Many people sometimes feel pain or discomfort behind the eyes and try to find the cause. Today I will discuss what is usually behind these sensations.

Hypersensitivity of the trigeminal nerve

The causes vary, but the most common is hypersensitivity of a specific nerve called the trigeminal nerve.
If you’re experiencing these symptoms and suspect this nerve is the cause, you may have tried steroid injections, taken medications, but the problem doesn’t go away. That’s because nerve hypersensitivity is just the tip of the iceberg. What’s going on behind the scenes?

Viruses

Even if you have recovered from chickenpox, the virus that caused it never fully leaves your body. The varicella-zoster virus remains dormant in your sensory nerves for years. When the immune system weakens, this virus can reactivate and lead to shingles. In some cases, the virus does not immediately cause full-blown shingles but gives early warning signs — often through increased sensitivity of the trigeminal nerve, where the virus commonly lies dormant.

One of the early symptoms of viral reactivation can be pain behind the eyes or unusual facial nerve sensitivity. This discomfort occurs because the virus begins activating inside the nerve pathways, producing irritation and inflammation.

There are several factors that can trigger the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus. One of the most common is exposure to cold temperatures, especially during winter. Cold stress can weaken local immunity and create favorable conditions for shingles to emerge. To reduce the risk of flare-ups, it’s important to stay warm, avoid hypothermia, and support your immune system during colder months.

Another factor can be atmospheric pressure, especially during weather changes. Strengthen your immune system to resist the effects of the virus.

Stress and immunity

Stress can also be an important factor in activation. Maintain your mental health to reduce your risk of developing symptoms

There are many different types of stress, and even if you don’t think you’re experiencing it, it’s important to look closely at the subtle effects of psychological stress in daily life. Stress can be triggered by news, social media, videos, or movies that create anxiety without us fully realizing it. Recognizing and managing these triggers is essential for overall health.

Psychological stress is a major factor that elevates cortisol, a hormone that directly affects the immune system. In women going through menopause, increased cortisol can also influence ovarian function, disrupt hormonal balance, and further weaken immunity. When cortisol levels remain high, the immune system becomes suppressed, making the body more vulnerable to infections and related symptoms. Stress can manifest in various ways, including weakened immune responses following vaccinations or other health challenges.

Deficiencies in vitamin D and zinc also contribute to immune dysfunction. Both nutrients are crucial for producing hormonal precursors and for supporting the body’s ability to regulate immune reactions. When levels of vitamin D or zinc are low, the body becomes more susceptible to long-term viral activation and systemic inflammation.

To support a strong and resilient immune system, it’s important to focus on foundational lifestyle habits:
• getting enough high-quality sleep,
• maintaining regular physical activity,
• managing stress effectively,
• and following a nutrient-rich diet.

These simple but powerful steps help balance cortisol levels and promote a healthy, well-functioning immune response.

All of the above is just food for thought, and it is important to take preventative measures to keep your immune system strong.