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Can Wearing A Hat Cause Headache?

Last updated on November 28th, 2022 at 11:41 am

Can wearing a hat cause headache? Due to the pressure that it puts on blood vessels surrounding your head, a cap might be a poor choice for headache sufferers…

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In case you suffering from occasional headaches but are uncertain whether your cap or cat could be the culprit, you are at the right place. It is likely that you are completely in the dark about the kind of pressure your hat is putting on your head.

Do you feel that your headaches are returning quite frequently because of wearing hats? It is better to contemplate about your preferred accessory or look for medical assistance.

What causes compression headaches?

Compression headache may occur due to wearing sports goggles, a tight hat or a tight headband for a prolonged period. It is a form of headache, which begins when a person wears an accessory across their scalp or forehead. .

As mentioned above, headbands, goggles, and hats are some common contributors. Such headaches are also called external compression headaches because they occur due to pressure applied from an object outside.

The headache has a tendency to worsen when a person wears the compressing accessory for a longer period. These headaches are not difficult to identify as they typically begin within 60 minutes of putting a hat on the head.

Some other symptoms of the compression headache are as follows:

  • Pain, which disappears within an hour of taking out the pressure source
  • There are no other symptoms like dizziness or nausea
  • A steady but not pulsing pain

People who are susceptible to getting migraines may experience their compression headaches to convert into migraines. A migraine’s symptoms are as follows:

  • Vomiting, nausea
  • Throbbing pain on both or one of the sides of head
  • Blurred vision
  • Sensitivity to touch, sound, and light

What Does a Compression Headache Feel Like?

If a person suffers from compression headaches, they feel as if there is an intense pressure on their heads apart from moderate pain. The sufferer feels the maximum pain that part of the head, which is under pressure.

For instance, if a person is wearing goggles, they could feel the pain near their temples or across the forehead. Athletes, police officers, people associated with the military, and construction workers are more likely to suffer from external compression headaches.

People who have this type of headache describe it as constant, moderate pressure. The spot where the object presses on the head hurts the most. The pain may aggravate if a person wears the headgear for a longer time.

Taking medical help may not be always essential when you have a compression head. That’s because it usually disappears within about 60 minutes of taking out the object causing the pressure.

People should visit a doctor if the headache persists even after they removed the hat or cap.

Does Wearing a Hat Help Headaches or Cause Them?

Compression headache begins when you place a tight object on your head. The object applies pressure on the nerves, which are under the skin.

Specialists insist that occipital nerves and trigeminal nerve are frequently affected. It is good to know that cranial nerves transmit signals from the wearer’s brain to the back of the head and face.

An object, which puts pressure on the wearer’s scalp or forehead, may lead to a compression headache. The following headgear may also cause headaches:

  • Military or police helmets
  • Baseball, hockey, or football helmets
  • Protective or swim goggles
  • Hard hats used at construction sites
  • Tight hats
  • Headbands
  • Protective or swim goggles

It is true that everyday objects may trigger compression headaches; these headaches are not quite common. Very few people get them.

Do Hats Cause an External Compression Headache?

An external compression headache may take place if something you wear on the head is putting constant pressure on the scalp or forehead. These are not unusual in cases where people have to wear headgear like goggles, helmets, or hats for their sports activities or work.

People wearing tight headbands and hats might also suffer from an external compression headache. How to get rid of an external compression headache?

The solution for the external compression headache is simple. You have to just take out the headwear that is triggering the pressure.

 Are Compression Headaches Dangerous

Typically, one does not have to consult a physician for their compression headaches. That’s because the pain ebbs if the wear removes the pressure source.

On the other hand, if the pain come back even when the person is not wearing any object on their head, it is better to approach a doctor. They will do some tests for ruling out the underlying root causes of the headaches.

These tests include:

  • Lumbar puncture
  • CT scan
  • MRI scan
  • Full blood count test

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How to get rid of a compression headache

If muscles become tensed, they may lead to tension-type headaches. The affected person may apply ice or heat to relieve their shoulder and neck muscles.

For instance, you may use a heating pad and set it on low. Other tips for getting rid of a compression headache include placing a cool washcloth on the forehead, applying an ice pack that is wrapped in a cloth.

A hot towel or a warm compress may also do the trick. While medical help is usually not required, OTC (over-the-counter) pain medications can come in handy with symptoms.

Examples of such medications are as follows:

  • Tylenol or acetaminophen
  • Aleve (naproxen), Advil (ibuprofen) or Motrin. These are types of NSAID ( anti-inflammatory drugs)

Ensuring external compression headaches do not occur signifies wearing hats, goggles, masks, or helmets, which fit properly. That is when you need these headgears while working or have to put them on for prolonged time period.

It is better to opt for a hat or headband with a snug fit. We mean that your headgear should not be excessively tight.

You can try out various size options for knowing what works best. It is a good idea to give a break from wearing these headgears if it is possible.

What is a Tension Headache Like?

A TTH or tension-type headache is typically a mild to moderate intensity pain. It is frequently referred to as the sensation of a tight band put around the head.

The tension headache is one of the most common forms of headache. However, many people do not understand the underlying causes of this headache well.

The good news is there are treatments available for tension headaches. Affected people need to manage the tension headache by having a proper balance between using appropriate medications, adopting effective nondrug treatments, and practicing healthy habits.

FAQ relating to headaches and wearing a hat:

1. When should I see medical intervention?

Many headaches are not serious but can be symptoms of specific problems. You should seek emergency assistance in case you feel any of these symptoms:

  • Headaches that begin quite quickly
  • Losing consciousness immediately after head contact
  • Head ache continues and aggravates during a period of 24 hours
  • Severe thunderclap headache

2. For how long can an external headache continue?

It is typically not essential to consult a physician when you have a compression headache. That’s because it ebbs within an hour or so after taking out the headgear that was causing the external pressure.

3. Can your tight headgear trigger a headache?

A headgear such as a hat or a cap may cause an external compression headache if it puts too much pressure on the wearer’s head. Helmets, goggles, and headbands are other common culprits.

4. How can you prevent compression headaches?

Do not wear unnecessary headgear to avoid external compression headaches. In case you are wearing protective headgears like a construction or sports helmet, please ensure you position it correctly and it fits snugly.

Can Wearing A Hat Cause Headache?

What Happens if You Wear a Hat Every Day?

There are certain pitfalls for wearing a tight hat every day. If the hat is too tight, the wearer may suffer from external compression headaches as the headgear can place too much pressure on the head.

Can Wearing a Hat Cause Scalp Pain?

In case you wear an extremely tight hat or other headgear regularly and for prolonged duration, the scalp can feel tender at the end of a long day. That’s the reason the fit of your head is so crucial.

Can Hats Cause Brain Damage?

Did you know that cranial nerves are the ones to transmit signals from the brain to the back of the head and your face? Any type of headgear, which presses on the scalp or forehead, may lead to compression headache.

These include different types of headgear ranging from baseball helmets to hockey and football.

What Are the Effects of Wearing a Hat?

There is a myth that wearing hats may pose severe problems on the body, particularly the hair. However, a health dermatologist called Hayley Goldbach does not believe this.

The expert feels that they can come in handy for the wearers because they offer a protection to your head and face on a sunny day.

However, it is important to understand the kind of headgear one wears daily should have a good fitting. They should not hurt the wearer’s head, scalp, or forehead to prevent headaches. 

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