Would you like to switch to the accessible version of this site?

Go to accessible site Close modal window

Don't need the accessible version of this site?

Hide the accessibility button Close modal window
Accessibility View Close toolbar
Alternative Chiropractic

484 Williamson Rd, Suite D

Mooresville, NC 28117 US

704-799-0939

Open mobile navigation
  • Home
  • New Patient Center
    • What to Expect
    • New Patient Paperwork
    • Payment Options
    • Health Resources
    • Online Forms
  • About Us
    • Meet the Doctor
    • Services & Techniques
      • General Chiropractic
      • Subluxation
      • NRT
      • Herbal Therapy
      • What is Creating Wellness Chiropractic?
    • Watch Videos
  • ULTRASLIM
  • IDEAL PROTEIN
  • Massage
  • Testimonials
  • Contact Us
  • Blog
  • Community Content
    • We May Help You With
      • Auto Accident Injuries
      • Back and Shoulder Pain
      • Body Pain
      • Chronic Disease Relief
      • Conditions Affecting Women
      • Headaches
      • Herniated Discs
      • Improved Health
      • Pediatric Ailments
      • Repetitive Use Injuries
      • Respiratory Function
    • About Chiropractic Care
      • What is Chiropractic
      • How Does it Work
      • Who is Chiropractic For
      • Vertebral Subluxation
      • Wellness Resources
    • Chiropractic Techniques
    • Chiropractic Therapies
    • Life is Motion
    • Healthy Thinking
      • Get Positive
      • Relaxation Techniques
    • Wellness Lifestyle Tips
      • Treat Yourself Well
      • Treat Others Well
      • Eat Well
    • Wellness Essentials
      • At Home
      • At Work
      • Exercise
      • Nutrition
      • What You Wear
    • Wellness Perspectives
      • Social
      • Physical
      • Spiritual
      • Mental
    • Wellness4Kids
    • Newsletter Library
      • Weight Loss
      • Staying Motivated
      • Staying Young
      • Life-Work Balance
      • Stress & Anxiety
      • Mind-Body Connection
      • Wellness
      • Pregnancy & Parenting
      • Back, Body & Joint Pain
      • Senior Health
      • Healthy Tips
      • Exercise & Fitness
      • Chronic Conditions
      • Nutrition & Healthy Eating
      • Injury Rehab & Prevention
      • Breaking Bad Habits
      • Kid's Health
      • Illness Prevention
  • Home >
  • Articles >
  • We May Help You With >
  • Headaches >
  • Cluster Headaches

Cluster Headaches

  • Created in We May Help You With, 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.

  • We May Help You With
    • Auto Accident Injuries
    • Back and Shoulder Pain
    • Body Pain
    • Chronic Disease Relief
    • Conditions Affecting Women
    • Headaches
    • Herniated Discs
    • Improved Health
    • Pediatric Ailments
    • Repetitive Use Injuries
    • Respiratory Function
  • About Chiropractic Care
    • What is Chiropractic
    • How Does it Work
    • Who is Chiropractic For
    • Vertebral Subluxation
    • Wellness Resources
  • Chiropractic Techniques
  • Chiropractic Therapies
  • Life is Motion
  • Healthy Thinking
    • Get Positive
    • Relaxation Techniques
  • Wellness Lifestyle Tips
    • Treat Yourself Well
    • Treat Others Well
    • Eat Well
  • Wellness Essentials
    • At Home
    • At Work
    • Exercise
    • Nutrition
    • What You Wear
  • Wellness Perspectives
    • Social
    • Physical
    • Spiritual
    • Mental
  • Wellness4Kids
  • Newsletter Library
    • Weight Loss
    • Staying Motivated
    • Staying Young
    • Life-Work Balance
    • Stress & Anxiety
    • Mind-Body Connection
    • Wellness
    • Pregnancy & Parenting
    • Back, Body & Joint Pain
    • Senior Health
    • Healthy Tips
    • Exercise & Fitness
    • Chronic Conditions
    • Nutrition & Healthy Eating
    • Injury Rehab & Prevention
    • Breaking Bad Habits
    • Kid's Health
    • Illness Prevention

New patients receive Free Consultation.

Featured Services

Click to Find Out More

  • Services

    We strive to provide complete care for our patients. Learn more about all the services we provide.

  • Make An Appointment

    We will do our best to accommodate your busy schedule. Schedule an appointment today!

  • Online Forms

    Our patient forms are available online so they can be completed in the convenience of your own home or office.

Office Hours

*We are close everyday from 12pm to 1pm

Monday:

8:00 am-12:00 pm

1:00 pm-7:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-12:00 pm

1:00 pm-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-12:00 pm

1:00 pm-5:00 pm

Thursday:

9:00 am-12:00 pm

1:00 pm-7:00 pm

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Locations

Find us on the map

Testimonials

Reviews By Our Satisfied Patients

  • "I'm not one to normally go to a chiropractor. When I was sent to Alternative Chiropractic for care, I was a little skeptical. I went to Dr. Bell after a car accident. Him and his office staff are wonderful. They do truly have compassion for their patients. They had me back to feeling great in no time. Wish I had known that it would have helped me so much. I often go back for adjustments just because it makes me feel so good. Highly recommended. Friendly atmosphere and the massages are awesome!!"
    B.M.

Featured Articles

Read about interesting topics

  • How To Ease Into Exercise In The New Year With New Workout Plans

    Are you planning to exercise more in 2020? Your chiropractor can help you avoid injuries that may prevent you from reaching your goals. ...

    Read More
  • Put Your Health First In The New Year

    Looking for a natural way to improve your health in the new year? Chiropractic care may offer a simple solution. ...

    Read More
  • Does Collagen Help With Joint Pain?

    Have you been wondering if collagen really works for joint pain? ...

    Read More
  • Staying Healthy as a Caregiver

    Maintaining good health is crucial if you're a caregiver. These tips can help you avoid illness and injuries. ...

    Read More
  • Chiropractic and Gut Health

    Medication isn't the only solution if you suffer from digestive system complications. Chiropractic treatment can help treat your symptoms. ...

    Read More
  • Chiropractic and Male Infertility

    Do you struggle with male infertility? Chiropractic treatment offers an all-natural solution. ...

    Read More
  • Can Meditation Improve Your Health?

    Would you like to improve your health naturally? Try to include meditation in your daily routine. ...

    Read More
  • Chiropractic Treatment for Spondylosis

    Are you tired of living with painful spondylosis symptoms? Chiropractic treatment may help ease your neck and back pain. ...

    Read More
  • How to Help Improve Your Children's Quality of Sleep

    Does your child toss and turn at night? These suggestions may improve his or her sleep quality. ...

    Read More
  • The 3 Most Common Chiropractic Questions Answered

    Looking for a natural way to treat pain? Chiropractic care offers an effective solution. ...

    Read More

Newsletter Sign Up

Follow Us

  • Copyright © 2019 MH Sub I, LLC dba iMatrix.
  • Admin Log In
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Health Disclaimer
  • Cookie Policy
  • Site Map