home *** CD-ROM | disk | FTP | other *** search
- $Unique_ID{BRK01982}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{Suggestions for Headache Sufferers}
- $Subject{suggestion Suggestions tip tips help Headache headaches medicine
- medicines medication medications remedy remedies treat treatment treatments
- tension provoke provoking stress stresses relax Relaxation technique
- techniques Exercise exercises aerobic aerobics oxygen benefit benefits
- beneficial attack attacks muscle muscles spasm spasms neck shoulder shoulders}
- $Volume{}
- $Log{
- Classic Migraine Headaches*0003902.scf
- Cluster Headaches*0003905.scf
- Common Migraine Headaches*0003903.scf
- Exercise has Overall Benefits*0003209.scf
- Exercise Stimulates the Brain*0003201.scf
- Temporal Arteritis Headaches*0003901.scf
- Tension Headaches*0003904.scf
- Where Headaches Originate I*0004001.scf
- Where Headaches Originate II*0004002.scf}
-
- Copyright (c) 1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
-
-
- Suggestions for Headache Sufferers
-
-
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
- QUESTION: I know you have written about the problems of headaches before, but
- you always seem to advise some kind of medication. I have had it with all
- those pills and capsules, and can't afford any more medical bills. Given
- these facts, what can you suggest to help me? There must be some relief for
- headache sufferers like me. Can you help?
-
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
- ANSWER: You must be aware that there is more than just one type of headache,
- and that, for some people at least, medications provide the fastest and
- easiest way to combat the problem. Correctly identifying the nature of the
- headache is of primary importance for the selection of the remedy depends upon
- a precise diagnosis. However there are four actions I can suggest which offer
- some relief for almost all kinds of headaches, though they may not help all
- people in all cases. Most experts agree that tension plays a role in
- provoking headaches and so any method that helps to reduce stress can be
- helpful. Relaxation techniques, particularly biofeedback, can reduce the
- severity of many attacks, but learning the method usually takes about ten
- sessions. Exercise can be effective, and may even prevent an attack from
- continuing to worsen. A mere 1/2 hour of aerobic exercise (walking or
- jogging) daily may help prevent any variety of headache as the improved oxygen
- uptake has a beneficial effect on the brain. During an acute attack, use cold
- compresses, a cold gel pack, or other source, and apply to the part of the
- head that is painful. The cold can numb the nerve endings, and often releases
- the muscle spasm that is causing the pain. When muscle spasms of the neck and
- shoulders are the cause of the pain, a hot pack, heating pad or hot water
- bottle can be useful. Some folks find relief by taking a hot shower, followed
- by a cold cloth applied to the temple, forehead or back of the neck. A
- caution, when headaches are sudden, severe, or recur frequently, you would be
- best advised to seek the assistance of your doctor, as the cause may be
- something more than a "simple" headache.
-
- ----------------
-
- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
- the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
- doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
- problem.
-