How to Avoid Headache Triggers

By eHow Health Editor

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Headaches are a common problem for millions of Americans, whether they are migraines, tension headaches or just aches and pains from the day. There are a variety of factors that can cause a headache, and triggers can be very different from person to person. If you're suffering from regular headaches then you should speak to your doctor to find out what your triggers are as well as how to avoid them.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Step1

Manage your stress as best you can. Stress is known to be one of the primary headache triggers, and it is also the one over which you have the most control. Take a stress management class, meditate and get plenty of rest. People who get tension headaches regularly are often able to reduce their frequency.

Step2

Eat healthily and on a regular schedule. Some headaches are caused by hunger, others by inconsistent eating patterns. Make it a point to eat at specific times during the day, and have very small snacks to keep up your energy in between meals.

Step3

Improve your posture, particularly if you sit at a desk at your job during the day. Leaning over the keyboard applies stress to your neck, another major cause of tension headaches. Move the keyboard closer to you, and be sure to sit or stand up straight wherever you work.

Step4

Be conscious of whether or not you are clenching your jaw. Your jaw is connected to muscles near your temples and behind your ears, and this can lead to a tension headache from constant strain.

Step5

Avoid eye strain. Look away from a computer monitor every 15 minutes or so. Get up and move around and allow your eyes to focus on distant objects. You might also want to turn down the brightness of the monitor or even consider buying an anti-glare filter.

Step6

Talk to your doctor about anxiety or depression, as these can contribute to the frequency of your headaches.

Tips & Warnings

Always talk to you doctor about any medications you are already taking. Sometimes those medications have side effects that include headaches, which makes their avoidance difficult. Treating the side effects can often be done using over-the-counter medication..
Never take more than the recommended allowed dosage for a medication without speaking to a doctor first. Doing so can have serious complications and create unintentional side effects. Some medications are actually triggers for headaches when taken excessively (ibuprofen and acetaminophen, for example).