Dr. Katz, iHATEheadaches Blog

Stress has been shown to be a major factor in the onset and longevity of tension headaches. We all experience occasional tension headaches. Sometimes they come infrequently but sometimes they can become chronic occurring on a daily basis. Chemical levels in the body such as serotonin and endorphins may be effected by outside stresses on the body and may be the trigger for many headaches.

Frequent episodic tension type headaches can last from hours today. They are bilateral, pressing and frequently coexist with migraines without aura.

Many years ago, I treated a middle aged women who suffered from almost daily headaches. She was also being treated by a neurologist for her headaches and I don't recall any TMJ related
symptoms that might have been contributing to her condition.
She was very high strung, nervous and asked to be sedated for her dental treatment. This occurred over twenty five years ago so I don't have her records available to me any longer but I do remember the following episode very well. I remember that she had a very unusual name with 6 or seven consonants and one vowel. A name I had much trouble pronouncing.

I completed her dental treatment under sedation and she then disappeared from my practice.
I remember that on her last visit I wished her well and hoped that she would eventually find relief from her chronic and debilitating headaches.

A few years later I was introduced to a new patient with the same unusual name as
the woman with the headaches I had seen previously. The patient was a very pleasant, neat
young woman with no dental needs other that a good cleaning.
After my initial examination, I mentioned to her that a few years back I had seen someone
with the same unusual name and out of curiosity asked if there was any relationship.
"Why Yes, she answered me, that was my mother.

I was quite surprised and my immediate question was about her mother's headaches.
"Does she still get them. Are her headaches still as debilitating as they had been."

My Mother , she answered does not get any headaches any more she's doing great and very happy. Astounded, I asked what accounted for the dramatic turn around in her mothers
health. She divorced my father she answered. She just left him.
We both broke out laughing. I was quite amazed and very happy for her mother.
It was a great lesson learned. The mind can definitely effect our bodies and health both in a positive and a negative way. Medication is not always the answer.

True story
So, for your own good health, treat your spouse well