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Headaches are one of humankind’s most
common afflictions. But while painful and distressing most are neither
long-lasting nor medically significant and can be successfully treated
with a wide range of over the counter medications. Their causes are
numerous and varied – eyestrain, colds, flu, other infections, anxiety,
long spells of driving or sitting working. They can have a physical
cause – pre-menstrual tension, post-coition, the menopause. But most,
probably stem from muscle spasm in the neck or back of the head brought
on by stress, tension or anxiety.
The brain tumour headache, so feared by so many people is undoubtedly
the least common of all.
Tension headaches can last for minutes or hours, be preceded by
visual disturbances, move to different parts of the head and affect the
muscles of the jaw.
Massage of the back of the neck, the application of gentle heat, and
ice packs may be soothing in their different ways. Most commonly however
headaches are treated by analgesics, of which a large variety are
available in any chemist’s shop.
If these don’t work, the headache goes on for several hours, keeps
recurring, or is accompanied by other symptoms – nausea, vomiting,
fever, seek medical advice.
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