Cluster Headaches
Cluster headaches are unilateral (they affect one side of the head. They may be linked to watering eyes and nasal congestion. They occur in clusters, repeatedly every day about the same time for several weeks and then cease. They are a fairly common form of chronic, recurrent headache. Unlike migraines, they affect men more than women. They can affect people of any age but are most likely between adolescence and middle age. There doesn't seem to be a patterns among families.
Cluster headaches appear as a severe, sudden headache. The onset is sudden, and it occurs most commonly during the dreaming (REM) phase of sleep. They may appear daily for months, alternating with periods without headaches (episodic), or they can occur for a year or more without stopping (chronic), or there may be a combination of both types.
The only known cause is a problem with the trigeminal nerve which travels through the base of the brain and into the face.
Also see: Tension Headaches, Cluster Headaches
Symptoms
- Swelling under or around the eyes
- Red eye (on the affected side)
- Flushed face
- Excessive tears (on the affected side)
- Begin suddenly, commonly 2-3 hours after falling asleep
- Peaks within 5-10 minutes and may last 1/2 to 2 hours
How Chiropractic Therapy Can Help
Chiropractics may help relieve incidence of cluster headaches because the trigeminal nerve passes through the spine. It may be pinched, compressed, or shifted due to spinal misalignment. With gentle specific manipulation this may be corrected. In addition, Dr. Forster draws on acupuncture and other therapies to tailor treatment for each patient.
Call (813) 788-3232 today for a complimentary consultation.