Chiropractic and Cluster Headaches

There are many types of headaches, some of which can be more painful than others. One of the worst types of headaches you can get is the cluster headache. Cluster headaches cause a painful sensation often described as a hot poker being stuck into your eyes. If you’re experiencing cluster headaches, then one way to treat them is through chiropractic care.

What are Cluster Headaches?

Cluster headaches occur in cyclical patterns, which is why they are called “cluster” headaches. They can last anywhere from 15 minutes to three hours at a time, but tend to come in waves that last everyday for weeks or even months — with periods of remission in between. They often come on quickly. While the pain is usually focused around a single eye, they can radiate to the face, head, neck or shoulders. Some of the common symptoms of a cluster headache include:

• Facial swelling
• Drooping eyelids
• Runny nose
• Excessive tearing

The cause of cluster headaches is not known, but smoking and drinking do exacerbate the problem. Men are likelier to develop cluster headaches as well, and some experts believe that it may be a hereditary problem.

Treating Cluster Headaches

There are a variety of ways that you can treat cluster headaches. Medications, such as triptans, can ease the pain. There are also some preventative medications that you can take as well, such as lithium carbonate, calcium channel blockers or corticosteroids. Unfortunately, most of these medications do have side effects.

Patients who suffer from severe cluster headaches may be able to get surgical treatment as well. Surgery would involve damaging nerve pathways around the eyes to help block pain signals.

Another way to treat cluster headaches is through chiropractic treatment. If you have a misaligned cervical vertebra, it could be putting pressure on your trigeminal nerve, which is what transports the pain signals during a cluster headache. A chiropractor can make manual adjustments to the neck and spine to help relieve this pressure. A chiropractor can also prescribe different exercises as well as provide professional advice that can help to prevent misalignments, which in turn can help to prevent the onset of cluster headaches.

If you are suffering from cluster headaches, then you should strongly consider seeking chiropractic care. To request an appointment for chiropractic care in Vero Beach, FL, be sure to contact us at Florida Spine by calling us at 567-7777 today.