HeadOn Headache Relief - Hit or Hype?

November 9, 2006 -- An alternative remedy for headaches has been generating a lot of interest lately. The big question is how well does it really work?

HeadOn is a headache remedy that looks like a giant tube of Chap Stick and sells for eight dollars.

It claims to work through homeopathic principles. The theory: applying minute doses of substances, which may cause headache pain, will actually relieve it.

HeadOn is the buzz on certain internet sites, and its maker says more than 5 million tubes have been sold in less than a year.

Sandy Heinze was in the supermarket with a crushing headache when she bought it and tried it.

"It's an icy hot feeling that you can, like, feel it being drawn out," said Heinze. "I thought it worked really well."

Our other testers weren't convinced. Two of three said it did not work at all.

Sophie Feller said HeadOn on her forehead was downright uncomfortable.

"I felt a burning sensation on my forehead," she said.

Dr. Stephen Silberstein, who has spent decades solving other people's headaches at Jefferson University Hospital, says there is no one answer to pain relief.

It depends on the person.

"If you believe something works, it's more likely to work - nothing wrong with that," said Silberstein.

Pills - both over-the-counter, and prescription - have a good track record for many chronic headache sufferers, but not all.

Dr. Silberstein also says don't forget about non-medical alternatives, such as meditation and yoga.

Silberstein tried HeadOn himself, and noticed a cooling sensation from the menthol in it.

He believes that may distract some people from their headache pain.

But the manufacturer maintains its the homeopathic ingredients in HeadOn that cause the body to release its own natural painkillers.

Meantime, the monotonous but memorable TV spots continue with some alterations.

After the Better Business Bureau complained that there wasn't enough science to back up the pain-fighting claims, HeadOn's maker took them out.

Company reps say the BBB just doesn't understand how homeopathy works, and their proof lies with the people who continue buying and using HeadOn products.

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