion, or nausea, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider to rule out more serious conditions.