For the average Mansized reader, there are two main causes of recurrent headache. OK, three if you count hangovers – in which case you need a ‘Durrrr’ rather than a Dr, a slap on your achy head and a stern lecture about binge drinking.

Anyway, the big two head bangers are migraine and tension headaches. Migraine is a huge subject and deserves an answer all to itself – read it here.

Which leaves tension headaches. These come in various shapes and sizes. Some are virtually constant, other get worse as the day goes on.

Tension heaaches may affect the neck, the temples, the top of the head or the front – or all of the above. Sufferers hay have had them on and off for months or even years, and they’re usually described as a tightness or a feeling of pressure – which is appropriate, because the cause seems to be increased muscle tension in the scalp and neck. This, in turn, is usually the result of stress.

The first step in soothing your aching head is to stop worrying that you might have a brain tumour. This is a common fear – usually, thankfully, completely unfounded.

Surprisingly, headache alone – in other words without other worrying symptoms like fits or a constant numbness down one side – is almost never a sign of the Big C.

Perversely, the longer the headaches have gone on, the more you can relax. Tumours usually cause pain which progresses rapidly over weeks or, at a push, months. Worrying you’ve got a tumour will make you more tense, which, in turn, will aggravate the headache.

Next, try not to overdo the painkillers, especially those containing codeine. Why? Because regular use actually increases muscle tension, thereby making matters worse.

Finally, sort that stress. No, not easy, but possible and definitely worthwhile. For advice on stress busting, try this page.