Can caffeine help manage your headaches?

It starts like this: a dull throb behind the eyes, the kind that makes even sunlight feel too loud. You reach for your usual cure, a cup of coffee, and somehow, miraculously, the ache eases before you finish it. For millions, caffeine is more than a morning ritual; it’s a quiet remedy that sits somewhere between comfort and chemistry.


But what makes it work? And why does the same cup that saves you today sometimes spark the same pain tomorrow? Scientists have long known that caffeine interacts with blood flow and brain receptors in ways that can both soothe and stir headaches, a delicate balance that depends on how, when, and why you drink it. Let's understand it today

The caffeine connectionA research published in The Journal of Headache and Pain shows that around 100 to 150 milligrams of caffeine (about a small cup of coffee) can help reduce and even prevent headaches.


Dr. Emad Estemalik, a neurologist at the Cleveland Clinic, explains: "“For example, if you have a migraine, the blood vessels in your brain are dilated (or more open)."


"The right amount of caffeine can constrict (or narrow) the blood vessels, so the caffeine is acting as a vasoconstrictor.” This narrowing effect can temporarily ease pain in tension and migraine headaches, which are often associated with blood vessel dilation.

When caffeine becomes a problem

But more isn’t always better. “If you get into larger amounts of caffeine, then it can have the opposite effect, bringing on a headache and increasing the frequency of headaches,” warns Dr. Estemalik. “And it’s not just coffee, but any caffeinated beverages or energy drinks.”

Caffeine overuse can lead to a condition known as caffeine overuse headache , where excessive consumption worsens pain instead of relieving it.

Dr. Katy Munro, a GP and expert at the National Migraine Centre recently told BBC hat abruptly stopping caffeine can trigger withdrawal headaches, as the body adjusts to its absence. Dr Munro also advises against consuming coffee in the afternoon and evening, as it can disrupt sleep cycle.

Not all headaches respond to caffeine

While caffeine can help with tension headaches and migraine headaches, Dr. Estemalik clarifies that it won’t help all types. “Vasodilation, or the dilatation of blood vessels, happens during these types of headaches,” he explains. “And caffeine constricts blood vessels, acting as a vasoconstrictor.”


However, when it comes to cluster headaches, caffeine doesn’t have the same effect. “The pathophysiology, or the physical and function changes that happen during a cluster headache, are different from tension headaches and migraine headaches,” says Dr. Estemalik.


He also notes that sinus headaches don’t benefit from caffeine either. “The pressure you feel with sinus-related headaches means you have a disequilibrium of pressure in the nasal sinuses,” he explains. “And that’s what causes a lot of these headaches and frontal pressure for people.”


While caffeine might seem like a quick fix, it should never replace proper medical evaluation. Persistent or worsening headaches, changes in their pattern, or pain that interferes with daily life should always be discussed with a healthcare professional.

Note: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new medication or treatment and before changing your diet or supplement regimen.