Your head hurts after crying due to a combination of physiological responses, primarily involving stress hormones and muscle tension.
The Role of Stress Hormones
When you cry, especially during periods of emotional distress, your body releases stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones trigger a cascade of physical reactions, one of which involves your facial and scalp muscles.
Muscle Tension and Headaches
How Muscle Tension Causes Headaches
- Muscle Contraction: The stress hormones cause the muscles in your face and scalp to tense up and scrunch together.
- Increased Pressure: This contraction increases the pressure on your skull.
- Tension Headache: The elevated pressure is a primary factor in causing a tension headache, which is a common reason for a post-crying headache.
Lactic Acid Build Up
- Muscle Fatigue: A long crying session requires a significant amount of facial muscle activity.
- Metabolic Byproducts: Like any physical exertion, this activity leads to the build-up of lactic acid and other metabolic by-products in the muscles.
- Discomfort: These byproducts can contribute to the pain and discomfort you feel in your head and face after crying.
Table Summary of Factors
| Factor | Description | Contribution to Headache |
|---|---|---|
| Stress Hormones | Adrenaline and cortisol are released during emotional stress and crying. | Cause muscles in the face and scalp to scrunch up. |
| Muscle Tension | Muscles of face and scalp contract and tense. | Increases pressure on the skull, resulting in a tension headache. |
| Lactic Acid Build-Up | Metabolic by-products accumulate due to facial muscle exertion during a long crying session. | Contribute to muscle pain and headache. |
What You Can Do
While a headache after crying is often unavoidable, there are a few things you can do to alleviate the discomfort:
- Hydrate: Dehydration can worsen headaches. Drink plenty of water.
- Rest: Allow your body and mind to relax.
- Apply a cold compress: Placing a cold compress on your forehead or temples may ease the pain.
- Gentle massage: Lightly massage your scalp, neck, and temples.
- Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help.
By understanding the physiological processes behind post-crying headaches, you can better manage the symptoms and take steps towards feeling better.
