Lack of exercise contributes to headaches

January 2, 2009

Physical inactivity was strongly associated with headache disorders, according to a large study by Swedish researchers published in Headache. They looked at 43,770 people with recurrent headaches and migraines and found that economic hardship and psychosocial factors (poor social support and experience of being belittled) seem to play a role in headache disorders. Of lifestyle factors, physical inactivity was strongly associated with headache disorders, while smoking to a lesser extent. Skipping breakfast, being overweight and underweight seemed to be connected to headaches.

Written by
Alexander Mauskop, MD
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Insights from Dr. Alexander Mauskop on headaches and migraines
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