Do you suffer from frequent headaches? It may be due to a strong perfume or a poor posture

Headaches are common and not a cause for worry in most cases. But have you ever thought about what may be triggering these painful episodes in your life?

Headaches are a painful sensation in the head and may be due to a number of reasons ranging from a ponytail hair style to stress to lack of sleep. Sometimes, it may indicate some underlying health condition. But most of the time, it is harmless and not a cause for worry. Triggers are often simple and innocuous things that we may not even recognise as being the cause of our pain.

In fact, researchers from Tel Aviv University-affiliated Meir Medical Center say that gum-chewing teenagers, and younger children as well, are giving themselves headaches with this habit. They are hopeful that these findings may help treat countless cases of migraine and tension headaches in adolescents without the need for additional testing or medication. Paediatric Neurology published this study.Researchers also say that some typical triggers are stress, tiredness, lack of sleep, heat, video games, noise, sunlight, smoking, missed meals and menstruation.

Let us take a look at a few other triggers of headaches here.

Weather

Ever-changing weather especially hot, sunny days marked with high humidity is a major headache or migraine trigger. Changes in the barometric pressure, which happens mostly during cold winter days, can also lead to headaches. While we can't do much about the weather, we sure can take precautions. Avoid having cold drinks on excessively hot days and keep your body warm in winter to prevent headaches.

Strong Scents

Strong scents such as perfumes and paints can set off a migraine in many people. Although the mechanism behind this is not known, these strong odors are thought to stir up the nervous system and give you a headache. Avoid sweet, fruity perfumes and steer clear of newly painted surroundings to remain headache-free. (Related Article: 8 Natural Deodorants That Don't Stink)

Sex

A headache has long been used as the most common excuse to avoid sex. However, did you know that getting under the sheets may be making your head throb? More common in men, coital headaches often come at the height of passion and are sometimes referred to as 'orgasmic headaches'. Doctors think that these may be brought about by fluctuations in the blood pressure and the build-up of pressure in the head and neck muscles. (Related Article: 7 Healthy Foods For Better Sex)

Poor Posture

Slouching at your desk for long periods of time results in pressure build-up in the head and neck muscles and can trigger a headache. Sit up straight to keep the blood flowing smoothly. Get up and walk around at regular intervals. (Related Article: Tips To Prevent The 'Computer Hunch')

Foods

Certain foods are known to set off headaches in people. Cheese (especially aged ones) such as blue cheese, Cheddar, Parmesan, Stilton and Brie are rich in tyramine, which can trigger headaches. Other foods are chocolate, caffeine, red wine, cured processed meats and ice cream.

Smoking

Here's another reason to kick the butt. Smoking can trigger cluster headaches, as the nicotine from the tobacco causes the blood vessels in the brain to dilate.

Text sourced from zliving.com