Hello,
I have been suffering from headaches for a little while now. On a typical day a headache would form behind the eyes at around 10am after I have been up for a few hours. This is before doing anything strenuous such as working. I generally wake up with a very mild headache (feeling not quite right with myself) which develops into a more noticeable headache during the day.
Though more recently (past week or so) I've been getting a dull pain at the back of my head which leads me to believe it could be stress or muscle related?
I'm a graphic designer so I look a computer screen most days for long periods of time. I try to take breaks when I can as the headaches seem to increase when doing intense work on screen. I'm 22 years old, I don't smoke and very rarely drink.
Where as the headaches were once or twice a week, I am now getting them most days. This could be due to work getting busier but I don't know.
Taking paracetamol helps for relief but I don't want to have to take them every day because of the long term effects.
I visited my GP a couple months ago where he believed I was rather tired which could lead to headaches. I had some general 'tiredness' tests which came back fine. Due to this he suggested it is probably down to my lifestyle. I don't exercise a lot at all so he suggested I do this which I have been, though I'm not sure if this is working. Could it be down to diet? I feel I eat and drink quite healthily. I also have a high metabolism and after I have eaten quite a big meal I rarely get headaches and if I had a headache it usually subsides.
In a recent forum post I read briefly about how magnesium can help with headaches though I don't know a lot about this to say either way. Are their benefits from other vitamins?
I understand this isn't the best place to ask for medical advise but perhaps you could offer an insight in to what kind of headache/s I am suffering from?
To recap on a few things:
Frontal headache between the eyes but also forehead.
Recent dull pain in back of head and tense neck/shoulders.
Thanks in advance.
Matt
Have you had an eye test? Tried massage therapy? Made sure that you do something different to screen work after 5.30pm? Exercise? Are you well hydrated?
I've been staring at a computer screen for over 10 hours a day for the last 23 years so I doubt it's actually the evil computer screens especially as 70% of that was using those awful VDUs rather than the eye-friendly LCDs you get today.
I suspect the biggest culprit for your headaches is dehydration so I'd consider having a cup of water by your bed and sipping that when you wake up throughout the night. Also make sure you drink enough throughout the day (the actual type of drink is less relevant than previously thought although for general health purposes, I'd stick to more natural products than fizzy drink if that's your preference).
Even in the morning, your urine shouldn't be golden yellow.
I see a few people in my work who are in front of screens for the majority of the day - check your posture, and that you are not working 'chin forward'.
Good advice above especially drinking plenty of water, getting your eyes tested and checking your working posture (google "computer posture tips" for tips about how to arrange your workspace).
I spent 15 years doing onsite massage working with people in offices. Many of them suffered chronic headaches, especially if they were in front of a screen all day. Exercise is a good idea. I would suggest low impact with lots of stretching. Activity like Yoga/pilates/Tai Chi are all good for unlocking tight muscles and done regularly reduce tension build up in the head, neck and shoulder area which may be causing headaches.
Regular massage can also help. Techniques like onsite and shiatsu are good if you want to avoid traditional oil, getting undressed etc .
Hope that's useful.
I had an eye test as I too suspected it could be this, however it came back fine. I wear contact lenses which I try to rest when I can. So I avoid over use of them but they are generally in Monday-Friday.
I’m not sure if I should call it a strain, but my eyes seem to struggle at focusing when using my computer, this could be down to being too close to it as some of you have stated so I will look into correct posture. Thinking about it I probably do lean into the screen, have a slouched back etc.
I feel I drink enough water throughout the day. What is the general guideline for fluid consumption per day? I will take a bottle to bed at night and drink when wake up.
I’ve been increasing the exercise I do so once in a routine hopefully this will show it’s benefits.
Thanks for all of you replies.
Your urine should be almost clear like water not yellow like cooking oil. 🙂
My urine is usually always clear. This morning it was slightly yellow but nothing too strong. Could this still be a sign of dehydration?
Sounds fine. At least we've ruled out something simple.
Another test is dry skin, mind.
I haven't noticed any dry skin. Now and then I might get a bit of dry skin on my cheeks and arms, but it isn't continuously.
Since none of these simple possibilities seem to apply, I suggest you go back to your GP and tell him/her for how long this has been going on, and that they are more or less constant.
There are many things it could be. Several will need further investigation to uncover.
What kind of tests can they run? As I mentioned I've had the general 'tiredness' tests (what ever that was as he didn't go into specifics).
If it is computer eye strain, would I be waking up with mild headaches as I do now?
My head feels confused and it is difficult to concentrate when I am at my laptop which kind of makes me think its down to eye strain of some sort.
Granted I'm not ruling anything out so will get to the GP when I can.
When I had a phase of unexplained headaches, my GP sent me for a CTScan to rule out any nasties. Once nothing was found, I went and got my eyes tested, and was told that I was experiencing 'ocular migraines', and was given specs which helped - even with just a low diopter correction for my left eye, which was causing the problem; it made a difference. I also went for acupuncture, and have never experienced a migraine since (I stopped wearing the specs after about 5 months).
I had an eye test a few months back after complaining of headaches, they did a few extra eye tests things than normal but nothing came up that seemed to be of issue.
I've somewhat rested my eyes by wearing my glasses the past few days instead of my contact lenses. This morning however I woke up, put my lenses in, had breakfast and then could notice a slight headache/mind fog/confusion - not sure how to describe it really which is why it's difficult to find a possible remedy/cause.
Perhaps I need to catch up on sleep. I usually get about 8 which I expect would be enough, but maybe it's not?
There are natural ways that can treat your headache quickly and easily.For one, drink plenty of water. Dehydration can often lead to a headache. It is also best to cut out processed foods, practice good posture, consider relaxation techniques and exercise regularly.