There’s nothing quite like an unexpected headache to bring your day down a peg – especially when you’re not sure why you’re in pain in the first place.

While headaches are incredibly common, pinpointing why one has popped up on a random Tuesday can prove tricky, especially when considering the long list of factors that can trigger head pain.

However, as frustrating as it may be, identifying the cause of your headache (or headaches if they’re a regular occurrence) is an important step towards either being able to prevent them from emerging in the first place or seeking professional medical help where necessary.

So, to help you get started, we asked Dr Aishah Iqbal, a medical doctor, personal trainer and health and wellbeing coach, to talk us through the factors which can cause headaches, as well as why they can lead to head pain. Here’s what she had to say. 

While headaches are an incredibly common ailment, Dr Iqbal explains there’s a lack of information when it comes to why certain factors cause headaches – doctors just know there’s a link.

1. Tension and stress

We’ve all experienced a random headache after feeling stressed at work – and that’s to do with the physical impact that stress has on the body.

“Emotional and physical stress can lead to muscle tension, which can then trigger headaches,” Dr Iqbal says. “Neck strain is a common example.”

2. Dehydration

The exact reason why dehydration causes headaches isn’t exactly known, but previous research has found it could have something to do with the way our blood vessels constrict when we don’t take in enough fluid. 

We’re also more sensitive to pain when dehydrated, Dr Iqbal says, and that could explain why headaches are more common in dehydrated people.  

While scientists disagree on how much water we need to drink to stay hydrated (a previous study said that eight glasses a day is too much), headaches have been linked to even mild dehydration, so drinking a glass of water if you’re feeling thirsty when you first notice pain isn’t going to hurt. 

3. Sleep issues

Research has long established a link between sleep issues and headaches and migraines. “Lack of sleep, irregular sleep patterns or poor quality sleep can contribute to headaches,” Dr Iqbal adds.

It’s worth noting that too much sleep has also been found to lead to headaches, so spending the morning in bed might not be your best bet if you’re looking to reduce your headache risk.

4. Eyestrain

Our eyes are delicate organs, and focusing for too long can have a knock-on effect.

“Prolonged or intense use of digital devices or reading in poor lighting can strain the eyes and result in headaches,” Dr Iqbal says. “There are many reasons why this causes headaches; when the eye muscles are put under increased pressure or strain, headaches can develop.”

5. Caffeine withdrawal

If you’ve ever found a cup of coffee worked to dull the pain of a headache, you were probably experiencing caffeine withdrawal.

“Blood vessels are constricted with exposure to caffeine and when there is sudden caffeine withdrawal, the change in blood flow can trigger headaches,” Dr Iqbal says.

6. Environmental factors

The world can be an overwhelming place, and sometimes that can trigger a response from our pain receptors.

“Exposure to strong odours, pollutants, smoke or loud noises can trigger headaches,” Dr Iqbal explains.

7. Sinus congestion

Dealing with sinus congestion can be a nightmare, especially when that congestion also causes a headache.

“Inflammation or infection of the sinuses can cause pain and pressure in the head, leading to a headache,” Dr Iqbal says.

8. Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ)

The muscles in our head and jaw are cleverly interlinked, and that means any problems in our jaw area can wreak havoc in other areas. 

“Problems with the jaw joint or jaw muscles can cause headaches due to the strain on the muscles, often accompanied by jaw pain or difficulty in opening and closing the mouth,” Dr Iqbal explains.

It’s for this reason that teeth grinding in your sleep (bruxism) is known to cause headaches.

9. Medication side effects

If you’re taking a new medication and have noticed you’re getting more headaches, then that may be the cause.

“Certain medications, including some blood pressure drugs and hormonal contraceptives, can trigger headaches as a side effect,” Dr Iqbal explains. “The exact mechanisms are not always clear for why this happens.”

Even if you’re experiencing headaches, it’s important to talk to your doctor before stopping or reducing your medication.

10. Infections

Both low-level and severe infections can lead to headaches, although many of the infections associated with headaches are uncommon.

“Infections such as meningitis, encephalitis or sinusitis can cause headaches,” Dr Iqbal says. “Other infections, like ear infections, can cause pain that migrates into the head area too.”

11. Other medical conditions

In rare cases, headaches can be caused by more severe health conditions such as a traumatic head injury or brain tumour. 

Most headaches will be caused by common factors such as neck strain, dehydration or a lack of sleep, and will resolve themselves after a couple of hours or when the cause is resolved.

However, there are select cases when you should see a doctor about your head pain:

You have a new or sudden severe headache

“If you experience a sudden, severe headache that is different from your usual headache pattern, you should make an appointment with your doctor,” Dr Iqbal recommends. “It could be a sign of a serious underlying condition.”

Your headache pattern changes

“If your headaches become more frequent, more severe or are accompanied by new symptoms, get them checked out,” Dr Iqbal says.

You experience neurological symptoms

“If you experience headaches along with symptoms such as confusion, difficulty speaking, weakness, numbness or changes in vision, it could indicate a more serious neurological issue,” Dr Iqbal explains.

You develop a headache following trauma or injury

If your headache has been directly triggered by a head injury or trauma, it’s important to get yourself checked out.

Your headaches are affecting your daily life

“If your headaches significantly impact your daily activities, work or quality of life, seek a professional opinion,” Dr Iqbal says.

Want to learn more about looking after your health? Check out our new podcast The Gut Life for helpful tips and tricks to help you look after your gut this summer.

Images: Getty