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Overview
Cluster headaches are a rare but extremely painful type of headache that typically occur in cycles, known as clusters.
These headaches can be so intense that they often wake sufferers from sleep, with the pain concentrated around one eye or one side of the head. While the exact cause of cluster headaches remains unclear, they are believed to be linked to sudden changes in the body’s serotonin or histamine levels. In this article, we’ll explore what cluster headaches are, how they differ from other types of headaches, and the treatment options available at Anatomy Rehab in Dubai.
Why Do We Get Cluster Headaches?
Are you waking up with intense pain during the night on one side of your head? If so, there’s a good chance you might be suffering from cluster headaches.
Cluster headaches are among the most painful types of headache disorders. They often strike without warning, causing severe, stabbing pain typically centered around one eye, though the pain can spread to other areas of the face, head, and neck. These attacks can occur multiple times a day and usually last between 15 minutes to three hours, with most lasting 30 to 45 minutes.
Cluster headache periods, known as clusters, can persist for weeks or even months, followed by pain-free remission periods that might last months or years. These periods often follow a seasonal pattern, occurring around the same time each year, such as during spring or fall.
Despite their severity, cluster headaches are rare, affecting only about 0.1% of the global population. Although the exact cause of cluster headaches remains unclear, research suggests they may be triggered by a sudden release of serotonin or histamine near the trigeminal nerve, a major pain pathway in the face.
Different Types Of Headache Pain
Cluster headaches can easily be mistaken for other types of headache pain or migraines.
These are some common types of headache pain below to help you identify which type of headache you’re having –
Hypertension headaches – Caused by high blood pressure, these types of headaches have pulsating pain on both sides of the head and often are accompanied by vision loss and shortness of breath.
Cluster headaches – As we mentioned earlier, they typically are on one side of the head located around the eye. Nasal congestion and eye tearing can happen too, they are 3x more common in men than women.
Hormonal headaches – Lots of women experience menstrual migraines but hormonal fluctuations like pregnancy can also cause headaches.
Migraine headaches – These are severe headaches, migraines are connected to your blood vessels contracting and can be brought on by weather changes or stress. They are often accompanied by visual disturbance and can be on one side or both sides of the head. In Dubai, migraines typically happen more often in the summer months due to the severe heat.
Exertion headaches – Happens right after physical activity such as running and tend to be short-lived, they have a throbbing sensation.
Sinus headaches – These typically happen with allergies or illness, they can come with an ache in the bridge of the nose due to sinus pressure and often feel worse with head movement.
Tension headaches – Mostly triggered by stress, tension headaches can be felt all over as an achy sensation.
What Can Trigger An Ocular Migraine?
An ocular migraine is when you get a migraine headache along with a visual disturbance in one eye; you usually regain proper vision once the migraine headache is over.
The headache pain with an ocular migraine is typically located right behind one eye and can come as a flickering aura or blind spot. Still, researchers are not sure what triggers an ocular migraine, but it could be due to the blood vessels connected to your retina.
People also believe that ocular migraines can be genetic since people who report them typically have a family history of migraines.
Relieve Headaches with Dry Needling
Struggling with cluster headaches or ocular migraines? At Anatomy Rehab in Palm Jumeirah and DIFC, our dry needling therapy targets muscle tension and spasms that can trigger headaches. By addressing these underlying muscular issues, dry needling can help reduce the frequency and intensity of your headaches, offering long-term relief and improved quality of life.
Treating Cluster Headaches with Anatomy Rehab Dubai
If over-the-counter solutions like Panadol Migraine aren’t providing relief for your cluster headaches or ocular migraines, it might be time to explore alternative holistic treatments that address the root cause of your pain.
At Anatomy Rehab in Dubai, we offer a variety of holistic therapies designed to alleviate recurrent headaches. Our services include:
Osteopathy: Helps to decrease muscle spasms and improve overall body alignment, reducing the tension that may contribute to headaches.
Chiropractic Care: Focuses on spinal alignments to relieve pressure on nerves, potentially alleviating headache triggers.
Dry Needling: Targets underlying muscular issues that could be contributing to your headaches.
In addition to these therapies, we recommend addressing posture-related issues, which are a common trigger for tension headaches. Our physiotherapy and Pilates sessions are designed to help you strengthen and correct your posture, providing long-term relief from headache pain.
Conveniently located at Palm Jumeirah and DIFC, Anatomy Rehab is a trusted clinic for both locals and expats in Dubai seeking effective treatment for persistent headaches, including cluster headaches and ocular migraines.
Get in touch with us today to discuss which services will be most suitable for treating your headaches and improving your overall well-being.
