Let’s be real—headaches are a part of life. Long day at work? Headache. Lagos traffic wahala? Headache. Skipped breakfast? Headache. But what if that headache you keep ignoring is actually a sign of something more serious? Not every headache is just stress or lack of sleep—some are red flags your body is waving frantically.

Common Causes of Headaches (And the Hidden Truths)

1. Dehydration: More Than Just “Drink Water”

We all hear it: Drink water and mind your business! But did you know dehydration is one of the top causes of headaches? When you don’t drink enough water, your brain literally shrinks slightly, pulling away from your skull and causing pain. If you always have headaches in hot weather or after a long day, it’s time to increase your water intake.

2. Medication Overuse: The Headache That Comes From Treating Headaches

Funny, right? But it’s true. If you’re popping painkillers like Vitamin C, you might be setting yourself up for what’s called a rebound headache. This happens when your body becomes too used to pain meds like paracetamol or ibuprofen, making your headaches even worse when the effect wears off.

3. High Blood Pressure: The Silent Culprit

Sometimes, that pounding headache at the back of your head isn’t just stress—it could be a sign of high blood pressure. If you’re frequently dealing with this kind of headache, especially in the morning, it’s best to check your BP. Ignoring it could lead to serious complications like stroke.

4. Eye Strain: Your Phone and Laptop Are Guilty!

Between staring at your phone, working on your laptop, and binge-watching Netflix, your eyes are working overtime. Too much screen time causes strain, leading to tension headaches. Try the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to give your eyes a break.

5. Sinus Problems: When Your Headache is Actually From Your Nose

Ever noticed your headache comes with a blocked nose or facial pain? That’s probably a sinus headache, caused by infections or allergies. Unlike regular headaches, sinus headaches often get worse when you bend forward. If you experience this frequently, you may need more than just painkillers—antihistamines or antibiotics might be necessary.

When to Worry About Your Headache

• Not every headache is harmless. Watch out for these warning signs that mean you should see a doctor ASAP:
• Sudden, severe headaches that feel like a thunderclap.
• Headaches that come with blurry vision, dizziness, or confusion.
• Headaches after an injury or accident.
• Frequent headaches that don’t improve with rest or medication.

How to Prevent Headaches Naturally

Nobody likes headaches, so here are some simple ways to avoid them:

• Drink at least 2-3 liters of water daily.
• Reduce screen time and use anti-glare glasses if needed.
• Don’t skip meals; low blood sugar can trigger headaches.
• Manage stress with relaxation techniques like deep breathing or yoga.
• Get enough sleep (7-9 hours per night).
• Avoid too much caffeine and alcohol.

A headache might just be a sign of stress or dehydration, but it can also be your body warning you about something more serious. If your headaches are frequent, severe, or come with other symptoms, don’t ignore them. Visit FountainMeds Pharmacy for expert advice and the right medication for your needs.