Why do I get headache whenever I travel?

Nov 28, 2012

Whether you are travelling for business or pleasure, changes in schedule, location, diet and your level of stress can all trigger headaches.

QDear Doctor, 
I used to travel long distances without getting headache. However, this changed. For one year now, whenever I travel a distance beyond 40km, I get severe headache. I cannot avoid travelling because it is part of my job. 
Davis
 
ADear Davis, 
Whether you are travelling for business or pleasure, changes in schedule, location, diet and your level of stress can all trigger headaches.
 
The main headache triggers during travel may include changes in your normal schedule and environment. Otherwise, they may also result from sensitivity to the weather and temperature changes, whereas tension headaches may occur because of sensitivity to physical and emotional stress. 
 
Both kinds of headache can be triggered by changes in your sleep and diet routines. By establishing the source of your headache, you can take preventive measures as well as plan for headache relief before you travel. 
 
You can manage the headache by:
l Planning your trips in advance. 
Avoid panicking and allow for changes in your sleep schedule. Changes in people’s schedules are one of the causes of headaches. Plan ahead for time changes, and try to get the same amount of sleep as usual. 
 
Too much sleep as well as not getting enough sleep can trigger a headache. 
 
Make sure you travel comfortably. If you are going to be sitting for a long time, get up and walk around frequently before you travel and even while travelling, if possible. Use a neck pillow to keep from falling asleep in a position that puts stress on your neck muscles.
 
If you are traveling in a private car, plan frequent rest stops. 
Drink plenty of water, especially in hot, humid climates.
 
 

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