KidsandHeadaches.com » Causes of headaches http://kidsandheadaches.com Sat, 14 Mar 2009 21:51:02 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.5 en hourly 1 Causes of headaches http://kidsandheadaches.com/causes-of-headaches.htm http://kidsandheadaches.com/causes-of-headaches.htm#comments Sat, 14 Mar 2009 21:23:48 +0000 http://kidsandheadaches.com/?p=19 The most common headaches are probably caused by tight, contracted muscles in your shoulders, neck, scalp, and jaw. These are called tension headaches. They are often related to stress, depression, or anxiety. Overworking, not getting enough sleep, missing meals, and using alcohol or street drugs can make you more susceptible to them. Headaches can be triggered by chocolate, cheese, and monosodium glutamate (MSG). People who drink caffeine can have headaches when they don’t get their usual daily amount.

Other common causes include:

* Holding your head in one position for a long time, like at a computer, microscope, or typewriter
* Poor sleep position
* Overexerting yourself
* Clenching or grinding your teeth

Tension headaches tend to be on both sides of your head. They often start at the back of your head and spread forward. The pain may feel dull or squeezing, like a tight band or vice. Your shoulders, neck, or jaw may feel tight and sore. The pain is usually persistent, but does not get worse with activity.

Migraine headaches are severe headaches that usually occur with other symptoms such as visual disturbances or nausea. The pain may be described as throbbing, pounding, or pulsating. It tends to begin on one side of your head, although it may spread to both sides. You may have an “aura” (a group of warning symptoms that start before your headache). The pain usually gets worse as you try to move around. For more information on this type of headache, see: migraine.

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