USA's Consumer Reports warns pain pills can worsen headaches

USA-based Consumer Reports is advising people who suffer from frequent headaches to talk to their doctors before reaching again into their medicine cabinets. Overuse of prescription and over-the-counter pain killers can make headaches worse, according to the group's medical adviser, Orly Avitzur.

"People tend not to think of headache pills, especially those they can buy without a prescription, as 'serious' drugs," says Dr Avitzur, noting that, "used improperly, even drugs like acetaminophen, ibuprofen and aspirin can increase headache pain. Instead of reaching for a pill when a headache comes on, people should consider alternatives. Relaxation techniques, exercise and acupuncture can all help ease headache pain."