Myths and mistreatments

Contrary to widespread belief, virtually every kind of headache has an underlying biological cause, influenced by factors both inside and outside the body. Though stress can make some headaches more likely to occur, it doesn't actually cause them. Instead, headaches are triggered by biochemical changes in your brain. More than three hundred different medical conditions can cause recurring headache pain, and although some are serious, most are not. In search of relief, headache victims have tried many seemingly promising treatments. They may have had their teeth pulled, eyes refracted, sinuses drained, mind analyzed, neck put in traction, immune systems desensitized, and vertebrae manipulated, and still their headache persists. But thanks to recent advances, nearly 90 percent of headache sufferers can be treated by a variety of new medications, as well as physical therapy, heat, cold, and massage. While they can't always be cured, headaches can be managed, so as to reduce the pain and disability. Chronic headaches can be debilitating, and are deserving of the same serious attention given to other disorders. For more information on headaches, consult a health care provider.