Afternoon headaches: Causes and treatment
An afternoon headache is similar to any other kind of headache. Your entire head may be bothered by it. Time is the only aspect that has changed. The day’s events, such as muscle strain from sitting at a desk all day, frequently cause afternoon headaches.
They normally don’t mean anything and go away by nightfall.
Afternoon headaches may continue for more than four hours. It might be light or heavy. The pain may start gradually and persist for several hours or suddenly go in an instant. Although they are not frequently discussed, evening headaches are the most typical form. Tightness or pressure around the head that lasts most of the day is how some individuals describe their afternoon headaches, which they refer to as tension headaches (8 to 12 hours).
Causes of Afternoon Headache
Primary and secondary headaches are the two different categories of headaches. Primary headaches are those that aren’t brought on by another illness. These include headaches from migraines, stress, and clusters.
Related: Why do I wake up with a Headache?
Health conditions, including a tumor, high blood pressure, an infection, trauma, or injury to the skull, can all result in secondary headaches.
Headaches can also be caused by prescription side effects or drug withdrawal.
The causes of afternoon headaches and signs are given below.
Tense muscles
The most typical sort of headache is a tension headache. They develop when the neck, shoulders, or jaw muscles are strained, resulting in head pain.
Tension headaches typically start mild and worsen for several hours. After spending several hours in a car, in front of a computer, or in an uncomfortable position, a person could have this kind of evening headache daily.
When suffering from a tension headache, a person may also have stiffness in their neck or shoulders. Additionally, they can discover that manipulating these muscles makes the headache worse or less severe.
Caffeine
For some individuals, caffeine may cause headaches. It might exacerbate a headache brought on by dehydration and lead to more dehydration. Caffeine may help some people avoid or manage headache symptoms.
Related: When To Worry About A Headache?
If they reduce their caffeine intake or skip a morning or afternoon cup of coffee, those who habitually use caffeine may have headaches from caffeine withdrawal.
In the afternoon, when the body realizes it hasn’t had its typical quantity of caffeine, caffeine withdrawal headaches frequently start.
Migraine
A particular kind of neurological headache is a migraine. A migraine may be brought on by alterations in certain brain chemicals, neurotransmitters, and neural pathways.
Some people may feel odd bodily sensations, light sensitivity, and vision difficulties with a migraine. Some people experience nausea and may vomit.
Any time of day can bring on a migraine. Certain tastes, sights, sounds, or odors might cause migraines for some people.
Alcohol
Alcohol may cause headaches. After having an alcoholic beverage in the afternoon, some people have a headache shortly after. After consuming alcohol, those with cluster headaches, a severe headache that often affects the front of the head, may feel agony.
As their bodies go through withdrawal, people with alcohol disorders who stop drinking frequently feel headaches for a few days or weeks later. When the body anticipates getting a dosage of alcohol but doesn’t, those who regularly drink in the afternoon may notice the discomfort stronger during this time of day.
Elevated blood pressure
Headaches are not frequently brought on by high blood pressure. Yet, a risky blood pressure reading of 180/120 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg).
Eyestrain
Untreated eyesight issues can bring on headaches from eye strain, eye strain from spending a lot of time gazing at a computer, and muscular imbalances in the face or neck.
Uncommon headaches that hurt in the front of the head are called eyestrain headaches. One might become exhausted or develop pain by spending a lot of time in front of a computer.
It typically relieves headaches from eye strain from wearing glasses or contacts. Additionally, some people find respite by doing eye exercises, taking regular pauses, or donning special eyewear that lessens the pressure of blue light.
Allergies
Intense pressure in the head and face might result from allergies. A person with an allergy might often sneeze.
Treatment of Afternoon Headache
Your chance of getting a headache in the afternoon may be decreased by making certain lifestyle adjustments. For instance:
- While using a computer, remember to take breaks and stand up at least once per hour.
- Do not stay in one posture for an extended period. Adjust your posture if your legs are crossed, folded, or flat on the floor when you are seated.
- Every couple of hours, make an effort to stretch for at least five to ten minutes.
- Take in a lot of water.
- Eat frequent, balanced meals emphasizing whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and steer clear of processed foods.
- You should also avoid substances like coffee and alcohol that might cause headaches.
- OTC pain medicines like acetaminophen or aspirin are some more remedies for midday headaches.
You can consult NeuroX, a leading provider of brain health services and innovative neurological treatment programs