Headache

[kermit911]

What is happening to your head when u get a headache? Are blood vesels shrinking or something?

[Homer55]

A lot of it is down to dehydration, drinking lots of water always helps me..

[JustSia]

Weird went to get a cuppa and was thinking the same. Came back and saw your question. Dude!!!!

S.

[Azimov]

Pain is natures way of saying "stop that, it might be dangerous!".
What actually produces the pain in a headache, from whatever cause?

[jackrob15]

Im pretty sure that it can sometimes be due to swelling in a certain area which in turn constricts blood vessels. This can sometimes give the 'pounding headache' feeling and pain. Aspirin works in a round about way by thinning the blood which help blood flow through these vessels reducing pain. Im pretty sure anyway.

I heard from someone that around 80% of headaches are actually caused by neck problems???

[Matt_PNE]

Actually, it's caused by dilation of the blood vessels, which leads to the pulsing feeling some people get with a headache. In inflammation, the blood vessels dialte in order to allow more while bloods cells to the area, but the total increase in blood flow causes a reddening and warming of the area. Of course, this isn't seen in the head, but increased blood flow can cause headaches.

Certain cancer chemotherapy drugs can cause this effect, and a good way to alleviate symptoms of a headache can be a cool towel applied to the forehead to cool the area. Of course, if they persist you should see your doctor to rule out something more serious.