Headache and migraine Archive

A 2024 study of people with sciatica caused by a herniated disk found that people who received acupuncture for 10 sessions over four weeks had less leg pain and better physical function, compared with people who received sham treatments.

Hand pain or stiffness makes computer or smartphone use difficult. Strategies to combat this include stretching the hands and fingers, avoiding awkward hand positions when holding a smartphone or computer mouse, taking breaks, alternating the fingers that do the work, and taking breaks. Using certain tools can also reduce hand strain or pain. Such tools include voice-to-text features, a wide-grip stylus, a smartphone holder, gel-filled wrist rests, and a comfortable mouse (which might be bigger, smaller, or vertical) to keep hands from stretching too wide or gripping too hard.

People who experience back pain may find some relief by increasing daily activity by 20 minutes and reducing daily sitting time by 40 minutes, according to a 2024 study.

A 2024 study suggested that closely following the MIND diet, which emphasizes plant-based foods and limited animal products and saturated fats, may slow cognitive decline compared to other eating patterns.

About three million American adults have epilepsy, which is marked by recurring seizures. But far more people will have a seizure that strikes for another reason. Seizure triggers include high fever, head injury, extreme lack of sleep, blood sugar fluctuations, alcohol or drug misuse, certain medications, brain infections, stroke, and eclampsia. People can help someone having a seizure by moving them away from hazards, preventing choking, and tracking details. Most seizures are not a medical emergency.

Migraine can carry a certain stigma that unfairly marks individuals with the condition. A 2024 study suggested that such stigma might be tied to increased disability and reduced quality of life for people struggling with this debilitating disease. To cope with migraine stigma, it helps to talk to a psychologist or join a migraine support group, educate loved ones, and talk to one's boss regarding accommodations needed to cope with migraine on the job.

Braces help some people cope with the pain, swelling, and stiffness of knee osteoarthritis. Examples include a knee sleeve, a compressive or stretchy tube that provides warmth and might help reduce knee swelling; an unloader brace, a long frame that fits on top of the leg and helps reduce pain by redistributing pressure on the knee; and a patella tracking brace, which combines the approaches of both knee sleeves and unloader braces to reduce knee pain, swelling, and pressure at the kneecap (patella).