Is Rebound Headache Troubling You? Here Are Ways To Avoid Getting Them

You could be suffering from a rebound headache even as you are reading this and the problem is that you may not even realize it. About 50 percent of migraines and 25 percent of headaches could potentially be a rebound headache. Fortunately, while these types of headaches are common, you can avoid them easily.

Overuse of pain relievers has been found to be among the major causes of a rebound headache. A rebound headache is also known as analgesic rebound or a headache from overuse of medication.  While pain relievers do bring relief from headaches, taking them too frequently can, in fact, trigger a headache rather than relieving pain.

The biology responsible for a rebound headache is yet to be completely deciphered by the medical fraternity. However, doctors hold the view that the way some medications affect pain receptors may be responsible for this phenomenon.  As reported in Medical Daily, a rebound headache is believed to be triggered by the continuous use of various pain relievers. In turn, this 'rewires' pain pathways in the brain. Additionally, rebound headache also appears to be more common among certain individuals compared to others. For instance, researchers hold the view that individuals with certain serotonin profiles could be using pain relievers at more frequent intervals and thus put themselves at a greater risk of rebound headaches.

 An everyday headache, particularly when one wakes up at sunrise and pain relief medication improving the headache only to return when the medication wears down is thought to be among the symptoms of a rebound headache.

The best way to avoid a rebound headache is to ensure that you use minimal pain relievers and speak to your GP to find an alternative medication that can help in preventing migraines and rebound headache. Mayo Clinic opines that OTC painkillers should be used for no more than 2 weeks in a month.  For individuals suffering from depression, getting depression treatment is another way to address a rebound headache.