Overused and abused

Using pain relievers to combat frequent headaches may end up causing them.

Every person I’ve ever known who has experienced a migraine headache has described it in exactly the same way: unbearable. The details may vary from person to person (some people see flashes of light, some get nauseous) but the end result is always excruciating pain that can last anywhere from a few hours to a week or more. So it’s no wonder these people often come to depend on whatever medication works to take the pain away. But there’s a huge problem with this strategy — and it may not be the one you’d expect.

Believe it or not, relying on medication to alleviate your headaches may actually end up causing them. It’s a problem called medication overuse headache (MOH), and according to a recent article I read, it may be the third most common type of headache. Apparently, “60 percent of people with chronic headaches have MOH.”

One of the biggest risk factors for MOH is using pain-relievers (anything from basic ibuprofen to prescription medications) on a daily or almost-daily basis for a month or more.

Unfortunately, there aren’t any treatment guidelines for combating MOH, but there are several natural approaches for relieving headache pain that may help you eliminate your need for pharmaceutical painkillers, which would hopefully eliminate any MOHs you might be experiencing. Acupuncture is one option than many people have found very helpful in dealing with migraines and other headaches. Feverfew is another very effective choice, and supplements of this herb are available in most natural food stores. Dr. Wright has also found that his patients suffering from migraines respond well — and quickly — to IV magnesium treatments. For help finding the best option for your needs, consult with a physician who’s skilled in natural medicine. To find one near you, contact the American College for Advancement in Medicine at (800)532-3688 or visit www.acam.org.

Source:
“Chronic headaches? ‘Medication overuse headaches’ surprisingly common,” ScienceDaily (www.sciencedaily.com), 11/3/08