Cluster Headaches Treatment

Cluster Headaches: How Chiropractors Help

Cluster headaches consist of severe headaches on one side of the head. A cluster headache is associated with a runny or stuffy nose, red, teary eyes, agitation, restlessness, and flushing or sweating of the face. It is likely to recur in a series of attacks that are then separated by periods of remission. Cluster periods may last weeks or months, just as remission may last weeks or months. 

man suffering from an excruciating cluster headache

The Causes of Cluster Headaches

A cluster headache is classified as TAC or a trigeminal autonomic cephalalgia. This means that the fifth cranial nerve, which controls the face, is affected by a headache. Autonomic refers to the symptoms that occur with a headache, like drooping eyelids or redness in the eyes.  The exact cause is unknown, but imaging scans can help identify and causes that may be present. 

Symptoms of Cluster Headaches

Many patients first become restless or agitated and have their eyelid swell or droop, also signifying that a headache is starting. They affect women more commonly at a ratio of 3 to 1 and are most common among 20 to 40-year-olds. 

A pain is felt on one side of the head and behind or around the eye, at the temple or towards the back of the head. Some autonomic symptoms may also be painful or irritating. Nasal congestion, swollen eyelids or red eye that itches or is bothersome are also related symptoms to cluster headaches. Keep in mind that cluster headaches may have an immediate onset, giving little to no warning. 

Treatment for Cluster Headaches

There is no cure for cluster headaches, but there are a few possible treatments. To start with and to get the headaches under control, many people benefit from spinal adjustments. These help the flow of energy and circulation in the body. Specific exercises, hot and cold therapy  can also help.

Getting more sleep, eating healthily and drinking enough water may help reduce these headaches. Also, consider chiropractic treatments. When the spine is misaligned even by a fraction of an inch, there's a potential for dysfunction. Cluster headaches aren't associated with triggers like a typical migraine, so finding a root cause is all the more important.

Contact Us Today

Our chiropractor in Indianapolis takes time to assess your spinal alignment. This alternative treatment may help completely eliminate these debilitating headaches. Contact our office for an appointment at 317-243-2392.

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