Articles

Below are brief summaries of more than 30 articles in the Excedrin Headache Resource Center Library. Clicking an article from this list will open the Article Viewer in a new window.

Biofeedback
What it is, how it is used and how it can help you gain control over headaches.

Coping with Stress
Four ways to change your perceptions of the stresses in your life and six techniques you can use to relieve stress.

Daytime Fatigue
Fatigue is the most common health complaint after colds and flu. Facts and techniques to use to help beat fatigue are discussed.

Deep Relaxation
Deep relaxation and why it works in managing headache pain as well as five of the most commonly practiced deep relaxation techniques.

Exercise — Starting a Fitness Program
Why you should start one and the health benefits of an exercise program are discussed. Tips to getting started and staying motivated are also provided.

The Female Factor in Sleep Problems
Sleep problems occur in many women. This article explains why the menstrual cycle, pre-menstrual syndrome, pregnancy, and menopause may play a role in sleeplessness. Tips for PMS and menopausal women suffering from sleeplessness are also given.

Foods as Headache Triggers
Food is just one of many possible headache triggers. This article explains why some foods may be causing your headache, how to identify those foods, and a list of foods to avoid that may trigger headaches.

Headache Prevention Exercises
Six practical, helpful approaches beyond pain relievers that can help, including heat or ice, stretching, massage, relaxation techniques, and exercise.

How to Describe Your Headache Pain to Your Doctor
All doctors don't necessarily ask the right questions. You need to be able to properly and accurately describe all aspects of your headache pain including location, timing, duration, triggers, intensity, other side effects, etc. Key descriptive words are also provided.

Massage Therapy
How massage works and basic techniques that may help you with self-massage as a natural aid to headache treatment are discussed.

The Mind-Body Connection
What you think may influence how you feel. Mind-body medicine examines the effects that emotional, psychological, social, and spiritual factors can have on physical health.

Pain Flare-Up Coping Tips
Prolonged headache flare-ups can be physically and emotionally draining. The National Chronic Pain Outreach Association suggests these five easy-to-use techniques for handling a pain flare-up.

Psychological Contributors to Headaches
Emotional and psychological factors may play a role in your headache pain. This article explains the relationship between anxiety, depression, and headache as well as some steps to take toward recognizing and correcting the problem.

Sleeping Less These Days
Sleep deprivation, also known as a "silent epidemic" because it is so widespread, isn't just about feeling tired. Lack of sleep can cause headaches, decreased mental sharpness, reduced creativity, irritability, and feeling negative or unhappy.

Sleeplessness
Knowing when to seek medical attention for sleeplessness is important. This article discusses the three different degrees of sleeplessness: occasional, short-term, and chronic. Proper "sleep hygiene" and when you may want to consider a sleep disorder center are also discussed.

Support Groups for Headache Sufferers
Participating in a support group can be very helpful if you're a headache sufferer. Learn what to expect, as well as how to find one or start one of your own.

Tension Headache Treatments
Neck and shoulder exercises to ease muscle tension as recommended by headache experts including neck rotation, shoulder retraction, and stretching.

Traveling "Well"
Five ways to keep headaches from spoiling your trip.

Visiting a Headache Specialist
This article helps you determine when to seek medical attention for your headaches as well as what to expect on your first visit.

What Type of Headache Do You Have?
Recognizing what type of headache you have can be difficult. Symptoms, duration, causes, and treatment are discussed for many types of headache including tension (the most common), migraine, cluster, rebound, and sinus.

When to See a Doctor for Your Headaches
Why you should consult a doctor and more serious conditions that require immediate medical attention.