Headacheswhen bending over can have many causes, such as sinus pressure, coughing, ordehydration.
Bending over may also worsenmigrainesor positional headacheswhich intensify with upright posture and tend to improve when lying down.
Most headaches when bending over are not cause for alarm, but some require medical attention.
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ICP changes with different positions due to gravity’s effect on fluid distribution throughout the body.
When standing upright, ICP naturally decreases due to gravity pulling fluid away from the head.
However, when the head is tilted back, inverted, or bent over, ICP increases.
This increase in ICP can worsen symptoms of headaches due to the increased pressure within the head.
Some common causes of headache that worsen when bending over include the following.
It usually starts from inflammation sparked by a cold or allergies.
Increased ICP can aggravate already inflamed sinuses and produce a headache.
Treatments may include over-the-counter pain relievers for headache pain anddecongestantsorantihistaminesto help reduce swelling and congestion.
Home remedies like a steamy shower can also help relieve some of the sinus pressure to offer relief.
Dehydration can come from vomiting, having diarrhea, or not drinking enough water.
Treatment involves rehydrating with plenty of fluids.
Broth and sports drinks with electrolytes can be helpful.
Increased ICP that occurs from bending over will compound the intensity of head pain with migraines.
These types of headaches can get worse when bending over.
Positional headaches are most often resulting from a CSF leak in the brain or spine.
These symptoms tend to increase with increased ICP, which can occur from certain positions like bending over.
CSF leaks may also occur after a recent brain surgery orlumbar punctureand result in headaches.
Cervicogenic means originating from the neck.
This change in heart rate can also cause headaches,heart palpitations, fatigue, nausea, and fainting.
Treatment may include surgery to remove the tumor,radiation, and/orchemotherapy.
They may also recommend diagnostic testing to help determine the underlying cause of your headaches.
These tests may include:
If POTS is suspected, your healthcare provider will perform a tilt test.
During this test, you will be secured to a flat table that changes positions horizontally and vertically.
Your heart rate and blood pressure will be monitored as the table changes positions.
They typically do not require further treatment.
More severe and longer-lasting headaches, such as migraines or positional headaches, often require more treatment.
Positional headaches that result from a CFL leak can also lead to headaches when bending over.
Medications, physical therapy, epidural blood patching, or surgery may be needed for more involved positional headaches.
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