Can stop smoking cause headaches – well, the answer to this question is a definite ‘yes’. The main reason (as it may already be known to many) is the lack of nicotine intake being experienced by the smoker’s brain.
When nicotine is laced with tobacco, it tends to magnify its effect. So, when you smoke a cigarette, the impact it has on the smoker’s brain is hard to describe.
Nerves that are responsible for elevating headaches actually pass right behind the esophagus. So, when they get the whiff of nicotine not being dispatched by the smoker then, they are bound to get stressed.
Shifting pain is common to smokers that have just quit smoking cigarettes. The intensity and duration of this pain is directly dependent on the total number of cigarettes smoked on a daily basis.
It also depends on your body’s natural resistance towards nicotine addiction.
If your brain is unable to resist being away from nicotine then, the pain shall be severe and vice versa. In any case, you shall suffer from headaches when you stop smoking cigarettes.
So, let me walk you through how and why smokers suffer from headaches when they quit smoking. I also discuss practical ways and means of minimizing these headaches:
>>> Click Here to Learn How to Stop Headaches Permanently After Quitting Smoking without any Drugs or Expensive Therapies <<<
Can Stop Smoking Cause Headaches Article Contents:
1) What does Nicotine Derived from a Cigarette do to a Human Brain?
2) Why do You get a Headache when You Quit Smoking Cigarettes?
3) What are the 3 Types of Headaches caused by Nicotine Addiction from Cigarettes?
4) How can Smokers Reduce their Headaches after Quitting Smoking?
5) Can Nicotine Replacement Therapy Ease a Smoker’s Headache?
6) Which Dietary Supplements Treat Headaches in Smokers who have Recently Quit Smoking?
7) What are the Best Natural Therapies to Cure Headaches in Smokers that have Stopped Smoking Cigarettes?
8) Takeaway
What does Nicotine Derived from a Cigarette do to a Human Brain?
When you smoke a cigarette, the prefrontal cortex is affected the most. This part of the human brain is directly responsible for allowing you to perform cognitive functions.
So when you smoke a cigarette, the nicotine derived from it, affects this particular area of the brain the most.
If you are a teenager who smokes cigarettes then, the damage to the prefrontal cortex is tremendous. Your cognitive functionality may be impacted. This is because your brain is still in its developmental stages.
Taking a Dump becomes a Serious Issue:
In adults, smoking cigarettes daily tends to adversely affect the synapses located in the prefrontal cortex. When this happens, you tend to get dependent on nicotine.
Basically, your day to day actions are determined by how soon you smoke a cigarette. The absence of a cigarette tends to jeopardize your normal cognitive functionality.
As the number of cigarettes per day increase, your dependency on nicotine increases. Soon, you cannot even perform a simple bodily function such as ‘taking a dump’ in the morning without lighting a cigarette.
How Nicotine Takes Control of a Smoker’s Brain?
>>> As I (LeanAndFit reviewer) have mentioned above, the prefrontal cortex is affected the most when you smoke a cigarette. When you smoke a cigarette, the toxic fumes penetrate the blood-brain barrier in as less as 8 seconds.
>>> Nicotine from cigarette smoke syncs with nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. When that happens, the cholinergic signalling capability of your prefrontal cortex is vastly compromised.
>>> This in turn activates the pyramidal neurons that are present in the prefrontal cortex. Hence, your emotions as well as physical actions are slowly but steadily controlled by nicotine intake via cigarettes.
Why do You get a headache when You Quit Smoking Cigarettes?
Headaches are also a part and parcel of your brain not getting nicotine via cigarettes. Regardless of whether you are smoking a cigarette, a cigar, weed or even chewing tobacco, nicotine released from such substances tends to get attached to your brain cells.
>>> When you take away the stimuli that tends to empower your brain (nicotine via cigarettes), your mood is bound to swing. A common side effect faced by smokers is headaches.
>>> These headaches are of various types and forms. They are simply an indicator that your brain is in dire need for nicotine.
>>> When you smoke cigarettes, your blood vessels tend to get thinner. This in turn implies less blood going to the brain. This is yet another cause for headaches.
>>> Your brain has no pain receptors to manage pain. So, it feels the trauma the most when you stop smoking. Even pain killers have little or no effect to these headaches as the brain cannot create natural pain killers.
>>> The nociceptors are activated owing to the lack of nicotine via cigarettes. This in turn leads to headaches when nicotine is not supplied to the brain.
What are the 3 Types of Headaches caused by Nicotine Addiction from Cigarettes?
When you quit smoking, you make your body deficient in nicotine intake. As I have explained earlier. Your brain has by now become completely dependent on nicotine via cigarette smoke.
Of the numerous side effects caused by lack of cigarettes, headaches are the most common occurrence. Almost every other smoker who decides to quit smoking suffers from headaches.
There are however, 3 different kinds of headaches that you may suffer from. Let me walk you through each of these in brief:
Smoker’s Headache Caused by Trigeminal Nerve Damage:
The first common form of headache is one that tends to affect a particular area of the face and head. For example, you shall feel a piercing sensation on one side of the face and head.
Here, the trigeminal nerve has become extremely sensitive. Owing to this very reason, even the slight shake of head may trigger pain to one area of the face.
Other reasons for the initiation of this pain may include washing your face vigorously. A simple act such as gargling, touching the face, chewing food etc. may also lead to excruciating pain in the face and head. The pain is severe enough to render you almost helpless for a few minutes.
What Causes this Pain?
@ Tic douloureux is the name given to such pain in smokers. The reason cited behind the same is damage to the trigeminal nerve.
@ When a vein or even an artery comes in contact with the trigeminal nerve, the pain is initiated.
@ Multiple sclerosis is also a reason behind such headaches in smokers.
@ If you suffer from some or the other kind of tumor then again, you may suffer from such pain. This is all owing to the unnatural compression of the trigeminal nerve.
@ When a smoker’s myelin sheath is damaged, it leads to Tic douloureux.
How can a Smoker Detect if he/she is Indeed Suffering from Tic Douloureux?
@ Pain initiates when you chew food or even wash your face. Basically, without you applying extra pressure, the pain initiates itself.
@ You may experience spams on the face as the pain initiates.
@ The intensity of the pain is quite severe. It can be compared to excruciating pain.
@ The pain is located to a specific area of the face. It does not spread to other locations.
@ Pain may become a part and parcel of a smoker’s daily life. It initiates several times a day lasting a few minutes before subsiding on its own.
@ The eye, gum, lips, forehead and teeth may experience pain.
@ A smoker may sleep peacefully at night without experiencing this excruciating pain. It may however come to life when you wake up the very next morning.
Smoker’s Headache Caused by Migraine:
The second category of pain that affects an individual who has quit smoking is migraine. In this scenario, the pain is limited to one side of the head. It is also extreme in nature and is accompanied by a throbbing sensation.
Some smokers have complained of experiencing nausea as well as indigestion along with the pain. Some also state that they feel puckish when they suffer from such headaches.
Smokers have also expressed extreme sensitivity to bright light. Even smells emitting from the kitchen or paint have been known to magnify their pain.
It has been noticed that the speech of the smoker tends to get slurry when this form of headache strikes them.
How does Migraine Affect a Smoker?
@ The pain initiates and remains steadfast to one side of the head.
@ You often feel pulsating sensation when you suffer from migraine.
@ It is highly likely that your stomach would feel squeamish. It is also possible that the smoker shall begin to puke.
@ Your sense of smell becomes super-sensitive. Even the slightest of smell can trigger a violent reaction that can make the pain excruciating in nature.
@ Bright light tends to affect you adversely. You may start to experience extreme pain when faced with bright light.
@ The pain usually last a few hours. Nonetheless, the pain usually returns with a vindictive nature. This may continue for a few weeks or until nicotine addiction leaves your body.
How does a Smoker come to Know that He/She is about to Suffer from Migraine Attack?
@ Smokers usually start to feel depressed. In fact, they have mood changes that range from happy, sad, irate to depressed.
@ Your stomach may not be in the best of shape. Constipation is a sure shot sign of you suffering from migraine.
@ Smoker have been known to consume large amounts of meals when they are about to suffer from a migraine attack.
@ You also tend to bloat in and around the abdominal area – a classic sign of water retention in the body.
@ Smokers have also been known to experience severe pain in and around their shoulder/trapezes area. It feels as though you have suddenly developed spondylitis.
@ Another symptom of a smoker suffering from migraine is the urge to empty the bladder way too often.
@ You see things that do not exist. In fact, you experience pain in the arm and leg – it feels like needles being pricked into your skin.
@ Another sign of this headache is not being able to see or even hear properly (slurry speech and blurry vision).
Smoker’s Headache Caused by Migrainous Neuralgia:
The third and final form of headache that a smoker suffers from after quitting smoking is Migrainous Neuralgia. In this form of headache, the smoker experiences shifting pain in the head.
Popularly known as Horton’s headache, the smoker often experiences pain at night. He or she is shaken from deep sleep with excruciating pain in the eye socket. Even the temple area of one side is affected by this intense pain.
What does Horton’s Headache Feel Like to a Smoker?
@ The pain starts from one particular point in the face – such as the eye socket. It then spreads rapidly to areas close to the same side of the face – such as the temple and upper jaw.
@ One side of your nostril would usually be blocked. It shall feel stuffed with snot and you can breathe only from the other side. The blocked nostril is usually the same side as from where the pain has originated.
@ Your face may flush and tears may start streaming down your eyes.
@ If the pain initiated from the left eye socket then, that area shall begin to swell. So would the left temple and the left nostril. Basically, inflammation is prevalent in the area wherein the pain initiates.
@ Taking the same example forward, if your left eye socket is paining then, your left eye is bound to become red. It shall also become teary.
@ The left eyelid shall begin to droop. In fact, you begin to feel rather fidgety.
What is the Nature of Horton’s Headache in Smokers?
@ This headache can happen more than once in a single day. So, a smoker may suffer from 2 or even more cluster headaches at one time.
@ Also known as migrainous neuralgia, Horton’s headache can last as little as 10 minutes and as long as 3.5 hours.
@ Most smokers have complained of suffering from these headaches at night. They are forced to wake up at night owing to the excruciating pain caused by these headaches.
@ The pain starts with a bang and then ends with yet another bang. It starts suddenly and then stops equally suddenly.
How can Smokers Reduce their Headaches after Quitting Smoking?
@ In order to reduce your headache, you need to drink lots of fresh juice. The vitamins and minerals present in fruit juices shall enable you to combat headaches.
@ Consume meals that are spaced over regular intervals. Make sure that you do not consume a solid meal after sundown. This aids digestion and boosts immunity.
@ Drink lots of warm water to ease your digestion process.
@ Avoid scenarios that give you stress. When you are stressed, your headache simply intensifies.
@ Take a pain killer such as naproxen to ease your headache.
@ It is in your best interest to maintain low to moderate level of physical exercise. It shall help you combat headaches effectively.
@ Ease your mind by indulging in meditation. It allows you to remain free from unwanted stress. Meditating also enables you to feel less pain while experiencing a headache.
@ Meals need to be organic, freshly prepared and sparingly consumed. Avoid processed foods and fast foods.
Can Nicotine Replacement Therapy Ease a Smoker’s Headache?
After interviewing dozens of die-hard chain smokers that had miraculously quit smoking, I came to the conclusion that the first week is the toughest.
Headaches start at the final hours of the first day of quitting cigarettes. They peak on the fourth day and continue for a week. Depending on how resilient the smoker is to the withdrawal symptoms, the headaches may continue for a few weeks.
Some smokers have even claimed that although the headaches reduced after a fortnight of quitting, they remained for a few months.
Their intensity as well as their frequency had however been reduced as compared to the first 15 days. It has also been stated that nicotine patches may be used to effectively reduce the intensity and gravity of headaches.
The Top Nicotine Replacement Methods to Reduce Smoker’s Headaches:
Nicotine Replacement Lozenges to Reduce Headaches:
@ There are two variants of these lozenges and each one contains a certain amount of nicotine.
@ The first one contains 2mg whereas the second option contains 4mg of nicotine in a single lozenge.
@ You can take as many as 20 lozenges in a day and pace them at an interval of 2 to 3 hours.
@ Pick the stronger 4 mg lozenge if you cannot stay without a cigarette the moment you awaken in the morning. Choose the lighter 2 mg dose if you can hold the urge to smoke till noon.
@ For the first 40 days, suck one lozenge every 2 hours. Thereafter, consume one lozenge every 4 hours.
@ Make sure to not consume over 21 lozenges in a single day. Also, maintain a gap of 2 hours between each lozenge.
Nicotine Inhaler to Reduce Headaches in Smokers:
@ Nicotine inhaler is a small tube that delivers 4 mg of nicotine to the smoker. The total volume of the tube is approximately 10 mg.
@ This is an FDA approved nicotine replacement therapy.
@ It comprises of pyridine. A single puff dispatches 4gm of nicotine into the throat, mucus membrane and lung of the smoker.
@ You need to inhale into the devise for a period of 4 to 5 minutes at a stretch. Normal breaths need to be taken instead of long ones.
@ Maintain a gap of 2 to 4 hours between two such inhalations. A container shall last you 20 to 25 minutes.
@ You should avoid drinking water or consuming food 25 minutes prior and 25 minutes post the inhaling session.
@ You can inhale as many as 5 to 6 cartridges in a single day. You must not exceed the ‘15 cartridge a day’ mark.
@ For the first month, you should inhale 5 to 6 cartridges a day. This is an ideal dosage.
Nicotine Patch as Nicotine Replacement Therapy to Reduce Headaches:
@ Nicotine patches contain nicotine. They come in three diverse nicotine variants.
@ You can opt from 7mg nicotine, 14mg nicotine and 21 mg nicotine patches.
@ Use 7mg or 14 mg patches if you smoke less than a pack of cigarettes daily.
@ In case you smoke more than a pack of cigarettes a day then, opt for the 21mg nicotine patch.
@ Reduce the dosage of the nicotine patch after 2 months before finally stopping their usage altogether.
@ Wear a single patch on an area of the body that is devoid of hair. For example, wear the patch on your shoulder or upper back and not the chest.
@ Avoid wearing 2 or more nicotine patches at the same time.
@ Do not touch the patch with your fingers. Simply remove the slim cover of the patch and immediately slap it onto your skin to avail maximum benefits.
@ Wash off the area with mild soap after removing the nicotine patch.
Nicotine Gum to Reduce Headaches in Smokers:
@ Quite similar to lozenges, nicotine gum is also available in two distinct variants. You can pick from either 2mg to 4mg gum.
@ Just as is the case with lozenges, nicotine gum also follows the usage rule. Simply put, if you need a cigarette within minutes of waking up in the morning then, go for 4mg strength.
@ In case you can hold your urge to smoke a cigarette till noon then, opt for the 2 mg variant.
@ After about 2 months, you can lower the dosage from 4mg to 2mg. If you are starting with 2mg then, reduce the daily dosage.
@ While consuming gum laced with nicotine, you should avoid consuming water or food. This needs to be 20 minutes prior and post the consumption of this nicotine replacement therapy.
Nasal Spray for Treating Headaches caused by Quitting Smoking:
@ Nasal spray is laced with nicotine. It helps ease headaches caused by nicotine dependency in smokers.
@ The spray needs to be placed once in each nostril. Tilt your head to one side before spraying once.
@ While spraying to one nostril, tilt your head to one side. This is to enable the spray to reach the back of the throat and be absorbed.
@ Avoid inhaling with the nose while spraying. Breathe with your mouth if you have to.
@ You may blow your nose to clear the congestion 4 minutes after spraying the product. If you blow your nose immediately after spraying then, the product shall come out.
@ 8 to 10 doses per day are ideal. You need to avoid spraying more than this number. A single dose consists of 2 sprays – one in each nostril.
@ The maximum amount of doses that you may include is 35 per day and no more.
Which Dietary Supplements Treat Headaches in Smokers who have Recently Quit Smoking?
Another way to reduce headaches in smokers that have recently quit smoking is by giving them medications. Some of the most common medicines include:
Qbuquinol:
This is one of the best ‘over the counter’ medicine that is administered to reduce headaches in smokers. It helps ease the withdrawal symptoms that smokers usually face while quitting cigarettes.
@ Popularly known as Coenzyme Q10, this product helps a smoker face withdrawal symptoms without much issue.
@ It helps produces Adenosine Triphosphate. This helps a smoker to boost his/her metabolism. When your metabolism gets a kick-start, you automatically reduce your headaches.
@ Qbuquinol is also known to reduce fatigue in smokers.
@ This medicine has also been known to reduce nicotine dependency in smokers that have stopped smoking.
@ Finally, Qbuquinol assists in skin and tissue repair in smokers by promoting collagen development.
Riboflavin:
@ This is a vitamin B complex that is found in meats, eggs and fruits. Even certain fresh vegetables contain Vitamin B.
@ The inclusion of Vitamin B in riboflavin tends to reduce migraine headaches in smokers.
@ Riboflavin tends to boost immunity and reduce stress. It also helps you remain young.
@ Muscle cramps and cancers of various types can also be reduced via this medication.
@ Sores caused by cancer can also be treated via this supplement. Your hair and skin also tend to remain young when you consume Vitamin B in ample quantities.
Magnesium Supplement:
@ Magnesium supplements are ideally suitable for bone and muscle development in the human body.
@ A smoker’s body is usually deprived of energy. So, magnesium supplement tends to bridge this gap effectively.
@ You can even hope to ease your blood pressure. When your blood pressure is elevated or reduced owing to quitting cigarettes then, magnesium shall help stabilize this.
@ Lack of magnesium shrinks blood vessels that take blood to the brain. So, supplementing your diet with magnesium tablets tends to get rid of this issue.
@ Take 400mg to 600mg magnesium supplement per day. Do not exceed the 1100 mg magnesium per day.
@ You may consume foods rich in magnesium such as nuts, legumes, spinach and whole grains.
@ If you suffer from heartburn or have issues with your bone health then, avoid magnesium supplements. Even smokers with high blood pressure should consult a doctor before taking this supplement.
Tanacetum Parthenium Supplement for Treating Headaches in Smokers:
@ Commonly known as Bachelor’s button, this supplement works best for smokers suffering from migraine.
@ If a smoker is suffering from nausea and headaches then, you should take Tanacetum Parthenium. It shall ease your headaches considerably.
@ 50mg a day is recommended for smokers suffering from headaches.
@ Take this for a couple of months or till the time your migraine does not get cured.
@ It has been noticed that smokers may suffer from mouth ulcers when using this supplement. These shall reduce and disappear as the body gets used to Tanacetum Parthenium.
What are the Best Natural Therapies to Cure Headaches in Smokers that have Stopped Smoking Cigarettes?
Natural therapies tend to work best for smokers suffering from headaches. They are free from adverse side effects. Holistic treatments also never really take a toll on your bank balance.
Here are some of the most popular ones that have known to work wonders for smokers:
Lavender or Eucalyptus Oils:
These are also known as essential oils. They have an in-built ability to soothe the nerves of the affected area. Basically, whenever you suffer from headaches, simply rub a few drops of lavender or peppermint oil onto your head.
An ideal way to prepare a concoction to treat headaches is to mix jojoba oil to your chosen essential oil. This in turn implies mixing small amounts of lavender oil or peppermint oil to a large amount of jojoba oil.
Then, apply it to your temple area. You may even apply this oil to your wrist. Doing so shall ease your pain in a few minutes.
Avoid Foods that Trigger Migraine:
It has been noticed that smokers that have quit smoking tend to have headaches as their dietary pattern remains the same. Basically, avoiding certain foods such as cheese, chocolate, old citrus fruits, sour curd and even caffeinated drinks can trigger headaches.
At the same time, avoid foods that are high in histamine. Classic examples of the same include alcohol, meats that have been processed, food items that have been fermented and wine.
Acupuncture to Ease Headaches:
Acupuncture is an effective way to treat headaches. It has been noted that by merely pricking needles onto certain pressure points on the body, hormones are stimulated.
This in turn implies that by pricking needles, endorphins get triggered. When this takes place, you automatically begin to feel immense pleasure. The headache disappears and your immunity is strengthened.
Soothe Your Headaches with Herbs:
Raw turmeric boiled in milk should be drunk at night in order to ease your headaches. You may alternatively make use of herbs such as chamomile.
If you can drink ginger tea then, the benefits derived from the same are immense. When ginger is ground and then boiled in water, it releases powerful antioxidants. This is when you begin to feel way better than before (in terms of your headaches).
Include Yoga & Avoid Powerful Scents:
Yoga is an ideal way to connect your mind with your body. This in turn implies that you manage to soothe your nerves when you perform yoga.
Headaches in smokers have also been known to disappear when you do so. By blending your mind with your body, yoga tends to release happy hormones. This in turn reduces inflammation and helps you recover faster from headaches.
At the same time, avoid smells that are strong enough to trigger headaches. Strong perfumes, sauces, cigarettes etc. are classic examples of the same.
Aligning the Spine:
Another effective treatment for migraines and cluster headaches is by getting it treated by a chiropractor. It has been noted that spinal alignment via a trained chiropractor is an ideal way to ease headaches in smokers.
Biological Feedback for Treating Migraine in Smokers:
This is a non-invasive therapy to treat migraine. In this process, electronic sensors are attached to the body. These tap into your vital organ functionality.
For example, heart rate, blood pressure, sweat, breathing, the current functionality of your brain etc. These electronic sensors also check the overall functionality of your muscles as well.
Any trigger that leads to your headache (such as twiddling your toes or thinking too hard) is revealed by the machine.
Making slight changes to your physical and mental state is what is suggested via biofeedback. You need to make these changes to treat your headaches naturally.
Takeaway:
The question, can stop smoking cause headaches, has finally been been answered. Most smokers do experience headaches when they stop smoking cigarettes.
The reason for the same is lack of nicotine being felt adversely by the smoker’s body. So, lack of nicotine fortified with tobacco and thousands of other chemicals (present in the cigarette smoke) tend to empower a smoker’s brain.
Strong willpower and correct therapies shall ensure that you shall face withdrawal symptoms without a hitch. While headaches are common to smokers, they should disappear within a few weeks.
So, quit smoking and face the side effects with a broad smile. Within a few weeks, you shall be rewarded with a happy life, a healthy body and a hefty bank balance.