Can stress really cause headaches?

Yes. In fact, stress is a central cause of many headaches. Whether it’s due to an over-packed to-do list, a demanding job, personal issues or a growing pile of bills, stress is a likely cause behind the most common type of headache – the tension headache (which aptly goes by the nickname ‘stress headache’).

What exactly is a stress headache?

You have likely experienced many different types of headaches – which can range from sinus to migraines. So, how can you tell if your headache may be caused by stress? Tension or stress headache symptoms tend to follow a certain pattern.iii A stress headache will normally be a mild or moderately painful dull ache. Stress headache pain will often feel like a tight band around your head – front, sides and back. Your scalp, neck and shoulders may also feel sore or tender. Stress headaches can be either episodic (short-lasting and occurring less than 15 days per month) or chronic (blending together and occurring 15 or more days per month). Unlike migraines, stress headaches aren’t typically aggravated by light, sound or physical activity. Call your doctor if your headache gets worse, or if you develop other symptoms – including vision problems, dizziness or a stiff neck. While stress headaches are very common, your headache may be a symptom of another condition.

How can stress cause headaches?

Everyday stress can bring on headaches in a variety of ways. That’s because stress causes us to change our behavior without even realizing it.iv When people are stressed, they often tighten their neck and shoulders. Tense muscles in the back of the neck and even in the scalp can cause the 'vice-like' compression many people use to describe stress-related headaches. Many people clench their jaws and/or grind their teeth when they’re stressed, both of which can trigger headaches all on their own.v Anxiety and stress are common culprits of restless nights, and insomnia is a risk factor for tension headaches and migraines alike.vi Stress can trigger changes in your appetite, which affect the way you eat and drink. Many people may find themselves eating less and even skipping meals when they’re stressed. This can throw blood sugar levels off balance, potentially causing tension headaches and migraines.vii Our bodies react to stressful events with a ‘fight or flight’ response. This involves the release of certain chemicals that can cause physical changes – such as in the blood vessels. This, in turn, can bring on tension headaches.viii Physical stress can also cause tension headaches. Examples are ergonomic issues such as poor posture and eye strain.ix What’s more, no matter your headache type, stress can both worsen and prolong your symptoms. According to recent research, every 10 percent increase in people’s strASsa What’s more, no matter your headache type, stress can both worsen and prolong your symptoms. According to recent research, every 10 percent increase in people’s stress levels causes them to experience tension headaches 6.3 percent more days per month, and migraines 4.3 percent more often. This means that, if you’re stressed, you could be fighting an uphill battle to get rid of that headache.Excess levels causes them to experience tension headaches 6.3 percent more days per month, and migraines 4.3 percent more often. This means that, if you’re stressed, you could be fighting an uphill battle to get rid of that headache.xWhat’s more, no matter your headache type, stress can both worsen and prolong your symptoms. According to recent research, every 10 percent increase in people’s strWhat’s more, no matter your headache type, stress can both worsen and prolong your symptoms. According to recent research, every 10 percent increase in people’s stress levels causes them to experience tension headaches 6.3 percent more days per month, and migraines 4.3 percent more often. This means that, if you’re stressed, you could be fighting an uphill battle to get rid of that headache.xess levels causes them to experience tension headaches 6.3 percent more days per month, and migraines 4.3 percent more often. This means that, if you’re stressed, you could be fighting an uphill battle to get rid of that headache.x How to prevent and relieve stress headaches Stress is an unfortunate fact of life. So, how can you prevent it from causing headaches? And how do you find stress headache relief when you do get one? Count to 10: Mindfulness may be trendy, but it’s really just a fancy word for stopping to smell the roses. Taking a few minutes to relax and simply breathe can do wonders for your body and mind. You may then choose to progress to meditation – a more regular and structured ‘break’ from the demands of daily life.xi Exercise: In addition to keeping your body in shape, physical exertion is an excellent way to relieve tension and anxiety.xii Eat healthy: It’s a no-brainer really, but making sure your body is getting its essential nutrients will help keep stress headaches at bay. Oh, and stay well-hydrated too!xiii• Eat healthy: It’s a no-brainer really, but making sure your body is getting its essential nutrients will help keep stress headaches at bay. Oh, and stay well-hydrated too!xiii Make lists: Taking control of your life can help to reduce anxiety. So, roll up your sleeves, organize the chaos and welcome the calm.xiv Take a nap: If you’re not sleeping well or long enough at night, try lying down for a daytime siesta. Studies show that even a 20-minute ‘power nap’ can help you feel refreshed and re-energized.xv Talk to someone: Freud called psychotherapy ‘the talking cure’ for a reason. The mere act of voicing your problems helps them feel like less of a burden. Whether you confide in a family member, a friend or a therapist, many people find that ‘a problem shared is a problem halved’.xvi Just smile: Don’t underestimate the power of a smile. The physical act of smiling triggers the release of endorphins in our bodies that actually reduce stress and make us feel better. So, as they say, fake it until you make it!xvii You may still experience the occasional tension headache, but practicing the above techniques should help reduce their frequency and severity. Looking for a quick and effective way to get rid of a stress headache? Try an over-the-counter headache relief medication like Excedrin.You may still experience the occasional tension headache, but practicing the above techniques should help reduce their frequency and severity. Looking for a quick and effective way to get rid of a stress headache? Try an over-the-counter headache relief medication like Excedrin. And while relaxation therapies and simply cutting down on the stress in your life can help to reduce the occurrence of tension headaches, chronic tension headaches may be indicative of a more serious issue. Consult a doctor to discuss and learn more about your headaches.

Gaming Headaches: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Over 164 million Americans play video games, also known as gaming.¹ If you or your children enjoy gaming, you may already know the frustration when a headache strikes in the middle of an important game. Although headaches can be caused by many different factors, playing video can trigger or worsen headaches.¹ Find out the underlying causes behind gaming headaches and how you can treat them.

Causes of Gaming Headaches

Although the exact cause of many types of headaches, like tension headaches or migraines, is unknown, headaches are often triggered by avoidable factors.² These common triggers related to gaming may cause you to experience headaches during or after playing video games.

Stress

One of the most common headache triggers is stress, which releases chemicals in the brain that cause vascular change.²Anxiety, shock, excitement and mental fatigue can all cause stress-related headaches.² If your gaming headaches start or become worse during especially challenging or exciting parts of a video game, stress may be the cause. Lowering stress through relaxation and frequent breaks can help soothe symptoms.

Eyestrain

Eyestrain is a common complaint of gamers and can lead to headaches and poor concentration.^1,2 Long hours spent looking at video games can lead to eyestrain and exhaustion. Although eyestrain is not always the sole cause of headaches, taking short breaks away from video games and other electronic devices can help you avoid eyestrain.²

Light Sensitivity

Light sensitivity can trigger or worsen gaming headaches or migraines.² Slow flickering lights or bright flashing ones can trigger a headache.² Using anti-glare screens on computer monitors or other devices may help avoid headaches caused by light sensitivity.

Dehydration

If your headaches only occur after long periods of gaming, they may be related to fatigue or dehydration, common causes of headaches.³ When your body is dehydrated, your brain contracts, putting pressure on nerves and causing pain.³Even mild dehydration can lead to a headache, making it important to take breaks from gaming to drink more water and rest.³

Gaming Headaches Symptoms

Although headache symptoms may differ depending on the type of headache, typical headache symptoms include:⁴

Slow onset of the headache
Pain on both sides of the head
Dull pain that may involve the neck
Mild to moderate pain, but not severe

The symptoms of a gaming headache may look like other conditions or medical problems.⁴ Speak to your healthcare provider if you experience headaches after playing video games.

How to Treat Gaming Headaches

Your healthcare provider can provide the best headache treatment for you based on your age and medical history.⁴ Avoiding known triggers, managing stress, and resting in a quiet, dark environment can help you manage your gaming headaches effectively.⁴ Consider other strategies for creating a headache-safe gaming routine.^3,4,5

Adjust your lighting. Balancing the brightness of your gaming device with the lighting in your room helps you avoid glare and minimize eye strain. Consider an anti-glare screen for your computer monitor.
Take short, frequent breaks. Taking breaks that include looking away from your screen may help minimize eye strain and prevent gaming headaches. At the minimum, you should take a 20-second break every 20 minutes to view something 20 feet away.
Adjust your screen. Reduce eye strain and triggering gaming headaches by placing your device at least 20 to 25 inches away from you.
Stay hydrated. Avoid dehydration-related headaches by remembering to stay hydrated while gaming.

A headache-safe gaming routine helps prevent gaming headaches, but you may not be able to avoid them entirely. If you experience a headache while playing video games, take a break and rest until your symptoms improve. Over-the-counter pain relievers can also ease headache pain.⁴ Excedrin Extra Strength Headache Relief has a fast-acting formula that delivers headache relief for some in as little as 15 minutes. To learn more about preventing and treating headaches after playing video games, visit the Excedrin gaming hub.

Source Citations: