If you find yourself battling a headache or migraine several times per week, you’re likely not living your life to the fullest. The problem is that headaches can occur for a number of reasons. Learning what the causes of headaches are can help you pinpoint what you need to change in your life to find relief.
1. Stress
When you’re feeling stressed, the muscles in the neck and scalp begin to tense up which can cause a headache to occur. Headaches are usually your body’s response to anxiety and stress. To determine if stress is the cause of your headaches, try practicing more self-care acts throughout the day to relieve your stress like taking a walk or bubble bath, or meditating.
2. Dehydration
How much water do you drink throughout the day? If you live in a hot and humid environment, you will want to drink more than the average person. When the body becomes dehydrated, headaches are one of the symptoms. You can also watch out for other symptoms such as feeling thirsty, yellow urine, or a dry mouth. If you struggle to drink enough water throughout the day, consider adding drinks with electrolytes into your day. Staying hydrated can help prevent frequent headaches.
3. Anemia
When your body doesn’t have enough red blood cells to transport oxygen to the tissues located throughout your body, it’s known as anemia. Anemia causes symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, shortness of breath, and feeling weak. One way to find out if you’re anemic is by visiting your doctor.
4. Hormonal Changes
It’s common for women to experience headaches during menstruation or ovulation because their hormone levels change. Headaches are also a common side effect of hormonal birth controls. On the flip side, hormonal birth control can bring relief to some people who suffer from hormonal migraines. Pay attention to the time of the month you get headaches to see if it’s linked with your cycle.
5. Drinking Too Much Caffeine
When you drink caffeine it causes vasoconstriction in the blood vessel, meaning they become narrower. If you drink coffee every day and then decide to skip a day, your blood vessels don’t constrict which can cause your head to hurt. Either don’t drink caffeine too frequently or make sure to not skip a day to avoid headaches.
6. TMJ Disorders
The last most common cause of frequent headaches is temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). The TM joint is the joint that connects the skull to the jaw and when it becomes unbalanced, it can cause a TMJ disorder. Alongside the joint is a large muscle that spans across the jaw and cheeks. When you have TMJ, the pain can extend from your jaw joints and throughout your face, causing a headache. Those who suffer from TMJ usually also experience jaw pain, clicking or popping in the jaw, and clench or grind their teeth.
Find Expert Treatment in Naples, FL
With advanced training from the renowned Las Vegas Institute for Dental Studies (LVI), Dr. Massa has developed a high level of expertise in neuromuscular, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry, going well beyond typical general dental practices. His dedication to excellence and continuous skill enhancement led to the prestigious LVI Fellowship, a distinction that places him in an exclusive group of dental professionals. This elite training has been key to his success and has helped establish his strong reputation within the dental community.
If you suspect you have a TMJ disorder, our skilled team at Massa Dental Center is here to help. With Dr. Massa’s advanced expertise, we offer accurate TMJ diagnoses and personalized treatment plans to provide relief from frequent headaches and other symptoms. Schedule an appointment at our Naples office today by calling (239) 597-7333.
