Experiencing a headache or intense facial pressure after crying is a common physical reaction. This pain is a direct physiological consequence of the body’s response to emotional release and physical exertion. The discomfort is typically a combination of two distinct mechanisms working together: sinus pressure and muscle tension. Understanding these processes provides clarity on why crying sometimes results in physical pain.
How Crying Affects Your Sinuses
The physical connection between tears and head pain begins with the intricate drainage system of the face, known as the lacrimal system. Tears produced by the lacrimal glands normally drain through small openings called puncta and flow into the tear ducts. These ducts empty directly into the nasal cavity, which is why a runny nose is a universal symptom of crying.
During prolonged or heavy crying, the volume of tears overwhelms this drainage system, pushing excess fluid into the nasal passages. This influx of fluid, combined with stress hormones, leads to inflammation of the mucous membranes inside the nose and sinuses. The resulting swelling and congestion restrict the narrow channels that allow air and mucus to flow freely within the hollow sinus cavities.
This blockage creates a buildup of internal pressure in the paranasal sinuses, which are air-filled spaces located behind the forehead, cheeks, and eyes. Since the sinuses are innervated by the trigeminal nerve, this congestion is perceived as a dull, aching pressure or referred pain across the forehead, between the eyes, and in the cheeks. This sensation mimics a sinus headache, which often worsens when bending forward due to the shift in pressure.
The Link Between Facial Muscles and Tension
Beyond the internal pressure from fluid buildup, the physical actions involved in crying place strain on various muscle groups, leading to a different kind of head pain. Crying involves sustained contractions of facial, jaw, and neck muscles. The involuntary grimacing, jaw clenching, and deep sobs that characterize intense crying are essentially a prolonged workout for these muscles.
This sustained contraction causes the muscles, particularly the temporalis muscles on the side of the head and the masseter muscles in the jaw, to become fatigued and tight. The continuous tension restricts blood flow and allows metabolic by-products, such as lactic acid, to accumulate in the muscle tissue. This localized stress triggers a tension headache, often described as a dull, constant ache or a feeling of a tight band wrapped around the head.
The emotional stress that prompts the crying spell often causes an individual to unconsciously hunch their shoulders and tighten the muscles in the neck and upper back. This muscular tension can radiate upward, contributing to the overall head pain felt across the scalp and at the base of the skull. The resulting head pain is a direct consequence of mechanical stress and muscle fatigue, distinct from the fluid-driven pressure felt in the sinuses.
Calming the Pain Response
To alleviate the head pain once it has begun, self-care strategies should address both the sinus pressure and muscle tension components. A focus should be on re-regulating the body’s physical state after the emotional exertion. Taking slow, deep breaths helps calm the nervous system and relax the tense muscles in the shoulders and neck.
Hydration and Cold Therapy
Hydration is important, as crying releases fluids and stress can be dehydrating, which is a known trigger for headaches. Drinking water or an electrolyte solution helps restore fluid balance and potentially reduce the severity of the dull ache. Applying a cold compress or an ice pack to the forehead and bridge of the nose can constrict blood vessels and help reduce swelling and inflammation contributing to sinus pressure.
Muscle Relief and Medication
For relief from muscle-related tension, gently massaging the temples, jawline, and the back of the neck encourages blood flow and releases accumulated tightness. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, are effective in managing the headache pain by reducing both inflammation and discomfort.