It's National Headache Awareness Week!

Although headaches are rarely life-threatening they can make work, travel or enjoying your favorite activity unbearable.

There are many different types of headaches, and a wide range of symptoms. So when do you know it's time to check with your physician? "There are many causes of headaches and my recommendation of that is if you experience a headache unlike the ones you've had before you should seek immediate medical attention," says family physician Dr. Herbert Pegues.

About sixty-percent of people who suffer headaches rely on over the counter medicines for a cure, but these pain relievers aren't curing the cause, they're only treating the symptom.

"I know there is some food medication interactions which can cause headaches but again those kinds of things are really good to bring up to your family physician," advises Dr. Pegues.

Besides medication other self-help treatments include acupuncture, counseling and massage therapy. Almost 30 million Americans suffer from more than 'just a bad headache', and while both men and women experience migraines, women are three times as likely to suffer from them.