A real head case

People constantly complaining about headache pain are often brushed off as weak or total cranks. If the headache sufferer is female, some secretly think she's a crybaby or, less generously, a hysterical throwback who could use a good lay.

Such impertinent biases on the part of doctors and alternative-care practitioners is the norm, says Chicago author Paula Kamen. Kamen first got the crushed-glass-behind-her-left-eye pain 15 years ago. By anyone's standard, Kamen's headache is legendary. It's a surly constant companion she calls "moody, cruel and always absurd." And it wasn't until she started fighting back that she got some answers.

Her condition is called chronic daily headache. CDH is a bona fide neurological disorder that affects 4 to 5 percent of the population (about 10 percent of which are women of childbearing age). It's caused by an overexcitability of the brain, and it has no cure. This is not exactly good news for Kamen, especially because she spent about $50,000 to find that out, yet she was relieved to finally get a diagnosis.

So why in the age of medical wizardry do headaches continue to stump the experts? And why does it remain so hard for sufferers to find lasting relief? One of Kamen's droll assessments is that our health establishment is diagnostically self-serving and smug. "When you're a hammer," she complains, "everything looks like a nail."

In her newly released memoir, All in My Head (Da Capo Lifelong Books, $24.95), Kamen, 37, uses her investigative skills to turn up some dim misconceptions that Western medicine has regarding this invisible affliction, and the disappointing inadequacies of the pharmaceutical industry. She uncovers an equal share of dubious practices that the alternative health community traffics in, and wags her finger at the women's health movement, which she believes slunk away from the issue altogether. While she's at it, Kamen manages to inspire more than a few empathic guffaws at her predicament, like when she laments she's tried every cure short of "colonic irrigation and Jews for Jesus."

Everyone's headaches are different, with various triggers—stress, hormones, the environment or even a childhood head injury—and root causes—a genetic predisposition, sometimes called a headache personality. Though there is no one-size-fits-all cure, Kamen's search reveals there is hope in the form of gentle treatments, some of which gave her temporary relief. Kamen's is an extreme case, but most experts agree that no matter the headache type—chronic, migraine, cluster, nutrient deficiency, sinus—taking the long view to reducing your head pain is sure to improve your quality of life.

Keep it simple

The first thing you should do is get yourself to a doctor for some basic tests. Once you've gotten a clean bill of health, here are some low-tech treatments available to ease your aching head.

Acupuncture
Dr. Charles Lo (55 E Washington St, 312-782-0487) has been practicing acupuncture for 20 years. The needles, he says, help the mind activate the body's own healing potential by unblocking the chi, or energy flow.

For chronic headaches, Lo takes his treatments a step further. "I look at the person's lifestyle. There is usually something that is blocking the flow." Through discussion, Lo says patients usually reveal themselves. "I find there are often patterns relating to job, family, anger or a pressure to be perfect." He then makes suggestions for ways to change those patterns and improve overall health.

Craniosacral chiropractic
When Tom Voitas (2232 N Clybourn Ave, 773-880-2316) uses a light touch of the fingers on specific leverage points of the cranial bones, he is casting about for a response. He contends that not only the muscles but also the bones and connective tissues in our heads react to manipulation. If there is restriction, the touching technique may evoke relaxation.

"If the patient's not responding, you can begin to ask internal questions, listen to the person and develop a dialogue," he says. Kamen credits Voitas, who developed his approach through years of studying indigenous cultures and their relationship to spirit, with helping her transcend her pain by calling upon spiritual resources to cope.

Meditation
Clinical psychologist Robert J. Moretti (151 N Michigan Ave, 312-540-9014) says patients often bristle at treatments that require a change in lifestyle. "But I find they might be willing to practice self-regulation techniques that will reduce the impact of stress on the body and mind." Meditation is usually Moretti's first intervention of choice in the case of chronic pain sufferers. "It's easy to teach, and it can be accomplished quickly."

Note he did not say it was easy to do. "A high percentage of people struggle because of the crazy human part of ourselves that resists that which is good for us," Moretti says. "Meditation requires putting our conscious ego on hold, and our minds don't want to yield that control." So he teaches staying in the moment. "Most of us think about the past and future instead of what is happening immediately." The goal, he says, is not just to practice while in lotus position, but to apply the principles for the rest of your life. Kamen's practical application of the theory? "Meditation is like learning to have an orgasm," she says. "There's a technique to it, and it requires concentration."

Sex
Speaking of carnal pleasures, data suggest that women who use the "not tonight, I have a headache" defense may be dodging an effective treatment. (For male sufferers, however, sex could exacerbate pain, resulting in "orgasmic" or "explosive" headaches.) While pain does diminish sexual desire, just think of it as taking your medicine.

Massage
Therapeutic or medical massage can be a useful maintenance technique to ward off stress. Kamen gets them twice a month. "For me, any more often and the effects are lessened."

Yoga
Stretching and bending can help develop physical awareness so you're better equipped toidentify your body's messages. Since exertion can sometimes intensify pain, be sure to discuss your particular circumstances with the instructor in advance.

Keep it cheap

There are countless gadgets on the market and shelves that overflow with pharmaceutical and herbal remedies. Most of them make rousing claims but don't deliver the goods. Before you go out and spend the hard cash, it makes sense to first try products that are inexpensive. If they don't work for you, you won't feel the sting as much.

Peppermint oil
Apply this natural remedy for headache pain directly to wherever you're hurting. The Euminz brand has a roll-on applicator ($15.95 at Merz Apothecary, 4716 N Lincoln Ave, 773-989-0900. Also at Merz Apothecary at Marshall Field's, 111 N State St, 312-781-4000). For an added boost, mix it with equal parts of a high-quality, calming lavender oil.

Magnetic headache bands
Magnetic bands give temporary relief by interfering with electrochemical reactions within the nerve cells that transmit pain messages to the brain. The stretch band, with Velcro closure, physically restricts the blood flow for added relief ($8 at www.donsbach.com/devices.htm).

Gel packs
These packs provide soothing warm or cool relief ($3.99, Walgreens brand).

Paula Kamen will read from All in My Head at Women and Children First (5233 N Clark St, 773-769-9299) on Thursday 3 at 7:30pm.