EMF Headaches: Causes, Symptoms & Prevention

You can’t see electromagnetic fields (EMF), but that doesn’t mean they're not there. This invisible form of radiation is all around us, yet most people are completely unaware of the harmful effects it might have on our health and well-being. From headaches to cancer, potential effects from EMFs should not be overlooked.

This article will help you understand electromagnetic fields and how it may contribute to migraines, headaches, and other symptoms. Moreover, it will provide advice to reduce EMF headaches (headaches that occur partially from EMF exposures).

What are Electromagnetic Fields?

Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) is a term used to describe unseen forces of energy caused by the use of electrical power, which tend to generate low-frequency EMFs, or wireless communications, which tend to generate high-frequency EMFs. EMFs can occur both naturally and artificially from man-made electrical devices.

The big concern in our modern world is our chronic use of many EMF-generating devices. From scrolling Facebook to monitoring your newborn, EMF radiation is constant and the intensity is unparalleled.

Devices include, but are not limited to the following:

• Computers
• Cell phones
• Tablets
• Laptops
• Game consoles
• Baby monitors
• Kitchen appliances
• Wifi routers
• Microwaves
• Washing machines

Originally, the safety of wireless devices was evaluated by their thermal effects on life. In recent decades, scientists realized that there are non-thermal effects, which have just recently been investigated further. While more studies are needed before we can understand how we can be safe with our unprecedented EMF exposures, the developing body of science underscores precautionary measures, especially for the unborn and children.

In addition, wired products can create "dirty electricity," another contributor to EMFs, in our homes and offices. For more on this topic read about EMF danger levels from home appliances.

EMFs are another type of indoor air pollution, which I explain on Leslie Reichert's podcast series Clean Green Talk.

EMF Headaches - Symptoms

Chronic EMF exposures (and even less chronic exposures but EMF exposures occurring during vulnerable times) may contribute to serious health issues such as cancer. However, EMFs (and also looking at digital screens) may also contribute to less severe symptoms, like migraines and tension headaches.

Most people suffering from migraines would not link their symptoms to their exposure to electrical devices, but avoiding EMF exposures could help. Migraines, although not life threatening, are extremely unpleasant and can last for several hours if not dealt with properly.

Migraine symptoms can escalate to include the following:

• Throbbing, sharp, achy, constant, or dull pain in the head, neck, or eyes
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Sensitivity to light, distorted vision or seeing flashes
• Auras or sensitivity to sound
• Nausea or vomiting
• Irritability
• Tinnitus, a sensation of buzzing/sizzling/MW hearing through the aural tract

Cognitive Effects 

• Unclear thinking
• Difficulty concentrating
• Short-term memory loss
• Warmth or heating in the head

If you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms you should talk to your doctor, and, in the meantime, reduce your EMF exposures to see if that helps.

Advice to Prevent EMF Headaches

If you suffer from migraines, experiment with the tips below to decrease your nightime EMF exposures.

When sleeping at night:

1. Turn your cell phone off, turn it to airplane mode, or keep it at least 10-15 feet away
2. Buy an old fashioned clock to replace your existing digital alarm clock
3. Keep digital alarm clock at least 5 feet away
4. Put your WiFi router on a timer to shut down during the hours when sleeping
5. Be careful about your use of Bluetooth technology
6. Turn all cordless phones off at night and keep them at a distance, especially if they are in your bedroom
7. Even better is reducing your EMF exposures during the day as well.

Join Our EMF Detox

If you’d like more guidance on reducing your EMF exposures, consider an EMF cleanse. Our 21-day digital detox program offers precautionary measures that you can take to reduce your EMF exposures.