Even the healthiest specimen admits to the occasional headache, twinge in the arm, or strange stitch in the side. In fact doctors would be skeptical of the person who stated categorically he never experienced a single ache or pain.

NATURE, in her miraculous way, is flashing a warning signal.

The nervous system's express purpose is to register the slightest irregularity in our bodily function. Without it we would be reduced to nervous wrecks and hospital cases.

In most cases slight twinges and pains can be treated simply and effectively. But if a pain in one particular area persists for several weeks, then proper treatment from a doctor or specialist is essential.

Analyse some of the isolated aches and pains you get - often you can find the reason. For instance, you might be starting a new job and in the morning you have a headache. This persists until you feel at home in your new office and are starting to get used to the work you are doing and the new faces around you.

And what about the twinges in your bones when the weather starts to cool in autumn, twinges that amazingly disappear as you acclimatize to approaching winter?

In other words, there's no need to get distraught and over anxious whenever you feel a bit under par - it happens to everyone and it's a good, healthy sign that your body is reacting normally.

Many so-called "illnesses" are what doctors and psychologists call psychosomatic. That is, they are emotionally induced or anxiety-based disorders.

HEADACHE

Headaches are the most common psychosomatic pains. Apparently there is seldom an organic basis for them, or disease process evident. But they exist, they cause pain, and they recur.

When you ask your doctor why you are getting headaches he will give a possible list of causes which in your case might be a specific thing, or a combination of factors.

The practical causes seem to be these:

1. Tension and worry. Specific anxiety.
2. Problems associated with work.
3. Over-indulgence in food, alcohol, or tobacco, or all three.
4. Lack of fresh air.
5. Not enough exercise.
6.Guilt feelings.
7. Exposure to bright light.
8. Fear - which could stem from domestic problems, work, or feeling inadequate and not being able to cope with life.
9. Late nights.

The most frequent cause of all seems to be pressure. This will apply to anybody who is engaged in an exacting occupation - business executives, students, housewives. The working mother has the added pressure of coping with two jobs - the successful running of her home and family (often carrying the greater burden), and her business occupation.

The important fact to remember is this: No headache that comes on regularly or one that persists should be ignored. Don't do your own diagnosing, even though you think you've been very clever.

Let your doctor decide. He will ascertain whether there is any serious organic basis for it, and if so, he will prescribe correct therapy and follow through until you are cured.

For a headache you can try several things.

Firstly, take a headache tablet the moment you feel the pain coming on. It is quite wrong to take pain-killing preparations regularly and in large quantities. If the headache persists see your doctor.

Secondly - and this is the hardest medicine to swallow for most people - try to relax. You have to learn how to do it, and as one doctor puts it: "It's just like golf, the more you practice the better you become."

Find at least 10 to 20 minutes in the day when you can completely relax - either on your bed or on the living room floor. Breathe deeply, and consciously relax every muscle in your body.

Empty your head of worrying thoughts and concentrate only on breathing deeply and rhythmically. Eventually you will be able to let all your muscles go limp and after the rest you'll feel a new person.

An increasing number of doctors believe that if we could really learn to relax properly we might be on the way to eliminating many of those tiresome aches and pains. Headaches strike most viciously at the highly strung, nervous middle-aged woman with time on her hands.

In her case it would be highly recommended that she take up some kind of interest - either a creative pursuit, voluntary work, or a sporting hobby which will benefit her physically and introduce her to a new circle of friends. As her self-confidence increases and her zest for life returns, those headaches will disappear.

MIGRAINE is a particularly severe specific headache pain which is not psychosomatic. The pain invariably attacks one side of the head only and this is often a helpful way to diagnose migraine.

It is often aggravated by eating oranges, chocolate, fatty foods, and other specific foodstuffs. This will vary from person to person. Flashes of bright light before your eyes, or a blinding sensation might indicate migraine. It may be associated with menstrual pain too.

Proper medical diagnosis is important. Once it is established that your headaches are migraine, then you will have the correct tablets prescribed by your doctor and will medicate yourself as the pain occurs.

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE causes painful headaches. This type may bring distinct pain or a vague, overall painful sensation. Many women note a fullness in the head, a tight band, or a feeling of tension.

Sometimes it's associated with dizziness as well. Palpitations are another common sign of blood pressure. If you have a combination of these or even one specific symptom, don't waste time - make an appointment with your doctor.