Understanding risk factors can help in managing and preventing headaches. Common risk factors include:

• Family History – Individuals with a family history of migraines or other chronic headaches are more likely to experience these conditions.
• Hormonal Changes – Women are often more susceptible to headaches, especially migraines, due to hormonal changes related to menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause.
• Stress and Mental Health – High stress, anxiety, and depression are significant risk factors, particularly for tension headaches and migraines.
• Poor Posture and Physical Strain – Poor posture, especially prolonged neck or back strain, increases the likelihood of tension and cervicogenic headaches.
• Sleep Disturbances – Irregular or insufficient sleep can trigger or worsen headache frequency and intensity.
• Diet and Dehydration – Skipping meals, low hydration, and certain foods or drinks (such as caffeine, alcohol, or processed foods) can contribute to headaches.
• Medication Overuse – Over-reliance on pain medications, particularly opioids or triptans, can lead to medication-overuse headaches.