Can Ponytails Cause Migraines?
“It’s actually a real headache disorder known as ponytail headache syndrome,” says Wade Cooper, D.O., the director of Michigan Medicine’s Headache and Neuropathic Pain Program. “It doesn’t affect everyone, but a tightly pulled-back hairdo can be really uncomfortable for those it does affect.”
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Why do ponytails give me migraines?
What causes a ponytail headache? Even though there aren’t any nerves in your hair that would sense pain, there are extremely sensitive nerves underneath your hair follicles and in your scalp. When a ponytail triggers a sensation of tightness in too many of those nerves at once, a headache can result.
What does a ponytail headache feel like?
(WJBK) – It’s called the ponytail headache, and while that may sound like a simple problem, the doctor says it can indicate something far more complicated. Many women know the feeling — you have your hair pulled back tight and eventually your head starts to ache.
How do you stop a ponytail headache?
Just start with your lowest ponytail at the middle and back of your head, and secure the other two one after another above that. If that doesn’t work, try a low ponytail. Keeping the ponytail low will help reduce the weight on your head.
Where does a ponytail headache hurt?
What is a ponytail headache? A 2004 study in the journal Headache found that 50 out of 93 women surveyed said a ponytail triggered a headache; for some the pain was located around their hair tie, while in others it spread to their forehead, temples or neck.
Why does my head hurt so much after a ponytail?
“The hair shaft itself and the hair outside of your head is not pain-sensitive, but the scalp they are embedded in has a lot of pain-sensitive nerves around it,” says Cooper, also an assistant professor of neurology. “If a ponytail pulls back on the hair follicles, it can irritate a sensitive scalp.”
Can having your hair tied up cause headaches?
“When you put your hair in a tight bun or ponytail, or a weave or extensions, that will pull the nerves in the scalp. That pulling of the nerves will activate the sensory nerves even more,” Chou continues, “That can result in the headache itself, or it could be that the headache is beginning.”
What is a hypertension headache?
A hypertension headache is a pain, often occurring on both sides of the head, pulsating and getting worse with physical activity. The headache is typically accompanied by other symptoms associated with high blood pressure.
What is occipital neuralgia?
Definition. Occipital neuralgia is a distinct type of headache characterized by piercing, throbbing, or electric-shock-like chronic pain in the upper neck, back of the head, and behind the ears, usually on one side of the head.
Can long hair cause migraines?
Relationship Between Your Hair and Your Migraines
Some people with very long, thick hair might experience headache pain due to its simple weight, especially after showering or swimming. The key is to distribute the weight of your hair and minimize pulling on any one part of your scalp.
Why does the top of my head hurt where my hair is?
A sore scalp can be caused by infected hair follicles, scalp pimples, or tension from certain hairstyles that may pull the hair too tight. Other causes for scalp tenderness include trauma from a head injury, or underlying skin condition like eczema or cellulitis.
Why do I feel pain in my hair roots?
Possible causes
scalp psoriasis. seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff) scalp folliculitis. allergic contact dermatitis.
What gets rid of headaches fast?
Tips to Get Rid of a Headache
- Try a Cold Pack.
- Use a Heating Pad or Hot Compress.
- Ease Pressure on Your Scalp or Head.
- Dim the Lights.
- Try Not to Chew.
- Hydrate.
- Get Some Caffeine.
- Practice Relaxation.
What is a headache behind the eyes?
Tension headaches
These are the most common types of headache, and may cause pain behind your eyes, as well as on one or both sides of your head and from your neck down to your shoulders. Triggers include poor posture, lack of sleep, being hungry or dehydrated, or eye strain from staring too long at a computer screen.
What happens if you always tie your hair up?
The bad news is that regularly wearing your hair in a high, tight pony can result in hair damage – and in some extreme cases, permanent hair loss.
What does a dehydration headache feel like?
Pain from a dehydration headache can range from mild to severe. You may feel pain all over your head or in just one spot, such as the back, front or side. The pain is usually like a dull ache, but it can also be sharp. You may have a throbbing (pounding) headache, or the pain might be constant.
What is a thunderclap headache?
Thunderclap headaches live up to their name, striking suddenly like a clap of thunder. The pain of these severe headaches peaks within 60 seconds. Thunderclap headaches are uncommon, but they can warn of potentially life-threatening conditions — usually having to do with bleeding in and around the brain.
How do you know if you have a migraine or sinus headache?
While sinus headaches are primarily felt in the face, migraines can cause pain around the temples, high in the forehead or in the back of your head. They often occur on only one side of the head, while sinus headaches are usually felt on both sides of the face.
What does a pinched nerve headache feel like?
If to speak about the type of pain it can be described as aching and radiating from the back of the head to the forehead. Some people also complain on the tenderness in the area of the neck muscles on the side where the pinched nerve is located.
What is an occipital stroke?
Occipital strokes occur when you have an obstruction or hemorrhage in the posterior cerebral artery, which is located in the brain.
What are Cervicogenic headaches?
A cervicogenic headache (CGH) presents as unilateral pain that starts in the neck and is referred from bony structures or soft tissues of the neck. [1] It is a common chronic and recurrent headache that usually starts after neck movement. It usually accompanies a reduced range of motion (ROM) of the neck.
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