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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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