Dear Dr. Gott: I have a problem that I am hoping you can help solve.

Two years ago, I started developing pains that seem to travel and throb from my sinuses to my head and from my buttocks to my legs. About a year ago, I went for a physical and blood tests. The doctor told me I had probably picked up some strange virus while travelling.

In January of this year, my ears started sounding muffled with a humming noise, so I went to a naturopath. She told me to eliminate dairy products from my diet.

The muffled humming stopped after I took her advice, but these mysterious pains are still present.

The pain lasts for about two days, stops for a day or two and then comes back. I have also started losing my hair. Any advice you can give would be greatly appreciated.

Reply: I am not sure I can provide you with anything beneficial, but I will try.

You have not given your age, where you travelled, when the pain started in relation to your travel, your general health status, any medications you are taking or other relevant information. I only know you are a female because you signed your letter.

The first thing that comes to mind is a possible spinal issue. Pain beginning near the buttocks that travels down the legs is often the result of pressure on the sciatic nerve. This can be due to a herniated, bulging or dried vertebral disc.

Disc herniation can also occur in the cervical spine (neck), causing your head pain. You could also have sinus headaches or an allergy.

If you travelled out of the country, a virus or parasite may be to blame, but this seems unlikely. I urge you to return to your physician or find a new one. Explain your symptoms in detail (date of onset, travel destinations, etc.) and request testing. This should include blood work and stool samples to check for parasites and viruses, as well imaging studies such as X-rays, CT scan or MRIs to check for disc problems, tumours or other lesions.

It has been two years since your symptoms began, so the cause is most likely benign. However, you need to know what is causing your pain so you can treat it properly.

While waiting for your appointment, there are a few things you can do to try to narrow down the cause.

You could try antihistamines for a possible allergic connection. Stretching and NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, may help if it is a spinal issue. I also recommend that you write down anything important about your symptoms, as well as everything you have tried to relieve the pain.

Bring the information to the appointment. In this way, you can ensure you have reported everything that may be relevant. Let me know how things turn out.

To give you related information, I am sending you copies of my Health Reports "Managing Chronic Pain" and "Headaches". Other readers who would like copies should send a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and $2 per report to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, Ohio 44092. Be sure to mention the title(s).

Dr. Gott is a retired physician and the author of 'Dr. Gott's No Flour, No Sugar Diet' and 'Dr. Gott's No Flour, No Sugar Cookbook' Contact him c/o United Media, 200 Madison Avenue, fourth floor, New York, New York 10016.