Get rid of headache: Method you may not know about

Why can your head hurt?

Headaches can be caused by a variety of factors: stress, fatigue, weather changes, or dehydration. Most of us are used to reaching for painkillers, but there is a method that could prove to be the key in fighting this unpleasant symptom — one you may simply not have heard of.

We often associate headaches with muscle tension in the neck and head, lack of sleep, or even certain foods. And rightly so, because such factors as long hours at a computer, emotional stress, sleep deprivation, or missed meals are common triggers of tension headaches and can even provoke migraines. Dehydration is also a well-known cause — that’s why doctors always advise staying hydrated.

However, sometimes the root cause lies deeper, at a level that isn’t immediately obvious in everyday life. We’re talking about a deficiency of certain micronutrients in the body. Research and clinical experience indicate that a lack of magnesium may be a significant factor contributing to headaches, especially migraines.

How to get rid of a headache

Magnesium is a vital mineral involved in hundreds of biochemical processes in the body, including the functioning of the nervous system and rthe egulation of blood vessel tone. When magnesium levels are low, it can affect the transmission of nerve signals and cause spasms in the brain’s blood vessels, which may lead to pain.

Moreover, people who suffer from migraines are more likely to have lower magnesium levels compared to those who don’t experience such attacks. That’s why correcting magnesium deficiency — either by incorporating magnesium-rich foods (leafy green vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains) into your diet or taking magnesium supplements as recommended by a doctor — can turn out to be the "main method" that significantly reduces the frequency and intensity of headaches.

Of course, taking magnesium is not a cure-all for every type of headache and does not replace a doctor’s consultation, especially if the pain is severe, unusual, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms. Still, recognizing the role of magnesium and its potential deficiency can be an important step in understanding the root causes of your headaches and finding effective ways to relieve them.

Don’t forget about other, less obvious triggers either. For example, headaches can be caused by external pressure — a too-tight hairstyle, headwear, or even swimming goggles. Simply removing the source of pressure can often bring quick relief.

Sources: PubMed, Mayo Clinic

This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.