I've always been a bit of a wimp when it comes to headaches. But, until recently, I had never had a migraine. Just a few weeks ago I found myself dealing with the most painful headache I've ever had. I found a position -- half-sitting, half-laying down -- on the couch that was somewhat comfortable. I covered my eyes with a damp washcloth. And I just stayed put. I tried to turn the TV on so I'd at least have something to listen to, but if it was loud enough to hear it at all, it felt like it was booming in my ears. Even though the blinds were closed, every time I took that washcloth off my eyes, the light felt blinding. And every time I moved, I felt sick to my stomach. It was awful. I seriously sympathize with anyone who has migraines regularly.

A few months ago I wrote about natural treatments for migraines. (Maybe writing that post and saying I never had a migraine jinxed me... ya think?) Revolution Health has more ideas for managing migraines:

• OTC pain relievers may provide some relief; your doctor can also prescribe medications to help.
• Caffeine can constrict blood vessels and relieve some of the pressure, but don't go overboard -- too much caffeine can be a trigger for migraine headaches.
• Avoid foods containing tyramine. Tyramine is found in aged or fermented foods including some cheeses and wine.
• Visit a chiropractor. Some chiropractors believe that migraines are caused by a misalignment of the spine and that adjustments can minimize migraine frequency.
• Include magnesium-rich foods in your diet.
  
• Get a massage -- massage therapy has helped some migraine sufferers reduce the frequency of their headaches.

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My nephew was born nearly nine weeks premature. It was a scary time for the whole family, but, in some ways, we were lucky. He had trouble breathing and had to be on a ventilator for a while. And, when he was able to start eating from a bottle (several weeks after birth), he had trouble swallowing and often choked. But, frightening as that was, his complications could have been much worse. We were able to visit him in the neonatal intensive care unit and hold him almost as often as we wanted. Other babies weren't so fortunate and had to spend almost all of their time in incubators.

A Canadian study revealed that, even for babies born as early as 28 weeks, cuddling is important. The skin-to-skin contact with loved one, particularly parents, provides comfort, reduces the infant's stress, helps them cope with medical procedures, and enhances attachment.

The study followed babies born between 28 and 31 weeks. Researchers performed a heel prick test (a common test for testing blood sugar) on babies that were being actively cuddled and babies that were not being touched. The pain response in those that were being cuddled and reassured was much less and their stress washed away more quickly.

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I can handle most things -- I once fell down a flight of stairs at work and toughed it out as best as I could for the rest of the day -- but headaches... well, they can bring me to my knees. And my headaches can't even be classified as migraines. So I can only imagine how painful and debilitating true migraine headaches can be.

If you suffer from migraine headaches, your doctor can prescribe medication to help alleviate the symptoms. But there are many things you can do to help manage the pain, too:

• Seek a calm environment. Soft, low lighting is your best bet when you feel a migraine coming on. Also, try massaging painful areas, using cold compresses, and drinking a caffeinated beverage.
  
• Sleep well. Poor sleep can trigger a migraine. Stick to a consistent bedtime schedule and help yourself wind down at the end of the day.
  
• Eat wisely. Eat healthful, regular meals. There are certain foods that can trigger migraines; try eliminating any foods you think might be causing problems for you.
  
• Exercise regularly. Exercise helps to reduce stress and just makes you feel better overall. But be sure to start slowly; vigorous exercise can trigger migraines for some people.
  
• Manage stress. A stressful life can trigger migraines. Try simplifying your schedule and asking for help if your need it.
  
• Keep a migraine diary. Keeping track of your headaches can help you recognize your own triggers and what methods help to minimize your pain.
  

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While some debate its efficacy, marijuana has been sparingly prescribed for certain conditions for many years now. It has exhibited some ability to help manage pain, reduce ocular pressure for glaucoma patients, reduce nausea from chemotherapy, and help with AIDS-related wasting syndrome. But, besides the potential addictive qualities, medical marijuana also can cause some loss of memory.

Scientists may have found a way to harness the medical benefits of marijuana without some of the side effects. The psychoactive compound in marijuana is called tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC has positive benefits such as relieving pain and anxiety but can result in cognitive problems. In fact, patients on marijuana therapy are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety in the long run. In a lab study on mice, scientists have found that organophosphorus agents (OP) had the same positive effects as THC without the downsides. Much more research is needed before this finding could be applied to humans.

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Back pain prevention is probably something we don't think of every day, but if you work in an office or sit for extended periods of time, you probably do think about it from time to time.

But, do you ever plan on trying to alleviate the pain that comes from the back area?

Planning and preparation is a good methodology for trying to solve any problem, but it's almost an absolute requirement when it comes to back pain. After all, if we can't stand or walk without pain, life quality dives pretty fast.

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The chronic and nerve-wracking pain of fibromyalgia is something I would not wish on my worst enemy. To those who have suffered (or who suffer) from chronic pain, daily life can seem like a constant struggle.

Researchers states this past Monday regular walks and stretching exercises were the best non-medical prescription for dealing with that kind of chronic pain, which effects many people but which also has no known cure.

Fibromyalgia is a condition of debilitating pain throughout the body, with a focus in the joints more often than not. Perhaps that is why movement (i.s., exercise) is a good remedy -- at least partial -- to that kind of pain.

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Many people believe that exercise and pain go hand-in-hand. And sometimes it's true -- after a good workout, your muscles and joints can be sore for days afterward. It's a good pain, a satisfying pain, but a pain nonetheless.

But you know, pain and exercise do go hand-in-hand, though not necessarily in the way you might think. Exercise has been shown help with pain, particularly of the chronic variety. I'm serious! If you're suffering from chronic pain, a workout routine could be the cure for what ails you. Or, if not the cure, at least a very good treatment.

According to this article from Johns Hopkins University, exercise can help with pain in several ways:

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We women know we're special, so why do doctors keep lumping us in with everybody else (meaning men) with their "one-size-fits-all" pain treatments? Science has shown that not only do women experience unique pain (i.e. menstrual cramps), but also our hormones and physiology have an impact on all kinds of things. And as medicine catches up with pain management the trend for women isn't necessarily towards new specialized pain meds, but towards new specialized pain management -- meaning sometimes less powerful medications used in conjunction with other therapies like massage and exercise for over-all better results.

As scientists continue to study how the systems of men and women differ it's important to find a doctor who will work with you on treating the whole picture of what's causing your pain in the most innovative and creative ways possible. Gone are the days of just snowing yourself with narcotics!

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For many unfortunate souls out there pain is a major factor in their life on a regular basis. Whether it's an achy joint from an old injury or arthritis, migraine headaches, back pain, or even something like neuralgia, pain has the ability to sideline you from your physical activities and affect in your life in major ways.

Managing pain becomes an even greater issue than being just about your personal comfort when it starts interfering with the already difficult task of living a healthy active lifestyle. There are enough bumps in the road and challenges along the way to fitness without adding chronic pain in as a major player -- especially if you're just trying to get started!

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