Some people find that lighter beers or those low in hops are better tolerated, while others may need to avoid certain brands or types of beer that they know trigger headaches. Additionally, drinking in moderation can help prevent excessive dehydration, which is another factor that can contribute to headaches. In addition to congeners, alcohol also contains a compound called histamine, which is a well-known trigger of migraine headaches. Alcohol not only contains histamine but also stimulates the body’s immune system to produce more. This increased histamine production boosts inflammation throughout the body, which can contribute to migraine symptoms.
- But other drinks like sparkling wine, beer, and hard liquor may be just as likely, if not more, to cause problems.
- Long-term heavy alcohol drinking can also mean you’re more vulnerable to depression and anxiety, Dr. Mieses Malchuk says.
- Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) refers to the amount of alcohol in your blood in relation to the amount of water in your blood.
- Acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and a combination of pain medications and caffeine are all effective — if you take a full dose very early in the attack.
- The toxicity of alcohol can also lead to adverse reactions, including headaches, especially when consumed in large quantities.
Microplastics in Alcohol: A Hidden Risk for ALDH2 Deficient Drinkers
For those with histamine intolerance, opting for low-histamine alcoholic options, such as alcohol makes my head hurt clear spirits like vodka or gin, may help minimise adverse reactions. Additionally, paying attention to personal tolerance levels and consuming alcohol in moderation can also be beneficial in managing histamine-related symptoms. The location of your headache can provide insight into the type of headache you are experiencing. Secondary headaches are less common and arise from an underlying health issue.
Reasons You Feel So Sore After A Night Of Drinking
Beer contains ethanol, a chemical that dilates the blood vessels, which can trigger migraine attacks in certain individuals. Additionally, alcohol is a diuretic, causing the body to lose fluids and vital salts alcoholism treatment and minerals, leading to dehydration, a common trigger for headaches. The duration of neck pain after drinking alcohol can vary depending on the individual and the cause of the pain. In cases where the pain is related to muscle tension or inflammation, it may resolve within a few days with rest, hydration, and over-the-counter pain medication. If the pain persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, it is advisable to seek medical attention to rule out more serious underlying conditions. There are a few potential causes of neck pain after drinking alcohol.
- You might have a migraine if your headache is accompanied by throbbing or pulsating pain on one side of the head, nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light and sound.
- Certain supplements and herbal remedies have been touted as hangover remedies, but there is no solid evidence backing up this claim.
- Diagnosis is made through patient history, since there is no specific test for cluster headache.
Health Conditions
Because your body views alcohol as a toxic substance, it’s perfectly normal to experience a headache from drinking alcohol. Alcohol’s effects on your body include dehydration, inflammation, reduced sleep quality, and the buildup of toxic substances—all of which can give you a headache. People prone to migraines tend to have more problems with hangovers. Conversely, there are many medications that interfere with the breakdown of alcohol and acetaldehyde, worsening the consequences of drinking. A thin, Japanese teetotaling woman taking prescription painkillers will clearly have more problems with a few drinks than a 250 pound linebacker who regularly drinks four beers a night.
These short-term circulation problems can mutate into long-term problems like blood clots or other health issues with prolonged drinking habits. The answer to this question runs deeper than a simple blanket response, especially when leg pain is coupled with body aches after drinking. All of these depend on individual health and bodily reactions tied to unhealthy alcohol consumption.