Combating Cluster Headaches with Upper Cervical Care

A cluster period may last for several weeks or even months before giving the sufferer temporary relief during a remission period. As is common with other severe headache types, cluster headaches affect women far more often than men. 

The pain has been likened to a burning or stabbing pain that generally affects one side of the face and may extend from the neck up to the temple. Other symptoms can include nasal congestion and a droopy, watering eye on the painful side of the face. What causes cluster headaches? 

Scientists are still unsure, but one thing they do note is that histamine (an allergic response) is suddenly released during an attack as well as serotonin which affects the function of nerves.

 

Headaches are often related to a misalignment of the C1 or C2 vertebrae. This is because such a misalignment can often create stress on the brainstem. This, in turn, can affect communication between the brain and body. 

Even blood and cerebrospinal fluid flow to the brain can be interfered with. Headaches are just one possible symptom of such an occurrence. The idea is that removing the misalignment that is causing brain signal issues may be able to correct the sudden release of various chemicals for no apparent reason. This, in turn, may relieve cluster headaches. If you are looking for a natural alternative to prescription medication for your headaches, upper cervical chiropractic care may be just what you have been searching for.