8 THINGS THAT MIGHT BE CAUSING YOUR HEADACHE

Exercise, painkillers, even sex! Whether it’s a niggling ouch or so agonising that you need to lie down in a darkened room, there’s a surprising list of headache triggers worth knowing

These may surprise you

Hitting the gym too hard

Exercise is the best medicine for many things, including headaches, but it can also cause them. Exercise or exertion headaches are felt as a throbbing ache that can affect any part of the head. ‘They’re caused by the release of chemicals called catecholamines,’ says Peter Goadsby, professor of neurology at King’s College London. ‘But we’re not sure why this causes headaches in some people and not others.’ If your GP has ruled out any underlying cause, they’re not dangerous. ‘They’re common in people new to exercise, but don’t be put off,’ says headache specialist Professor Anne Macgregor. ‘Build up intensity slowly and ensure you’re hydrated and have eaten before exercise.’

Feeling chilled

It’s Saturday, you’ve had a hard week and as soon as you unwind, a migraine hits. A US study found that let-down headaches, as they’re commonly known, are caused by relaxing after a build-up of stress. Researchers believe that the hormone cortisol, which is released during times of stress and reduces pain, may contribute to triggering a headache when you relax. To stop stress building up, eat well, maintain regular sleep patterns and do frequent stress-busting exercises, such as yoga or running. Early studies also suggest that using probiotics could help people who have both intermittent and chronic migraines.

Getting horny

Yes, fun activities can also cause headaches. Sex headaches are most commonly felt as a dull ache at the back of the head that intensifies as you approach orgasm, or as an intense burst of pain at orgasm, known as a thunderclap headache. ‘Pressure within the skull increases during sex and this can cause a slow-build headache,’ says Dr Laurence Gerlis, GP at samedaydoctor.org. ‘Thunderclap headaches are thought to be caused by the sudden release of hormones at orgasm.’ They’re not usually a cause for concern, but you should see your GP if you experience one when you haven’t previously. ‘Once underlying causes are ruled out, we can look at managing the headaches,’ say Dr Gerlis. ‘Sex therapy can also help by teaching people new ways of enjoying sex, including taking a more passive role.’

Popping too many pills

The thing you take to ease headaches could be to blame. Known as medication overuse headaches, they are very common. ‘When you take occasional painkillers, they work with your body’s natural painkilling chemicals,’ says Professor Macgregor. ‘But once you take them regularly, the body shuts down its production of chemicals, thinking they’re not needed. You then get more frequent headaches, reach for painkillers, and experience withdrawal headaches when you haven’t taken them for a while, so the cycle continues. If you take any over-the-counter painkiller or triptan more than three or four times a week, see a GP,’ says Dr Gerlis. ‘You need help to stop taking the medication. Headaches will be worse initially, but will then lead to you being pain-free in weeks.’

Grinding your teeth

Do you ever wake up with a headache that’s just in front of your ear, perhaps with a sore jaw or temple pain? If so, you might be a nighttime teeth-grinder. ‘Also known as bruxism, it’s often a sign of daytime stress or anxiety,’ says Dr Gerlis. It’s important to treat before it causes chronic pain. ‘Muscle relaxants can stop bruxism,’ says Dr Gerlis. ‘But you should also treat daytime stress through holistic therapies, such as counselling or yoga.’ Or ask your dentist about a night mouthguard.

Staying angry

We know that bottling up emotions isn’t good for us, but a study at Saint Louis University School of Medicine showed that holding in anger is a particular headache risk. If you struggle with managing anger, try cognitive behavioural therapy (visit babcp.com) or get in touch with The British Association of Anger Management (angermanage.co.uk), which offers courses in how to deal with anger healthily.

Drinking your morning latte

Drink three to four coffees a day? Then think about what time you have them. ‘People usually have coffee before work or as soon as they get there,’ says Professor Goadsby. ‘But weekend headaches are common because, if you lie-in, you’ll get a caffeine withdrawal headache, sometimes compounded by low blood sugar from a late breakfast.’ Have coffee at the same time every day, especially in the morning.

Slumping at work

Guilty of the desk hunch? ‘Most of us are,’ says Pilates guru Lynne Robinson. ‘Bad posture can radiate up the spine and cause headaches.’ Longterm, Pilates is the perfect way to build a stronger posture but, for instant relief from tightness in the upper back and neck, try shoulder drops. Lie on your back, knees bent, feet flat on the floor. Raise both arms above your shoulders, palms facing. Breathe in and raise one arm towards the ceiling; the shoulder blade lifts. Breathe out and drop the shoulder blade back down. Repeat 10 times each side.