Cluster Headaches

image of woman massaging her temples

While no headache is pleasant, cluster headaches can be particularly uncomfortable. Sufferers liken the sensation to a hot poker being stuck in their eyes, and may even feel like their eyes are being shoved out of their sockets.

Cluster headaches get their name because they occur in a cyclical pattern. The cluster of headaches may last for weeks or months, with remission periods in between. They are also called “suicide headaches,” because they can drive sufferers to despair.

Symptoms

Cluster headaches attack quickly, often painfully awakening people in the middle of the night. Usually the pain focuses around one eye, but can radiate to the face, neck, head or shoulders. Symptoms include drooping eyelids, facial swelling, excessive tearing and a runny nose, usually on one side of the face. The pain and discomfort makes sufferers irritable. Often they pace back and forth. Lying down tends to increase the pain.

The duration of a cluster period varies. During a period of cluster headaches, the sufferer usually gets at least one headache per day, lasting between 15 minutes and three hours. Some sufferers have predictable cluster headaches, which present at the same time every day, or even during a certain season. Often they strike an hour or two after going to bed.

Risk Factors

Men are likelier victims than women, and usually develop this headache disorder between the age of 20 and 50. Smoking and drinking seem to exacerbate the problem. Genetics may also play a role. Researchers do not know the cause of cluster headaches, but suspect it could be linked to an abnormality in the hypothalamus. This part of the brain controls body temperature, hunger, thirst, fatigue and many other bodily functions.

Treatment

Several medications help people with cluster headaches. A doctor can inject the sufferer with drugs called triptans, which ease both cluster headaches and migraines, or with a synthetic hormone called octreotide. Local anesthetics can numb parts of the face. Inhaling pure oxygen often dramatically decreases the grip of cluster headaches within 15 minutes.

The doctor may prescribe a preventive treatment, such as regularly taking calcium channel blockers, lithium carbonate or corticosteroids, which suppress inflammation. However, these medications all have side effects. Taking 10 milligrams of melatonin nightly is a relatively safe intervention that helps some sufferers.

In rare cases, surgeons try to damage nerve pathways around the eyes. Newer treatments involve implanting electrodes in sufferers’ heads to block pain signals.

Because cluster headaches are so intense, the afflicted may feel desperate. Talking to a therapist or joining a support group may provide coping mechanisms.

Chiropractic Treatment for Cluster Headaches

Chiropractors restore necks to their proper alignment. A misaligned cervical vertebra can put pressure on the trigeminal nerve, which carries pain signals during a cluster headache. Sufferers might find help from an upper cervical chiropractic adjustment.

You chiropractor might prescribe exercises or make suggestions to improve your work station’s ergonomics. This assistance might also cut down on misalignments that could aggravate your cluster headaches.

If you suffer from cluster headaches, call our office today. We may be able to help you without the side effects of medications.

Locations

Find us on the map

Office Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Primary Office

Monday:

9:00 am-11:15 am

3:00 pm-6:15 pm

Tuesday:

3:00 pm-6:15 pm

Wednesday:

9:00 am-11:15 am

3:00 pm-6:15 pm

Thursday:

3:00 pm-6:15 pm

Friday:

9:00 am-11:15 am

3:00 pm-6:15 pm

Saturday:

9:00 am-10:00 am

Sunday:

Closed

  • "5 STARS!!

    I am treated for vertigo and carpal tunnel routinely...without the team at Dr. Curry’s office I think I would be at a loss - they have completely enhanced my way of living! I feel revived and renewed after every adjustment 😊 thank you so much for all you have done for me!"
    Andrea
  • "I have looking for a new chiropractor office for over a year. I found this office on Facebook and connected with their posts. I called in to see if they were taking new patients and accept my insurance. I spoke with Marissa who was pleasant and very thorough, you can hear how much she loves her job and believes in the practice. I had a consultation tonight and met with Dr Morgan and with Dr Colin. Again they were each very thorough in educating me on the practice and next steps. I am very pleased with my find with this office."
    Christine
  • "I have been going to Curry’s for quite sometime now and have been pleasantly surprised with what they have personally done for my pain. After going to the hospital and them not doing anything for me, I was referred by a great friend to give them a try. Boy oh boy, I wish I had went sooner! All the doctors are great, knowledge and really easy to talk to. The each helped collectively fix my subluxation, and get me feeling back to 100%, if not better. I can’t thank them enough! Affordable, convenient and an overall great experience. Give them a try, it’s a must"
    Amanda