Headaches are one of the most common health complaints in the world.
Almost everyone has experienced them at some point — from a dull ache after a long day at work to a sudden, throbbing pain that sends you straight to bed.
But what actually causes headaches?
Let’s break down the science behind the pain.
1. What Exactly Is a Headache?
Surprisingly, the brain itself cannot feel pain — it has no pain receptors. The discomfort we call a “headache” comes from nearby structures:
Blood vessels in the head and neck
Nerves (especially the trigeminal nerve)
Muscles of the scalp and neck
The protective covering of the brain (meninges)
When these tissues are irritated, inflamed, or stressed, they send pain signals to the brain, creating the sensation of a headache.
2. The Science of Headache Pain
Several processes can trigger headache pain:
Nerve activation: The trigeminal nerve, which supplies sensation to much of the head and face, often becomes activated in headaches.
Chemical messengers: Neurotransmitters like serotonin and CGRP (calcitonin gene-related peptide) can cause blood vessels to dilate and trigger inflammation, leading to migraine pain.
Blood vessel changes: Sudden dilation or constriction of brain blood vessels may contribute to certain headaches.
Inshort:-
Headaches happen when sensitive structures around the brain send distress signals.
Valporate writer 