It is common to develop a headache after crying. This can be confusing, as crying is often associated with emotional release. Understanding the physiological responses during crying helps explain why a headache might follow.
The Body’s Response During Crying
Crying triggers immediate physiological changes. Muscles in the face, jaw, neck, and scalp can tense up, especially during prolonged or intense crying. This muscular contraction is a natural response to stress or strong emotion.
Tears drain into nasal passages, potentially leading to sinus swelling and pressure. Crying also influences blood flow. Theories suggest changes in facial muscle and breathing patterns might affect cerebral blood supply.
How Crying Triggers Headaches
Physiological responses during crying can contribute to different types of headaches.
Prolonged muscle tension, especially in the head and neck, contributes to tension headaches. This sustained contraction can feel like a tight band around the head or pressure on the temples. Tension headaches are the most common type of headache experienced after crying.
Sinus congestion and inflammation from tears overwhelming nasal passages can lead to sinus headaches. These headaches cause pain and pressure across the forehead, cheeks, or around the eyes, which might worsen with sudden movements.
For those susceptible to migraines, emotional stress and physiological changes from crying can act as a trigger. Stress hormones, muscle tension, and the widening of blood vessels can activate migraine pathways in some people.
Other Factors Worsening Headaches
Several factors can exacerbate headaches after crying.
Dehydration is a common contributor, as crying involves fluid loss through tears, and intense crying can lead to shallow breathing or reduced fluid intake. Even mild dehydration can result in a dull, aching headache.
Hyperventilation (rapid, shallow breathing) can occur during intense crying, altering blood gas levels and contributing to headache symptoms.
Emotional toll and stress preceding or accompanying crying also play a role. Stress is a widely recognized headache trigger, capable of initiating or worsening both tension-type headaches and migraines.
Relief and Prevention Strategies
Several steps can help alleviate or prevent headaches after crying.
- Rehydrating by drinking water or electrolyte solutions to counteract fluid loss.
- Applying cool compresses to the forehead or eyes, or a warm pack to the neck, to reduce muscle tension and discomfort.
- Gentle massage of the head and neck muscles to provide relief from tension.
- For sinus-related pressure, nasal irrigation or inhaling steam to decongest the sinuses.
- Practicing deep breathing exercises to promote relaxation and regulate breathing patterns.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, for pain management.
When to Consult a Doctor
While headaches after crying are generally not concerning, certain symptoms warrant medical attention. Seek professional advice if headaches become frequent, significantly interfere with daily activities, or do not improve with over-the-counter remedies. Consult a doctor for severe headaches accompanied by other symptoms like fever, a stiff neck, vision changes, confusion, or weakness. These indicate a more serious underlying condition. A new type of headache, or one that feels like the “worst headache ever,” requires prompt medical evaluation.