Migraine headaches and treatment for fibromyalgia

Editor's Note: Every Saturday on "Your Health" at 2:30 p.m. EST, Dr. Sanjay Gupta answers your medical questions submitted by e-mail. The questions and answers are posted on CNN.com after the show.

Q: How do you treat fibromyalgia and does yoga or other forms of exercise work? -- Janice in Hudson, Florida

A: Fibromyalgia, a condition characterized by aching and pain in muscles, tendons, joints and the spine, often seems worse during relaxation and is less noticeable during busy activities and exercise. So aerobic exercise does play a key role in the treatment of fibromyalgia. Other approaches include pain relief medications and relaxation techniques, including massage.

In yoga, your joints, muscles and nerves are stretched and strengthened and deep breathing releases tension, so it is a good way of alleviating the pain of fibromyalgia. But remember that a comprehensive approach planned with your doctor is your best treatment plan.

Q: Does any one really know what causes migraine headaches? -- Larry in Rogers, Texas

A: Migraine headaches are associated with changes in the size of the arteries within and outside of the brain. While the exact causes of migraines are unknown, scientists do believe that they are caused by inherited abnormalities in certain areas of the brain.

Migraines are hereditary -- four out of five migraine sufferers have them in their family history. Migraines can be triggered by different factors, including emotional stress, excessive caffeine consumption, excessive fatigue and changes in normal sleep patterns.