Another Headache Got You Down?

If headache or migraine pain is affecting the quality of your life, it’s time to call the doctor.

You’ve got a fierce, pounding headache. It’s the third one this week. Should you reach for the ibuprofen, or the phone?

When headaches start to disrupt the quality of your life, when you are missing work or school or other activities, doctors suggest picking up the phone to make an appointment.

In fact, chronic headaches can be extremely debilitating, even more disruptive than osteoporosis, depression or diabetes. Ongoing headaches often indicate an associated problem.

According to the International Headache Society, there are about 150 kinds of headaches. Tension headaches are among the most common and the easiest to treat with over-the-counter medications. Even moderate exercise like a walk around the block can be an effective way to ease headache pain.

Migraines, on the other hand, are a potentially debilitating condition marked by a collection of neurological symptoms. According to the National Headache Foundation, migraine is defined clinically as more than five episodes of headaches that last 4 to 72 hours, with pain so severe it interferes with daily activity. It may be associated with nausea or sensitivity to light or sound and visual disturbances.

Migraine sufferers are often prescribed low doses of antidepressants, which can reduce the severity and frequency of headaches by regulating chemicals in the brain.

Finally, don’t forget that chronic stress is a common cause of headaches. Stress-reducing treatments, such as biofeedback and relaxation, have been found to reduce headaches in some people. Others find acupuncture and massage therapy most effective.