Causes and Prevention of Headaches in Winter Cold Waves - Im Euisek Dermatology

As the winter cold wave continues, more people are complaining of cold-wave stress. Cold-wave stress appears when the body’s immunity drops after shivering in the cold for a long time or due to a sudden drop in temperature. The most common symptoms are headaches, muscle pain, and viral illnesses. What can be done about headaches that only seem to appear in winter? Let’s look at the causes of winter headaches and lifestyle habits for prevention.

Causes of Winter Headaches

Many people say they feel sudden dizziness or a throbbing pain in their head when getting off a bus on the way to work in winter or when entering a heated building. In particular, symptoms become worse when changeable weather repeats, such as when temperatures suddenly drop from above freezing to below freezing. It can also happen to people who usually have no particular symptoms, but most people endure it, thinking it is not serious enough to require treatment.

1. Circulation problems caused by the cold

The biggest reason headaches occur is problems with blood circulation. The head is sensitive to temperature changes. Unless you are wearing a hat, it is directly affected by the temperature. When the temperature drops, blood vessels and skin contract, causing blood pressure to rise. In particular, patients with cardiovascular diseases such as heart disease and high blood pressure should pay attention to temperature control so as not to strain the cardiovascular system. In winter, when the temperature difference between indoors and outdoors is large because of heating, the brain’s blood vessels repeatedly contract and expand suddenly, making headaches more likely, and in severe cases, they may be accompanied by dizziness or vomiting.

2. Muscle stiffness caused by the cold

Muscle stiffness caused by the cold is also a cause of headaches. When a cold wave hits and blood circulation is not smooth, muscles become tense. When tense muscles harden, the nerves and blood vessels inside the muscles are compressed, triggering headaches. The trapezius muscles, located in a triangle across the neck, shoulders, and back, and the levator scapulae muscles at the back of the neck are representative muscles that cause headaches.

Winter headaches are mostly temporary symptoms, but people with high blood pressure and the elderly should be especially careful. They can sometimes lead to cerebrovascular diseases such as stroke.

How to prevent headaches in winter cold waves

1. Reduce the temperature difference between indoors and outdoors

To prevent winter headaches, lower the heating temperature indoors and ventilate often so that your body does not become accustomed to warm temperatures. When going outside, wearing several thin layers of clothing and using a hat, scarf, ear warmers, and a mask can help maintain body temperature.

2. Do not run suddenly in a cold wave

It is not a good idea to start running quickly as soon as you go outside in order to raise your body temperature. It is important to walk at a slightly brisk pace and allow your body to adapt to the outdoor temperature.

3. Loosen your muscles with stretching

You should avoid maintaining a hunched posture because it is cold. Loosen your muscles with light stretching. In the early morning or at dawn when temperatures are low, do simple indoor exercise, and it is better to do outdoor exercise during the daytime when the temperature rises.

4. Take safe headache medicine (pain relievers)

If you get a migraine or the pain is severe, take a pain reliever. If you simply endure it, it can lead to chronic headaches. Winter headaches caused by sudden temperature changes are often temporary, so taking a safe medication can relieve them easily without side effects. When choosing a pain reliever, you should carefully check the ingredients. If it contains acetaminophen, avoid taking it together with sleeping pills or other medications. Also, pain relievers containing multiple ingredients, such as caffeine, should be avoided because they can cause tolerance.두