Chemist Direct has unveiled a wealth of products aimed at reducing the impact of headaches and migraines on its customers.

The range of over 100 products includes a number of the UK’s leading brands, all with huge savings, providing an affordable choice to sufferers across the UK.

A headache - also referred to as a cephalgia - is defined as a pain or discomfort in the region head or neck of the body.

There are two types of headaches. Primary headaches, which are symptoms of stress, squinting or poor posture but are not caused by an underlying condition, and secondary headaches, which are caused by an underlying condition such as a brain tumour or meningitis.

Tension type headaches are the most common of all primary headaches. They affect more than 40% of the population at any one time, although are more frequent in women than men. They are described as a constant pain affecting both sides of the head and normally last for one to six hours; however some have been known to last for several days.
Despite being unpleasant, tension-type headaches, like most primary headaches, are not life threatening and can usually be relieved by medication.

Painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, taken at the point when the headache starts, is the simplest and most effective treatment available ‘over the counter’ for headaches. However due to many products containing codeine, it is advised that medication is taken in moderation because of the increased chance of causing dependency or addiction.

Migraines are severe headaches, which affect one in four women and one in 12 men, acquainting to 15% of adults in the UK. They are described as a sharp throbbing pain at the front or on one side of the head.
Migraines can be very disabling and severely affect people’s quality of life and affect people in different ways. Some people may only suffer from migraines occasionally, while other may have several within one week.

Currently there is no cure for migraines, however according to research released this week scientists have identified a generic defect link to migraines which could potential lead to the discovery of new treatments within the next few years.

There are however a number of effective treatments and processes available which can ease the symptoms. Painkillers are typically the starting point for the treatment of a migraine; however they tend to be more effective when taken during the first signs of a migraine attack, because they have time to be absorbed into the body’s bloodstream. These signs may include sensitivity to light and/or stiffness in the neck, shoulders or limbs.

Other options include Triptan medicines, which cause the blood vessels around the brain to contract, Anti-inflammatory medicines or Anti-sickness medicines. If you are not responding to treatment though it is advised you consult your GP who may refer you to a specialist clinic for further treatment.

Chemist Direct stock a huge range of products to help tackle both headaches and migraines.

Nurofen Plus Ibuprofen & Codeine 200mg Tablets offer fast acting relief from general and muscular pains including migraines, headaches, cramping period pain, dental pain, back pain, neuralgia, rheumatic pain, muscular pain and cold & flu symptoms. This product is available for £3.59 (RRP £5.59).

Seven Seas New Era Combination F for Migraine Nervous Headache is a combination remedy that does exactly what it says. It is a combination of several of the single mineral tissue salts, which have been chosen for their suitability in treating certain conditions and combined together for their convenience. This product is available for £4.19 (RRP £4.49)

You can browse the full range of products here : www.chemistdirect.co.uk

Chemistdirect.co.uk launched in November 2007 and can offers up to 90% off thousands of health and beauty products significantly undercutting prices on the high street. It is now UK’s leading online chemist, processing more than four thousand new orders every day and attracting 80,000 hits a week to its website. The company’s mission is to dispatch orders so that they are delivered within 48 hours. The website has recently added an online prescription and pet medication service. In 2008 Chemist Direct was named Retailer of the Year by Startups.co.uk.