General Measures:
-It is noteworthy that cluster headaches some times take years to correctly diagnose as they are often confused with migraines or other causes of headaches
-Prophylactic therapy should be considered the cornerstone of treatment. AKA treatment should take place BEFORE the cluster headache begins or at the start of a cluster headache cycle and should continue until the headache is gone for about 2 weeks

Soft Tissue Therapy:
-Myofascial trigger point techniques (particularly in these muscles: upper trapezius, splenius, suboccipitals and sternocleidomastoid)
-Post-isometric relaxation
-Stretching

Joint Therapy - Manipulations and Mobilizations:
-Gentler techniques through the upper cervical spine are more effective for cluster headaches 

Electrotherapy:
-TENS for pain management
-IFC for pain management

Acupuncture: 
-local cervical points, suboccipital points, ST8, GB20, GB21, UB9, UB10, ST6, GB40, LI4

Diet and Botanicals:
-Identify and avoid trigger foods
-Do not skip meals
-Feverfew, 5HTP (5-hydroxy-tryptophan), omega-3 oils (EPA & DHA)
-Calcium, vitamin D, riboflavinoids, magnesium, vitamin B2 & B6, electrolytes

Disclaimer: These are a few of the conservative options available for treatment and management of cluster headaches. Please consult a licensed chiropractor for guided treatment. Treatments that require medication or surgery should be discussed with your family doctor. 

Definition:
A primary neurovascular headache that is characterized by severe, short duration, strictly unilateral pain retro-orbital or periorbital accompanied by cranial facial parasympathetic autonomic features.
AKA: A short, one-sided, very intense headache behind or beside your eye that makes liquids come out of your face (sweating, tears, runny nose). This type of headache has been described as "the devil itself stabbing your eyeball", and that does not sound pleasant in the slightest.

Who Gets It?
Incidence: This is very rare, about 0.4% of men and 0.08% of women suffer from this (yes, it is less than 1% of people)
Age: typically between 20-50 years
Sex: Males are more likely to suffer from cluster headaches compared to females

Risk Factors and Triggers:
-Stress, bright lights or glare
-Allergies
-Alcohol, tobacco
-Nitroglycerine (a medication used to help prevent chest pain in people with a heart condition)

What Does It Feel Like?
-Sudden, severe, unilateral (one side of your head only) periorbital head pain
-Pain is often described as "excruciating", "piercing", "boring", "deep" or "penetrating"
-Pain is not throbbing
-Short duration (5-180minutes)
-Frequency: once every other day to 8 times per day
-Occurs more commonly during the night and can disrupt sleep
-Patient prefers to pace or sit
-Autonomic symptoms: ipsilateral (one-sided) facial sweating and flushing, tearing and running nose

General Pain Management
 -Hot or cold packs
-Cervical pillow/supportive mattress
-Traction or stretching

Muscle Therapy
-Myofascial trigger point techniques (especially in these muscles: upper trapezius, splenius, suboccipitals and sternocleidomastoid)
-Post-isometric relaxation 
-Passive and active stretching of specific neck muscles
Evidence suggests: muscle techniques are particularly well suits for the management of cervicogenic headaches

Joint Mobilization/Manipulation
-Upper cervical spine (upper neck) and occiput (where your head joins with your neck)
Evidence suggests: cervicogenic headaches respond extremely well to cervical spine and occiput manipulation

Electrotherapy
-IFC and TENS may help decrease muscle spasm

Acupuncture
-Local cervical and suboccipital points, ST8, GB20, GB21, UB9, UB10, ST6, GB40, LI4

Prevention and Patient Education
-Stress reduction and management strategies
-Positions to avoid: aggravating loading positions, painful sleeping positions
-Work station and car seat ergonomic assessment
​** Hint, hint: with working from home becoming the new norm, make sure you have a comfortable and functional work station at home. 

If you've been suffering from cervicogenic headaches it's never too late to start managing them and getting rid of the pain. The above treatment options are services that are available at Nurture Family Chiropractic in Guelph, Ontario. To learn more about how we can help you get your headaches under control, call or book online with Dr. Brenda Yee.