Headaches are one of the most common health complaints. Everyone has experienced a headache at some point in their lives. For most people, headaches are just a minor annoyance. They take a painkiller and move on with their day.

But for some people, headaches are a chronic condition. They suffer from headaches almost every day and the pain can be debilitating.

There are many different types of headaches, but one type that is often overlooked is the cumulative headache. Cumulative headaches are different from other types of headaches because they develop slowly over time.

They are the result of many small stressors that build up over weeks, months, or even years.

What Causes Cumulative Headaches?

The causes of cumulative headaches are varied, but they are often the result of a person’s lifestyle and work habits. Here are some of the common causes of cumulative headaches:.

1. Poor Posture

Many people spend hours every day working at a computer. This can put a lot of strain on the neck and shoulders if you do not maintain good posture. Poor posture can result in tension headaches, which can become chronic if left untreated.

2. Lack of Sleep

Sleep is essential for good health, and the lack of sleep can lead to headaches. When you are tired, your body releases stress hormones that can cause headaches. Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to cumulative headaches.

3. Stress

Stress is a common cause of headaches. The body releases hormones that can cause tension in the head and neck muscles. When stress is chronic, the tension can result in chronic headaches.

4. Poor Diet

A poor diet can also contribute to headaches. When the body does not get the nutrients it needs, it can lead to headaches and other health problems. Consuming too much sugar, caffeine, or alcohol can also trigger headaches.

5. Dehydration

Dehydration is a common cause of headaches. When the body does not get enough water, it can lead to headaches and other health problems. Chronic dehydration can lead to cumulative headaches over time.

6. Eye Strain

Extended periods of time spent staring at a computer screen, phone or tablet can put a strain on your eyes. This strain becomes worse when the lighting is poor and the font is small.

Eye strain can lead to headaches and migraines developing in many people. It can be even worse for people who have existing eyesight problems like long or short-sightedness, astigmatism, or visual issues like significant glare sensitivity.

How to Treat Cumulative Headaches?

Treating cumulative headaches can be challenging because they are the result of many small stressors that build up over time. Here are some things you can do to prevent and treat cumulative headaches:.

1. Adjust your postural habits

The first way to deal with it is to change your sitting postures, instructing your sitting position to be upright with all your joints in line. This includes your shoulders, hips, and ankles.

Make sure your back is straight and place your feet firmly on the ground. It is recommended to ensure that your computer monitor is level with your eyes when you are looking straight ahead.

2. Take Breaks

If you work on a computer for extended periods of time, you may want to consider taking short breaks.

Every twenty minutes, try to look away from your screen and focus your eyes on a distant object, we recommend looking at a distant object for about 20 seconds. This will help to reduce eye strain.

3. Get Enough Sleep

Sleep is incredibly vital to your physical and mental health. Getting enough restful sleep is important in preventing cumulative headaches.

Go to bed at the same time and wake up at the same time every morning and try to maintain the same amount of sleep for each night.

4. Reduce your stress levels

Reducing stress levels can help to manage the cumulative headaches. Consider trying techniques including counselling and focusing on self-care actives, such as exercise or meditation.

Taking breaks to recharge your mind and just do something that you love can be really beneficial for the stress that’s built up inside of you. As difficult it may be, try to develop habits that avoid overthinking problems or difficult circumstances.

5. Change your diet and stay Hydrated

Some food may trigger your headaches, we recommend trying to avoid processed food, some cured or smoked meats, and drinks that are high on caffeine levels may be helpful in the situation.

Getting enough water in your body might help as it will help your body regulate the blood flow and it helps manage the blood pressure.

6. Visit a Doctor

If you have been dealing with severe headaches for a more extended period of time, we recommend consulting a physician.

The Bottom Line

Cumulative headaches are a silent torture and can make life miserable for people who suffer from them. But taking the right steps to manage and prevent them can make a significant difference in overall wellness.

Making sure to improve posture and take breaks to reduce stress, get enough sleep, change your diet, or even consider seeking help from a professional might be helpful. Don’t let the headaches go unnoticed or untreated for an extended period of time. Regularly manage the pain so that the quality of life does not become average.

A Proactive Habit allows adapting, being receptive of self-soothing instincts, and taking initiative in leading a healthier lifestyle.