Research has supported what has been long suspected; headaches are often caused by stress.
Apparently about 3 in 4 adults in the UK have reported experiencing headaches or even migraines over the last 6 months, showing that it is a large problem for the population.
The study in question looked at 5,159 people between the ages of 21 and 71, and checked in with them eight times over 2 years.
Participants of the study had to record the amount of headaches they suffered, and the severity by type (tension type headache or migraine) and also rate the levels of stress they felt in life out of 100, with 100 being the most stressed.
Tension type headaches saw an average stress level of 52, whilst migraines reported a stress level of 62 on average.
This shows a clear indication that headache severity is directly proportional to stress levels.
However, this method of carrying out a study is not foolproof. Data recorded by participants is unreliable, especially when it is asked in hindsight and depends on memory. Furthermore, rating a “stress level” is very subjective and different people may rate exactly the same level of stress differently.
Although, a correlation was discovered, and so if you suffer from headaches or migraines, it may be worth finding out ways that you can de-stress your life and learn good stress management, as this could potentially save you a lot of pain.
