If you suffer from migraines, you know that they are more than just a headache. Migraines can be debilitating, often causing nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.

While most people associate migraines with triggers like stress, dehydration, and certain foods, there are also some surprising causes of migraine pain that many people are unaware of. In this article, we’ll explore six of these lesser-known causes and what you can do to avoid them.

1. Poor Posture

Believe it or not, poor posture can be a major cause of migraines. When we slouch or hunch over, we put undue pressure on our neck and shoulder muscles, which can lead to tension headaches and migraines.

To avoid these types of headaches, make sure you sit and stand up straight, with your shoulders back and your head level. If you work at a desk all day, make sure your computer screen is at eye level and take frequent breaks to stretch your neck and shoulders.

2. Hormonal Changes

Women are more likely to experience migraines than men, and one reason for this is hormonal changes.

Fluctuations in estrogen levels can trigger migraines, which is why many women experience migraines during their menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or menopause. If you suspect that hormonal changes may be causing your migraines, talk to your doctor about hormonal birth control or other treatments that can regulate your hormones.

3. Weather Changes

Changes in the weather can also be a surprising cause of migraines for some people.

While it’s not clear why weather changes trigger migraines in some people, it’s thought that changes in barometric pressure, temperature, and humidity can all play a role. To avoid weather-related migraines, try to stay indoors during extreme weather conditions and make sure to stay hydrated.

Related Article 5 Paradoxical Headache Triggers

4. Sleep Deprivation

Getting enough sleep is crucial for your overall health, and it’s especially important if you suffer from migraines. Lack of sleep can trigger migraines, so make sure you’re getting at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night.

If you have trouble falling or staying asleep, try establishing a bedtime routine, avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bed, and creating a sleep-conducive environment in your bedroom.

5. Food Additives

While certain foods like chocolate and aged cheese are known to trigger migraines in some people, many people are unaware that certain food additives can also be a cause.

Common additives like monosodium glutamate (MSG) and aspartame have been linked to migraines in some studies. To avoid these types of headaches, read food labels carefully and avoid processed foods whenever possible.

6. Eye Strain

If you spend a lot of time staring at screens, you may be at risk for migraines caused by eye strain. When we look at screens for an extended period of time, we tend to blink less often, which can lead to dry eyes and eye strain.

To avoid these types of headaches, make sure to take frequent breaks from screens, use a monitor filter to reduce glare, and make sure your screen is positioned at the correct angle and distance from your eyes.

Conclusion

Migraines are a complex condition that can be caused by a variety of factors. While some triggers like stress and certain foods may be well known, there are also many surprising causes of migraine pain that often go overlooked.

By becoming aware of these less obvious causes, you may be able to avoid some of the triggers that lead to debilitating migraines.