Headaches After Crying: Causes, Treatments, Prevention

Understanding Headaches from Crying

It's not uncommon to develop a headache after an intense crying session. The phenomenon is sometimes called a "cryache" or "crying headache." While painful and unpleasant, these headaches are generally harmless and temporary. By understanding the causes and treatments, you can find relief when crying gives you a headache.

What Causes Headaches from Crying?

There are a few factors that can contribute to headaches after or during periods of crying:

• Dehydration - Crying causes fluid loss from tears evaporating. This can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances that trigger headaches.
• Strained muscles - Sobbing causes muscle tension in the head and neck. Tightening these muscles repeatedly can result in headache pain.
• Sinus congestion - The blood vessels in the sinus cavities dilate during crying episodes. This swelling blocks sinus drainage and causes sinus pressure headaches.
• Stress response - Crying triggers the body's fight-or-flight response. Hormones like cortisol and adrenaline are released, which affect blood flow to the brain and cause headaches.

Headache Locations and Types

Where you experience headache pain can indicate which factors are at play:

• Generalized pain - Dehydration commonly causes a dull, constant ache throughout the head.
• Front of head - Sinus congestion tends to cause pulsing pain in the forehead and face.
• Back of head - Tight neck muscles can result in tension pain at the base of the skull.
• Sides of head - Stress hormones often trigger vascular headaches focused on the temples.

Headache types associated with crying include:

• Tension headaches - These cause moderate muscle tightness pain on both sides of the head.
• Migraines - Migraines involve severe throbbing pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light/sound.
• Cluster headaches - Rare, intense headaches on one side of the head, often around the eye.
• Sinus headaches - Deep, constant pain in the cheeks, forehead, or bridge of the nose.

Treating and Preventing Headaches from Crying

Hydrate and Restore Electrolytes

Drinking water and electrolyte drinks can relieve dehydration and headache pain quickly. Try having a large glass of water and sports drink after crying. Coconut water or an oral rehydration solution are other options.

Apply a Warm Compress

Placing a warm washcloth over the forehead, temples, or neck relaxes tense muscles that trigger headaches. Use a microwavable heat pack or take a warm shower for soothing relief.

Use Over-the-Counter Medications

For moderate headaches, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help. Aspirin can work too, but avoid it if you have sinus congestion. Decongestants like pseudoephedrine may also alleviate sinus pressure and pain.

Try Essential Oils

Peppermint, lavender, and eucalyptus oils applied to the temples may have natural pain-reducing effects. Mix a few drops with a carrier oil before massaging into skin.

Practice Relaxation Techniques

Abdominal breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindfulness meditation can deactivate the stress response after crying. This reduces headache-causing hormones andtension.

Massage Pressure Points

Massaging pressure points on the head, neck, and hands releases muscle knots that lead to tension pain. Focus extra time on the temples, base of the skull, and webs between thumbs and fingers.

Get Some Rest

Lying down in a cool, dark room allows headaches to subside. Crying is emotionally exhausting, so getting rest afterward aids the body's recovery.

Use Cold Therapy

For migraine, sinus, or tension headaches, applying an ice pack to painful areas constricts blood vessels and decreases inflammation. Use a cloth between the ice and skin to prevent discomfort.

When to See a Doctor

Schedule an appointment with your doctor if:

• Headaches persist for more than a few hours after crying.
• Headaches worsen or interfere with daily activities.
• You experience neurological symptoms like weakness or vision changes.
• OTC medications do not relieve your headaches.
• You have frequent headaches without identifiable triggers.

Severe, chronic, or worsening cryaches may require prescription medications or other treatment approaches overseen by a doctor. Sudden, severe headaches could also indicate a medical emergency like meningitis, stroke, or aneurysm.

Preventing Future Crying Headaches

You may be able to reduce headache frequency by:

• Staying hydrated daily.
• Avoiding headache triggers like hunger, perfumes, or stress.
• Practicing stress management and relaxation techniques.
• Getting enough sleep and taking frequent breaks.
• Treating underlying conditions like anxiety, sinus infections, or neck injury.
• Discussing headache prevention medications with your doctor.

Alternative Coping Strategies

Consider expressing emotions through journaling, talking to a friend, or exercising instead of crying. This may lower headache risk. But it's important to find healthy ways to handle feelings when needed.

When to Seek Emergency Care

Seek emergency medical care if you experience:

• Sudden, severe headache unlike previous headaches
• Headache with fever, confusion, seizures, or double vision
• Headache after a head injury, fall, or blow to the head
• Sudden headache with weakness or numbness
• Severe headache after taking Viagra or similar drugs

These can indicate life-threatening conditions like hemorrhage, meningitis, or stroke requiring urgent evaluation.

The Bottom Line

It's common to get headaches from crying due to dehydration, sinus issues, muscle tension, and stress hormones. Drink fluids, use warm/cold compresses, take OTC meds, and relax to feel better. See a doctor if severe, persistent, or worsening. Addressing the root cause of crying can also help prevent future cryaches.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.