Headaches: Reduce stress to prevent the pain

In the flurry of a frantic morning, you may find that your head starts pounding. It's not a coincidence — headaches are more likely to occur when you're stressed.

Stress is a common trigger of tension-type headaches and migraine. Stress also can trigger other types of headaches or make them worse. It is a common headache trigger in children and young adults.

Taking simple steps to manage your stress can help prevent some types of headaches.

The daily grind

Major changes in your life can cause stress. But that's not usually the type of stress that triggers headaches.

Instead, everyday annoyances often trigger headaches in some people. These may include searching for lost items, sitting in traffic or handling a big project at work.

You may respond to these daily stressors by tensing your muscles, grinding your teeth or stiffening your shoulders. These reactions may make your headaches worse.

Stop the cycle

You can't avoid daily stress. But you can keep stress under control — and help prevent headaches.

Recognize when it's more than stress

Most headaches are nothing to worry about. But if headaches get in the way of your daily activities, work or personal life, ask your healthcare professional for help. Something other than stress may be causing your headaches.

Seek emergency care if your headache:

• Is sudden and severe.
• Occurs with fever, stiff neck, rash, confusion, seizure, double vision, weakness, numbness or trouble speaking.
• Follows a head injury, fall or bump to the head.
• Gets worse despite rest and taking pain medication you can buy without a prescription.

These symptoms may mean you have a medical condition that needs treatment right away.