Why My Head Feeling Heavy? 8 Reasons Why Your Head Feels Heavy
A headache is not uncommon after a long day or a big night out. However, if you’re wondering why your head feels heavy, there are a few things to consider. In reality, there are several reasons why your head feels heavy. “The first thing we need to figure out is what you mean by ‘heavy?'” ‘That can include sensations such as pain, fatigue, dizziness, fogginess, and nasal congestion or pressure,” says Matthew Wright, P.A.-C, R.D., a certified physician assistant and primary care provider who also teaches in the Rutgers University School of Health Professions’ Physician Assistant Program. “We’d then take a thorough history, asking about any other symptoms you might be experiencing.”
A headache is not uncommon after a long day or a big night out. However, if you’re wondering why your head feels heavy, there are a few things to consider. In reality, there are several reasons why your head feels heavy. “The first thing we need to figure out is what you mean by ‘heavy?'” ‘That can include sensations such as pain, fatigue, dizziness, fogginess, and nasal congestion or pressure,” says Matthew Wright, P.A.-C, R.D., a certified physician assistant and primary care provider who also teaches in the Rutgers University School of Health Professions’ Physician Assistant Program. “We’d then take a thorough history, asking about any other symptoms you might be experiencing.”
Allergies
“I hear this complaint a lot, and it’s usually associated with allergic rhinitis,” says Devon Stutzman, D.O., a family medicine physician at Cooper Care Alliance, Cooper University Health Care. “It’s also known as pressure or tightness, and it can be accompanied by a variety of other symptoms.” Sneezing, itchy eyes, watery eyes, and a drippy or itchy nose are examples (but without fever). The symptoms may reoccur at the same time each year, or they may be present all year.
An office exam and a patient’s history can be used to diagnose allergies. “We treat conservatively by recommending a nasal steroid spray, especially if there is congestion, and an oral antihistamine such as fexofenadine, cetirizine, or loratadine,” Dr. Stutzman says. “I also recommend that people keep a journal about what they eat or have been exposed to in order to determine if there is a potential link.” If these medications do not provide relief, you may be referred to an allergist for testing to identify specific allergens or allergy-causing substances.
Upper Respiratory Infection
Upper respiratory infections are caused by a variety of viruses. Headache, sore throat, fever, cough, and wheezing are all possible symptoms. “I’ll also ask if you’ve tested for COVID or had contact with any sick people during the history,” Dr. Stutzman says.
According to Dr. Stutzman, if you have an upper respiratory infection, your provider will recommend supportive care to help you feel better. Rest, saltwater gargles, oral lozenges, hot showers or baths to loosen mucus, and use of a neti pot to thin secretions are all options.
If you have COVID, you may be given anti-viral medication, but this is usually reserved for the most vulnerable people, such as those over the age of 65 or those with compromised immune systems. “Because the medication interacts with many medications and has numerous side effects, such as a metallic taste and diarrhea,” explains Dr. Stutzman.
Sinus Infection
If you have a cold that gets better then suddenly worse, you may have a sinus infection. Cold symptoms typically resolve within a week, but a sinus infection is suspected when symptoms persist for more than seven to ten days. According to Wright, the symptoms include pain in the cheeks, brows, and forehead, as well as sinus pressure that worsens when you lean forward.
Despite what you’ve heard, the color of your mucus isn’t particularly useful in determining whether you have a sinus infection. “We concentrate more on the duration of symptoms and facial pain,” Wright says. Antibiotics such as amoxicillin or doxycycline will most likely be prescribed if you have a sinus infection. Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen for pain, an antihistamine like fexofenadine for drippiness, and plenty of fluids can help you feel better.
Medications
According to Wright, some medications can make you feel strange, such as having a heavy head or feeling foggy. If you’ve just started taking a new medication (or supplement), talk to your doctor about potential side effects and alternatives. Antihistamines, muscle relaxants, antidepressants, and some anti-seizure medications, pain relievers, and beta blockers are examples of medications that may cause feelings of head heaviness.
Concussion
According to Dr. Stutzman, if you’ve recently experienced a head trauma, such as being rear-ended in a car accident (even if it was minor), hitting your head while participating in sports, or falling, you may have a concussion. Headache, dizziness, memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and nausea and vomiting are all symptoms. These symptoms may be exacerbated by bright light or physical or cognitive activity.
Your healthcare provider will examine you for signs of a concussion, such as ensuring that your pupils dilate normally on both sides and that your strength is comparable on both sides.
According to Dr. Stutzman, unless there is a loss of consciousness (in which case, you are usually taken directly from the accident site to the ER), imaging such as a CT scan is not required.
Physical rest for several days, reduced work or school responsibilities to provide cognitive rest, and no sports or other strenuous activities for up to two weeks are all part of the treatment. Dr. Stutzman recommends gradually resuming activities and reducing them again if symptoms reoccur.
Muscle Strain
Due to muscle strain, you may feel heaviness or tightness in your upper back and neck after spending so many hours at the computer (or hunched over your phone). This may be accompanied by a tension headache, which is a squeezing pain in the head. Stress can also aggravate the symptoms.
Muscle pain can be diagnosed in the office, and you may be prescribed physical therapy to learn stretches and strengthening exercises to alleviate discomfort and prevent future episodes, according to Wright. Hot baths or showers, a heating pad that increases blood flow to the area to reduce muscle spasms, and over-the-counter pain relievers may all be beneficial.
If you have recurring muscle pain because you spend too much time sitting, Wright recommends changing positions frequently, such as by using a standing desk. Furthermore, if your workplace has an occupational therapist, have your workstation evaluated to see if ergonomic changes are possible.
Anxiety and Depression
If your symptoms do not match any of the above, your healthcare provider may conduct a mental health screening, according to Wright. Depression and anxiety disorders can make you feel tired, irritable, sad, or unable to enjoy activities that normally make you happy. Other common symptoms include changes in eating and sleeping habits. Therapy, medication, or a combination of the two are available as treatment options.
