Evidence-Based Cluster Headache Treatment
Occurring more commonly in men than women, cluster headaches are a series of relatively short but painful headaches that occur in patterns or “clusters.” If you’ve experienced recurring headaches that wake you up in the early hours of the morning, cause a weepy or red eye, or are triggered by alcohol or strong smells, you may be dealing with cluster headaches.
At Bangalow Headache Neck & Jaw Clinic, we understand how debilitating these headaches can be, and we’re here to help. We offer targeted, natural treatment for cluster headaches designed to reduce the frequency, severity, and disruption caused by these attacks.
Scientifically Proven Therapies
Watson Headache® Approach
Natural, Drug-Free Treatments
Treatment Guarantee
Comprehensive Assessment
We understand how frustrating and debilitating cluster headaches are
What is a Cluster Headache?
A cluster headache is marked by sudden, severe pain usually felt around or behind one eye. They’re mostly one sided but may switch sides from time to time, and may be accompanied by eye redness, tearing, nasal congestion, or swelling.
Known for their tendency to strike at the same time each year, cluster headaches are often mistaken for symptoms of allergies or stress due to their seasonal nature. They usually reach full intensity within 5 to 10 minutes and may last between 30 to 60 minutes. These attacks can occur several times a day during a “cluster period.”
Some people experience headaches continuously without long breaks. These are called chronic cluster headaches and require more long-term cluster headache management.
Dealing with headaches that come with sinus infections instead? Speak to our physiotherapist offering specialised treatments for sinus headaches today.
Safe & Fast
All techniques involve targeted, slow and sustained pressure. There is NO manipulation (cracking) of the spine.
Effective
80% of people assessed have treatable and relevant dysfunction. Most of these will see significant changes in the first two weeks.
100% Natural
No drugs, needles, toxic chemicals or side-effects. Just correcting a previously misunderstood fault in biomechanics.
Symptoms of Cluster Headaches
The pain of a cluster headache is often described as sharp, burning, or piercing. Common symptoms include:
- Intense, one-sided pain around or behind the eye
- Red, weepy eye on the affected side
- Runny or blocked nose
- Drooping or swollen eyelid
- Sweating on the forehead or face
If you’re experiencing these symptoms along with head, neck or jaw pain, book an appointment with us. We offer specialised physiotherapy treatment for cluster headaches and can provide an accurate assessment and treatment.
Cluster Headache Causes
The exact cause of cluster headaches remains unknown, but research suggests a link to the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that regulates sleep, hormones, and biological rhythms. Some potential contributing factors include:
- Irregularities in the autonomic nervous system
- Increased activity in the trigeminal nerve (nerve involved in facial sensation)
- Past head or neck trauma
- Genetics or family history of cluster headaches
- Hormonal fluctuations
- Smoking (linked more strongly with chronic cluster headaches)
Cluster Headache Triggers
How We Diagnose Cluster Headaches
Your Local Cluster Headache Clinic for Effective Care
Treating patients across the North Coast for over 28 years, our cluster headache clinic draws from extensive research and training in Europe and Australia.
We understand that living with recurring head pain can be both physically and emotionally draining. Our approach goes beyond surface-level symptom relief, assessing biomechanics, nerve sensitivity, and lifestyle factors to create a personalised plan for your needs.
Evidence-Based, Natural Treatment for Cluster Headaches
If you’re tired of relying on medication for relief or short-term fixes, we can help – 100% natural, no cracking or injections. Instead, we offer physiotherapy for cluster headaches in Australia that focuses on correcting overlooked faults at the top of your neck. Using gentle pressure, we restore normal movement and reduce nerve irritation. It’s non-invasive, and for many patients, highly effective.
Beyond Treatment for Cluster Headaches: What We Treat
If you’re unsure which issue your symptoms point to, our headache physiotherapists can help determine the root cause and the right treatment plan.
Feel a headache with pressure that stems from your neck? Let our experienced cervicogenic headache physio take a look. Dealing with a tight band of pressure across your forehead or tension in your neck and shoulders? Book an appointment at our tension headache clinic today.
Whether you’re facing dizziness spells, jaw issues or migraines, we offer treatment for cluster headaches and more.
Tips for Cluster Headache Management
Managing cluster headaches often requires both proactive and reactive strategies. Some helpful tips include:
- Stick to a regular sleep schedule
- Avoid alcohol and nicotine use
- Reduce exposure to bright lights and strong smells
- Manage stress with relaxation techniques
- Stay cool during an active episode, as heat can be a trigger
- Use cool packs or dark rooms for relief
- Don’t skip meals and stay hydrated
While these cluster headache management techniques won’t eliminate cluster headaches entirely, they can reduce their intensity and frequency.
Our Cluster Headache Treatment
Most patients with cluster headaches have previously tried medications or oxygen therapy with mixed results. We offer an alternative approach through targeted, drug-free physiotherapy based on the Watson Headache® Approach for lasting relief.
Our treatments for cluster headaches focus on applying gentle, sustained pressure to areas of the neck linked to nerve irritation near the sensitised brainstem. This technique helps ease the nerves involved, reducing the intensity and likelihood of future attacks.
We generally expect to see noticeable improvement within five sessions. If we don’t see progress, we re-evaluate your case and offer clear next steps.
We also treat...
Our experts treat a number of headache and jaw pain issues, and have a high level of knowledge and experience with any pain you may be suffering from.
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Cluster Headache Treatment FAQs
A cluster headache typically causes intense, stabbing or burning pain around or behind one eye. The pain often peaks quickly and can feel unbearable. You might also notice a red or watery eye, a blocked or runny nose, or a drooping eyelid on the same side as the pain. Without proper care or the right cluster headache management techniques, they can greatly disrupt your daily life.
They usually last between 15 minutes and 3 hours, and they often come in waves (up to 8 times a day during an active phase). These episodes can continue daily for several weeks before disappearing for months or even years.
Are you experiencing severe, one-sided headaches that occur in cycles or have facial symptoms like a watery eye or blocked nose? It’s probably best to book an appointment at our cluster headache clinic. Early diagnosis can help with better management and reduce the impact of recurring attacks.
Book an Appointment Today
We understand how exhausting and isolating cluster headaches can be. If you’ve tried other options without success, it might be time to look deeper. Our Bangalow Headache Clinic offers individualised cluster headache treatments based on your needs. Book your assessment today.
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We are the original North Coast Head Neck & Jaw Clinic
