Headaches are a common complaint that affects millions of people every day. Most people think that headaches result from stress, dehydration, or lack of sleep. However, there are many surprising causes of headaches that you never knew.

In this article, we’ll explore 10 of those causes.

1. Poor Oral Health

Believe it or not, poor oral health can cause headaches. Tooth decay, gum diseases, and other dental problems can cause headache pain around the temples.

This type of headache is known as a tension headache, and it’s typically caused by the muscle contractions in the head and neck. People who clench or grind their teeth while sleeping may also suffer from tension headaches.

2. Sudden Weather Changes

Sudden weather changes can cause headaches. Sudden drops in barometric pressure trigger headaches in some people. The changes in air pressure can also lead to sinus headaches.

The best way to avoid this type of headache is to monitor the weather and avoid sudden shifts in temperature or pressure.

3. Stylish Headgear

Stylish headgear can cause headaches. Tight-fitting hats, hair accessories, and even helmets can lead to headaches. If you wear headgear that’s too tight, it can compress the scalp and cause tension headaches.

4. Hormonal Imbalances

Hormonal imbalances can cause headaches. Fluctuations in estrogen levels can trigger migraines in women. Hormonal migraines often occur around the time of menstruation. Menopause can also trigger migraines in women.

5. Vision Problems

Did you know that vision problems can cause headaches? Eyestrain and eye fatigue can trigger tension headaches. People who spend long hours in front of a computer screen are more likely to suffer from this type of headache.

Migraines have also been linked to eye problems, such as glaucoma and cataracts.

6. Poor Posture

Poor posture can cause headaches. Hunching over a desk or computer all day can lead to tension headaches. This type of headache is caused by muscle contractions in the head, neck, and shoulders.

If you constantly maintain a poor posture, you may suffer from tension headaches frequently.

7. Dehydration

Dehydration is a common cause of headaches. Not drinking enough water can cause headaches by reducing blood flow to the brain. This leads to a decrease in oxygen levels and an increase in headache pain.

Drinking enough water can help prevent headaches caused by dehydration.

8. Processed Foods

Processed foods can cause headaches. Some people are sensitive to the chemicals and additives used in processed foods. These food additives, such as monosodium glutamate (MSG), can trigger headaches.

It’s best to avoid processed foods and opt for fresh, natural foods instead.

9. Exercise

Exercise can cause headaches. People who exercise vigorously can experience this type of headache. Exertional headaches are caused by the increased blood flow and pressure in the head during exercise.

To prevent this type of headache, it’s important to warm up properly before exercising and to stay hydrated.

10. High Altitudes

High altitudes can cause headaches. People who travel to high altitudes may experience altitude sickness, which can trigger headaches. This type of headache is caused by the decrease in oxygen levels at high altitudes.

Avoiding high altitudes or gradually acclimatizing to high altitudes can help prevent altitude sickness.