Why do I often get headaches and other people don't?

Our nervous system is very sensitive, it reacts to stress, to changes in air pressure and also to noise. The brain then perceives this as a disturbance, and this is the cause of headaches in some people - but not in everyone. It's a bit like a flu epidemic - not everyone catches it.

When should I see a doctor about my symptoms?

If they occur once a week or even more often, then that's too much. Then you should definitely see your family doctor. Sometimes other illnesses can also be the cause of headaches: changes in blood pressure cause headaches, as do thyroid disorders or hormonal dysfunctions in women.

I often have a headache after a day at the PC. What can I do about it?

Working at a computer often results in tension in the neck and shoulder muscles. This can cause headaches. You should therefore make sure that your seat is at the right height and that the backrest of your chair is as vertical as possible. You should also stretch and loosen up regularly. It is also important to drink enough and air out the office from time to time. Headaches can also be caused by the eyes - special screen glasses may be necessary.

Can acupuncture and homeopathy help?

Both can be very helpful in treating headaches. However, you should make sure you see a specialist. And if you realize after three or four acupuncture sessions that it is not helping, then you should give it up.

Can the weather be the cause of a headache?

Absolutely. More than half of all Germans describe themselves as sensitive to the weather. Changes in the weather are very often cited by those affected as a migraine trigger. However, previous research has produced contradictory results. It is probably weather changes with rapid temperature changes that can trigger headache attacks in people who are sensitive to them.

I have them about twice a week. Is it already chronic for me?

Chronic tension-type headaches are those that occur more than 15 days a month. If you have regular headaches, you should see a doctor to rule out a serious cause of the pain. In addition, non-pharmacological prevention such as regular exercise or medication can also help with such frequent episodes of pain. The doctor treating you can prescribe the right therapy.

What should I bear in mind when taking painkillers?

To treat migraines, painkillers or migraine medication should be taken at an early stage. This is because they can then achieve a faster and better effect. However, they should not be taken more than three days in a row and not more than ten days per month, as otherwise there is a risk of an increase in the frequency of headaches. This is called medication-overuse headache. This means that the cause of the headache lies in the treatment. These headaches only disappear when you stop taking the medication.

I regularly suffer from severe headaches, could this be a migraine?

A migraine attack is typically characterized by pulsating headaches, often on one side only. They are usually accompanied by sensitivity to light, sound and noise as well as nausea and vomiting. In addition, sufferers long for bed rest, as any movement can worsen the symptoms. Tension headaches, on the other hand, are dull aches and pains on both sides of the head. A migraine attack usually lasts up to 72 hours, while a tension headache can last from 30 minutes to seven days. Sometimes the symptoms overlap, so the diagnosis is not always clear. It is better to see your GP, who can then make an accurate diagnosis.

Is it true that coffee provides relief?

Caffeine can help to relieve pain. However, the caffeine content of coffee and espresso varies greatly depending on the type, roast and processing. You are therefore on the safe side with a caffeine-containing headache preparation in which the caffeine dose is always consistent and precisely optimized for pain relief.

How can I prevent headaches?

Regular exercise, especially endurance training such as Nordic walking, swimming and cycling, can help. Sport improves blood circulation and oxygen supply to the entire body. This has a positive effect on your well-being, and therefore also on your head. You could also try relaxation methods such as yoga or autogenic training. Or combine the two: both sport and meditative exercises reduce stress, which can often be a trigger for headaches.

Should I change my diet?

No. In general, we know from studies on the frequency of migraines based on worldwide data that diet - as different as it is in different countries - obviously has no influence on headaches.

Are the causes of headaches perhaps due to a serious illness?

Yes, for example, high blood pressure. But headaches can also be caused by eye diseases, poor eyesight or the flu. The family doctor is then the first point of contact.

Headaches: help when it hurts

Don't hesitate too long: if the pain won't let you rest, a painkiller can provide quick relief. According to recent studies, combination preparations with the active ingredients ASA, paracetamol and caffeine have proven to be effective. The triple combination is effective for both migraines and tension headaches.