27 Sep Stress Headache or Dehydration? – Here’s How to Tell The Difference

While people tend to get headaches for a variety of reasons, one of the most common and misunderstood sources of headaches is actually dehydration. Most people know that they should be drinking between six and eight glasses of water per day—yet the average person typically fails to drink this much water every day. This is what causes so many people to suffer from dehydration-related headaches.

While dehydration-related headaches are extremely common, they are also often misunderstood and misdiagnosed. The first step to recovering from headaches is to understand the cause of those headaches. Here is how to determine what type of a headache you are dealing with so you can get the help that you need.

What Exactly Happens When My Body is Dehydrated?

As most people know, dehydration occurs when the body loses more water than it takes in. Typically, this water loss is from normal body processes like sweat or urine. In addition to headaches, dehydration can also come with the following side effects:

• Thirst
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Muscle Pain
• Increased Heart Rate

Of course, when you are dehydrated the best way to combat these effects is to rehydrate the body. In serious cases, dehydration can lead to unconsciousness, hospitalization and even death.

The Link Between Headaches and Dehydration

Dehydration is an extremely common cause of headaches and is a very common trigger for migraines. While it is not entirely clear why dehydration causes headaches, many experts believe that it has to do with the blood vessels in the head narrowing when the body is dehydrated. Studies on these types of headaches have found this can happen when the system is attempting to regulate body fluid levels.

Simply put, if it is harder for oxygen and blood to get to the brain, it can result in a headache.

How Do I Tell If My Headaches Are From Dehydration Not Stress?

Many people get stress headaches. However, many people also believe they are getting stress headaches when they are really suffering from dehydration-related headaches. Typically, headaches caused by dehydration occur right in the front of the head or right near the back of the head. They can also feel similar to tension headaches and be felt throughout the entire head.

Increased pain while moving the head is the most common way to tell if you are dealing with a dehydration headache as opposed to a stress headache.

While headaches caused by dehydration can be frustrating, there are ways to remedy these headaches with treatments such as our Hydration Hero therapies. We are passionate about helping clients, especially those that experience dehydration-related headaches to get the relief they need. Whether your dehydration problems are chronic or are associated with the flu, jet lag, strenuous workouts or hangovers, we can help.

This safe yet effective form of IV rehydration can help you experience relief from dehydration side effects all while enjoying the benefits of vitamin C, magnesium and B vitamins. You can enjoy these headache-busting treatments a la carte or in packages, so you can always get the hydration help you are looking for.