Headache from Crying: Causes, Treatment, and When to See a Doctor

Crying is a natural emotional response that can be triggered by different things, such as stress, sadness, anger, or joy. While crying can help us relieve tension and express our feelings, it can also cause physical discomfort, including headaches.

What Causes Headache from Crying?

There are several possible reasons why crying can lead to a headache:

• Tension headaches: Emotional stress and tension can cause muscle contractions in the head and neck, leading to a tension headache. Crying can worsen this type of headache as it involves more muscle activity in the face and neck.
• Sinus headaches: Crying can also cause sinus headaches if the tears block the sinuses, leading to pressure and pain in the forehead and cheeks.
• Migraines: While less common, some people may experience migraines triggered by crying or emotional stress.

How to Treat Headache from Crying?

If you have a headache from crying, there are several ways to manage the pain and discomfort:

• Rest: Lie down in a quiet, dark room and relax your body and mind. This can help alleviate tension and stress, and reduce the headache.
• Apply heat or cold: Depending on the type of headache, applying a cold or warm compress to the forehead or neck can help reduce pain and inflammation.
• Drink fluids: Dehydration can worsen headaches, so make sure to drink plenty of water or other fluids to stay hydrated.
• Take pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain medications like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin can help relieve headache pain. However, it’s important to follow the recommended dosage and talk to your doctor if you have any underlying health conditions or take other medications.
• Practice relaxation techniques: Deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or other relaxation techniques can help reduce stress and tension, and prevent headaches from occurring in the first place.

When to See a Doctor?

In most cases, a headache from crying is not a serious condition and can be managed with home remedies and pain relievers. However, you should see a doctor if:

• The headache is severe and persistent, or if it’s accompanied by other symptoms like fever, vomiting, or changes in vision.
• You have a history of migraines or other types of headaches.
• You have other underlying health conditions that can affect your headache, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or a recent head injury.
• Your headache is related to mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD.