What is the relationship between caffeine and headaches?
Caffeine has a curious relationship to headaches. On one hand, caffeine appears to relieve headaches and is a common ingredient in both over-the-counter and prescription headache remedies. On the other hand, regular use of caffeine can trigger headaches. People who drink more than four cups of coffee per day seem prone to developing headaches, and people who drink even one or two cups daily may have “withdrawal” headaches on a day when they drink none. Most people get their caffeine from beverages such as coffee, tea or cola, but overuse of caffeine-containing drugs can be a hidden cause of headaches. If you have frequent headaches, consider cutting caffeine out of your diet completely. The same advice applies to regular use of caffeine-containing drugs such as No-Doz or Excedrin. Are there ways to treat headaches without drugs? Absolutely. Many people find relief for their headaches through techniques such as acupuncture, biofeedback and hypnosis. Simple remedies such as ice packs and
