There are an amazing range of over the counter painkillers available for the treatment of headache and at sometime or another we have probably tried them all. Did you you ever take the time to find out just how these painkillers work and what they did along with any side effects? I guess not, I certainly didn’t which is why I wrote this small report.

Asprin an old time favorite

Asprin was originally derived from the bark of the willow tree and is the oldest conventional painkiller, it works by preventing the production of hormone like substances called prostaglandins, which cause pain and swelling in damaged tissue. Asprin also has blood thinning properties and works by preventing platelets from sticking together and this helps prevent clots which can block arteries and lead to heart attacks and strokes.

Although it’s anti inflammatory effects make it useful for conditions like headache, joint pain, sprains and strains it has been superceded by by Ibuprofen as a painkiller according to leading pharmacies in the UK.

The downsides of Asprin

Despite it’s many uses Asprin has a surprising number of potential side effects, it is not suitable for the under 16’s due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome, which is potentially fatal disease that attacks the brain and cause liver damage. It should also be avoided by anyone on blood thinning treatments and can trigger an allergic reaction in asthmatics. Asprin is also known to have a harmful effect on the stomach and it is recommended that anyone with a history of ulcers should avoid using it.

Ibuprofen

Part of a group of drugs know as non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs or NSAID’s, Ibuprofen works in a similar fashion to Asprin and blocks the production of prostaglandins. Unfortunately Ibuprofen has similar effects to Asprin and it is recommended that it should be avoided by anyone with stomach problems and also asthmatics. However unlike Asprin it is considered safe for children and the junior version can be given to children as young as six months though I doubt many children of that age suffer from headache.

Paracetamol

A simpler drug than both Asprin and Ibuprofen, Paracetamol reduces pain by blocking signals in the brain, ideal for headache. Unlike Asprin and Ibuprofen, Asprin has no anti inflammatory effects so is less effective for joint pains and and muscle strains. Paracetamol can be taken safely with most other medications and is considered the safest to take during pregnancy.

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Millions of people visit their doctor for relief from common headaches. In fact, this is possibly the most prevalent reason for people to see their doctors. Headaches come in a variety of types, intensity, and duration. Some are hormonally driven for women in relationship to their monthly cycles. Other types of headache pain may stem from sinus problems, medication use, or even food allergies. Stress, caffeine, and alcohol consumption may trigger head pain. Your head may ache on one or both sides, at the crown, or even around the neck and shoulder areas. There is no single source of headache pain, and they may even occur in clusters and form migraine patterns, including blurred vision, odd scents, and dizziness.

So what can a person do for a bad headache? The best thing is to prevent one, if possible. Start by keeping a small diary of when your headaches come, the circumstances surrounding them, and how long they last. Take note also of the things that make them seem better or worse, along with any treatment you use that is successful. Some headaches are illness-borne and thus cannot be avoided, but many are due to lifestyle issues that can be successfully managed.

For example, if your diary suggests that you often get a headache after eating Chinese food, you might be sensitive to MSG, a common ingredient found in Chinese dishes that sometimes causes headaches or other disturbances in certain individuals. Or, if you experience a headache upon arising certain times of the year, especially when sleeping with the windows open, you may have a sinus-related condition that will benefit from closed windows or medication.

If stress is causing headaches, learn what your triggers are and take steps to avoid them. It may be that dealing with an argumentative coworker often brings on one of your spells. Take steps to avoid that person or play down the conflict. When the opportunity comes up, ask for a transfer to another department. Take similar steps to offset stressful situations in your life that can be downplayed in ways like this.

Your doctor may be able to recommend lifestyle changes that may reduce the frequency or intensity of your discomfort. For example, daily exercise may improve circulation and reduce stress, thereby helping to prevent headache pain. Eating healthier foods that contain few preservatives is another common recommendation that seems to help a lot of people. Keeping a journal and writing about negative events several times a week keeps you from bottling them up where they can play havoc with your nerve impulses and possibly contribute to the development of headaches.

When you take a proactive stance in identifying headache sources and learning how to head them off, you will soon feel better and experience fewer symptoms. Ask your doctor for more information on preventing or reducing headache pain.

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Fibromyalgia is a form of rheumatism that affects soft tissue instead of the joints. There is no swelling involved in Fibromyalgia and while it is not a disease, it is a syndrome that can prove to be quite debilitating for people who have not been given the opportunity to adjust and cope with the changes and implications of this situation in their lives. Take Fibromyalgia headaches. This can become quite a liability to one0s life and daily activities, which is why it is essential to have a lifestyle that is flexible and helpful for individuals who suffer from Fibromyalgia.
Most people who develop fibromyalgia also find that the number of headaches and migraines they suffer also increases. The three types of headaches that are common among fibromyalgia patients are tension headaches, migraine and combined headaches (a mix of the first two).
Muscle tension headaches are caused by contracting muscles found in the neck, jaw, head, back and shoulders. They tend to start at the base of the skull but work their way round to the front, eventually feeling like an ever tightening band around your head. These can be moderate or severe and can last up to a few hours.
Migraines are different […]

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