30 Things That Could Be Triggering Your Headaches

1. Poor Posture - both sitting and standing

Image source Bodyset

When you sit and stand with a good upright posture, your body expends very little energy as it uses the postural muscles to do the task.  However, when you slouch your shoulders and hunch your neck forward, the body has to recruit extra muscles to stabilize the skeleton.  This can result in muscle tension and muscle spasms in the head leading to a tension headache.

2. Sex - particularly in men

Image source Medical News Today

Males who are prone to migraines are more likely to suffer from headaches after sexual activity.  There may be a serious reason why this is happening such as a health condition associated with the heart so best to get to the doctor for a 'once-over' and obtain a diagnosis.

3. Nitrates - from hot dogs to pizza

Image source MoulinexDo you ever get a headache after eating your favourite pepperoni pizza or devouring a tasty hot dog?  Headaches can be caused by chemicals known as nitrates and these are found in processed foods such as bacon, cold cuts and other deli meats.  That would explain the discomfort from the foods mentioned above.

4. Caffeine – cut back in the afternoon

Image source DherbsCaffeine sensitivity is a real issue and has been associated with headaches in a number of individuals.  Also, if you are an avid coffee drinker, skipping your morning cuppa can  trigger a headache and this is due to withdrawal of caffeine.  Best thing is to limit yourself to 3 cups a day, sipping the last one by 2pm.  You might find you sleep better following this change.

5. Alcohol - red wine and amber coloured spirits

Image source Virgin WinesIt isn't an old wives' tale that suggests you are less likely to get a headache drinking white wine instead of red.  Even a small quantity of red or an amber coloured 'short', such as rum or tequila, can trigger a bad headache.  If this is you, change you drinking choices and eradicate that head pain.

6. Dehydration - drink enough water

Image source RedditWe are always told to drink 2 litres or 8 glasses of water a day to keep us healthy.  That does seem quite a lot but if you sip water from the morning and mix it with low sugar juice during the day, it's quite easily done.  Your body NEEDS to keep hydrated to work properly.  Lack of water can affect your overall blood composition which might cause headaches so take heed.

7. Frustration –  when you get upset

Image source InsiderWhen you become upset, your body goes into fight or flight mode. This causes your muscles to tighten up, your pupils to dilate and your heart rate to increase.  Even food may have trouble digesting.  All of these factors can have a negative impact on your body and cause headaches.

8. Eye Strain - from your computer

Vision EyeTension headaches are very annoying and can be quite debilitating.  If your eyes get tired from driving for hours or they hurt from staring at a computer screen all day, you could end up with a headache or migraine, caused by straining the tiny muscles around your eyes, forehead and face.

9. Asparatame - artificial sweetener

Image source VecteezyYou may think by cutting out sugar in your favourite hot drink and replacing it with an artificial sweetener, you are doing good.  It's true that cutting down can hold health benefits but you should be aware that sweeteners contain aspartame and this chemical can trigger headaches.

10. Strong Sunlight - and glare

Image source Daily MailBright lights, strong sunlight, reflected light and glare from objects such as a metal surface or a computer screen, can all cause headaches.  People who suffer from chronic headaches are sometimes extremely sensitive to light so it's a good idea to keep a good quality pair of sunglasses at the ready, all the year round.

11. Changes From Routine - away on holiday

Image source Smarter Travel

If you ever get a headache over the weekend or in the middle of your annual holiday, there could be a specific reason for this. When your body changes from its normal daily schedule, your internal biological routine is affected, resulting in a number of changes, including brain waves, heart rate and hormone fluctuations.  These can all contribute towards a bad head.

12. Eating Nuts - not related to allergies

Image source Horizon

Peanuts, almonds, cashews and other nuts are known to trigger migraines and headaches in some individuals.  It's true that they are a healthy snack and contain lots of goodness but some people are hypersensitive to them and can't tolerate even a small handful.

13. Strong Odours – household cleaners

Image source Daily Mail

Overpowering scents caused by household cleaners, such as those containing ammonia,  can cause headaches.  So can strong perfumes and plug in air fresheners, nail polish remover and chemical fumes.  Pungent odours activate  nerve pathways in the nose and may trigger headaches.

14. Changes Of Season – triggers from the weather

Image source Yahoo UKCertain seasonal changes can trigger headaches in some people.  This is especially true in those suffering from sinus headaches and cluster headaches.  Whether it's from summer to autumn or winter to spring, they can all have an impact.  Of course, hay fever season can bring headaches with it as well.

15. Hormone Fluctuations – pregnancy and menopause

Image source Health Trio

Hormonal changes are well known to trigger migraines and headaches that involve the occipital nerve. The hormones involved are oestrogen and progesterone and women are more prone to be affected by these changes during pregnancy or if they are going through the menopause.

16. Sleep - getting too much

Image source Tech Daily

Too much sleep, too little sleep or basically any changes to your overall sleep pattern,  can trigger tension headaches, occipital headaches and migraines.  Sleeping with the heating on might be cosy for you but is another reason why you may wake up in the morning with a heavy head.

17. Skipping Meals - change in blood sugar

Image source Everyday Health

Skipping meals is sometimes one of the options people choose to lose weight.  After all, an intake of less calories should mean a weight loss but there is a down side to this way of thinking and that is the changes in blood sugar when you leave a meal out and this can cause headaches and irritability together with a lack of concentration.

18. Jaw Clenching - and teeth grinding

Image source DentrixYou may be unaware that you grind your teeth when you are asleep, unless someone tells you.  You might also clench your jaw during the day without realising it.  Both of these behaviours can irritate the masseter and temporalis muscles on the sides of the head and jaw, causing a headache.

19. Loud Noises – from dogs barking to rock music

Image source Pumpkin Pet

Loud music, dogs barking, babies crying ..... the list is endless but all of these sounds can go towards causing headaches due to the auditory nerves being over-stimulated.  Some people are more sensitive to those noises and it doesn't take much for the banging head to start.

20. Temperature Fluctuations - hot sun or snow

Image source Car Credit

Temperature fluctuations such as the climate turning much warmer or much colder can trigger headaches.  Temperature changes can affect the physiology of the brain, blood vessels, muscles and nerves, causing the headache.  Individuals feel as if their head is pounding.

21. Smoking – elevated blood pressure

Image source Mature TimesThere are so many health reasons to stop smoking and here's another.  Those with the bad habit or passive smokers are at risk of painful cluster headaches.  This is because exposure to tobacco smoke irritates the sinuses and elevates blood pressure, harming the airways.

22. Stress – emotional and physical

Image source HealthBeat

Stress is a massive trigger of both migraines and tension headaches. Anxiety and chronic stress cause you to furrow your eyebrows, clench your jaw, square your shoulders and tighten your upper back and neck muscles, causing your blood pressure to rise and the headache to start pounding.

23. Chocolate – especially milk

Image source BBC

While some people actually eat small amounts of chocolate to combat their headaches, for others the sweet treat can induce a headache, due to them being hypersensitive to chocolate.  It is usually milk chocolate that has this effect as it's higher in sugar and lower in cocoa content.

24. Changes In Weather Patterns – storms and thunder

Image source Met OfficeShifts in weather patterns cause changes in barometric pressure and this can result in pain and extra pressure in any area of the body.  For example, low pressure can cause inflammation issues with those who suffer from arthritis.  Similarly, for people who have inflamed sinuses, they can experience sinus headaches.

25. Scuba Diving - plays havoc with ear pressure

Image source HealthlineScuba diving can cause various types of headaches and these are particularly prevalent for those who are sensitive to diesel fumes from boats.  Diving headaches can occur from external ear squeeze, middle ear squeeze, sinus squeeze and facemask squeeze, all very uncomfortable.

26. Tyramine – found in parmesan cheese

Image source Insider

This substance derives from the amino acid Tyrosine.   It's a chemical that is sometimes found in aged cheeses such as blue cheese, Swiss, brie and parmesan.  Cheese lovers who are sensitive to this chemical can develop headaches after being exposed to it, even eating a small quantity of the dairy product.

27. Exercise – physical exertion is a trigger

Image source Cleveland ClinicIf you find that exercise triggers your headaches it's really important to attempt different types of physical activities to find a form of exercise that is beneficial but doesn't cause headaches.  If you are taking pre-workout supplements before training, this could also cause headaches.  You should let your doctor know if you have exercise-related headaches.

28. Objects Worn On Your Head – hair tied too tight

Image source RedditIf you are prone to headaches, be wary about tying your hair up too tightly in a pony tail.  Also, don't wear hats that are too snug fitting, head bands or ear muffs.  The pressure it may cause on your head could well start up a headache, particularly at the sides and back of the head.

29. Medications – if you are sensitive to certain compounds

Image source QuoraPrescribed and over the counter medications can both cause headaches. Even if headaches are not listed as one of the side effects, one could still occur.  This is usually if you are sensitive to a compound contained in the medication.  Misuse of pharmaceuticals can also be responsible for rebound headaches.

30. MSG – Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) - chemical food additive

Image source EpiciriousMSG is a chemical food additive intended to enhance the flavour of certain foods.  It is well known as being a possible trigger for headaches, particularly if you are eating Chinese food which usually contains lots of it.  If you do have such a issue, search a Chinese restaurant that advertises the fact that they don't use MSG.