People react to caffeine differently, so it helps some but hurts others
Does caffeine help headaches?
After drinkingcoffee, some people get aheadache, while others use caffeine to treatmigraines.
Scientists dont quite know whycaffeinehelps headaches in some people but makes them worse in others.
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Headachesoccur when nerves in the head, neck, or face become irritated.
They send signals to the brain when this happens, resulting in that familiar head pain.
Can Caffeine Help Headaches?
Adenosineis a substance found in the brain that prompts the relaxation of blood vessels.
Added Relief From Medication
Caffeine is a common ingredient in headache medications.
The chemical is included because it can help the body absorb the medications more efficiently.
However, the caffeine itself may also help.
People with occasional migraines should limit their caffeine consumption to 200 milligrams.
People with daily headaches should attempt to avoid caffeine altogether.
When Is Caffeine a Trigger?
Many people with migraines report that caffeine is amigraine triggerthat can cause headaches.
Withdrawal Symptoms
You may experience acaffeine withdrawal headacheif you suddenly stop drinking caffeine.
Caffeine Alternatives
Most people get caffeine from coffee, tea, soda, and energy drinks.
Replacing these with caffeine-free beverages can help you reduce your intake.
Alternatives to caffeinated drinks include:
Integrated Treatment For Chronic Headaches
Treating headachescan be complicated.
It’s best to take an integrated approach to get the best results for headache relief.
Summary
If you have chronic headaches, caffeine may help.
For other people, though, caffeine is a trigger that can cause headaches.
Caffeine headaches can also occur when you decrease the caffeine you consume.
A Word From Verywell
Headaches are common but can be painful.
Frequently Asked Questions
After.
Some people get relief from migraines by consuming caffeine when they are experiencing symptoms.
This will depend on how sensitive you are to caffeine.
Reducing your caffeine consumption slowly can help prevent symptoms.
National Institutes of Health.Headache pain.
American Migraine Foundation.Understanding caffeine headaches.
American Migraine Foundation.Caffeine and migraine.
2017;18(1).
