Agility: Recognizing The Causes Of Cluster Headaches

Health & Wellness Newsletter by Agility Physical Therapy

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RECOGNIZING THE CAUSES OF A CLUSTER HEADACHE – AND HOW TO TREAT IT

What causes a cluster headache? While some headaches have specific triggers, such as hormonal changes, stress, or tension, cluster headaches typically do not. While the exact cause of cluster headaches is unknown, many medical professionals believe that they are associated with the hypothalamus. Some factors that may put you at a higher risk for developing cluster headaches include: • Age. Most people who develop cluster headaches are between 20- 50 years old.

Any type of pain that occurs within the head can be referred to as a “headache.” Most headaches will resolve on their own without medical intervention; however, severe or recurrent headaches that interfere with one’s quality of life should most certainly be evaluated further. The challenge lies in identifying which type of headache you’re experiencing and then devising a treatment plan accordingly. Cluster headaches are a specific type of chronic headache. Also known as Horton’s syndrome, cluster headaches are short-lived but painful headaches that occur every day for weeks or even months at a time. They occur in patterns or “clusters,” and they may even happen at the same time every year, such as in the spring or fall. Most cluster attacks occur at night; however, it is possible for them to occur at any point during the day, sometimes multiple times throughout the day. The pain you feel from cluster headaches is defined as chronic, due to the nature of the ongoing clusters. I f you are suffer ing from chronic headaches, it is important to realize that you are not alone. In fact , according to the International Headache Society , headaches are the thi rd most common pain complaint across the world. If you’ve been living with nagging headaches that seem to come and go at different times, you may be experiencing cluster headaches.

• Sex. Males are more likely to develop cluster headaches than females.

• Smoking. A large number of people who experience cluster headaches are smokers.

• Alcohol. Alcohol use can aggravate or even trigger a cluster attack.

• Family history. Those who have fami l y members wi th cluster headaches are more likely to develop them themselves. Contact Agility Physical Therapy today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced physical therapists and figure out exactly what type of headache is plaguing you.

HOW CAN PT RELIEVE MY CLUSTER HEADACHES?

Physical therapy isn’ t normal ly someone’s first thought when they have a headache - most of the time, the common reaction is to take some form of pain-relieving medication. This may help to relieve pain in the short- term, but if you are constantly suffering from headaches, pain relief drugs will not provide you with the same long- term effects that physical therapy will.

Since there are some environmental factors associated wi th cluster headaches, your physical therapist may also suggest lifestyle changes to help prevent the headaches from occurring. This may include increasing exercise or cutting out alcohol and/ or cigarettes. Your physical therapist can also provide you with stress relief exercises to try and avoid stressful situations that may cause your cluster headaches, or the adoption of additional healthy lifestyle choices, such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule or implementing a more nutritious diet. Contact Agility PT Today! We can help get to the root of your problem and figure out what factors are causing your cluster headaches so we can treat them accordingly. If you have been dealing with persistent, ongoing headaches that you believe may be cluster headaches, don’t hesitate to contact our office today. We will help you figure out the cause of your headaches and provide an effective, safe, and natural treatment plan for eliminating them!

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Some common physical therapy treatments for headache relief includes:

• Trigger point therapy • Heat or ice compressions • Soft tissue mobilization • Muscular releases • Muscle energy techniques • Body mobilization • Cervical traction • McKenzie-based therapies • Strengthening • Stretching

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A note to our valued Agility patients , With the evolving news regarding COVID-19 in our area we wanted to inform you that patient health and safety is a top priority for us here at Agility. We are following updates regularly from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and local government agencies regarding any updates and protocols needed. Our company has always practiced infection control policies and appropriate cleaning and disinfecting of shared equipment between each use. During this time we are increasing the frequency and extent of these cleanings. Agility follows all rules and regulations to ensure that all staff are trained on the prevention and development and transmission of infection. All personnel are oriented in the infection control policy at hire and annually. Although we are actively responding to this public health issue, we are still working hard in both of our locations where therapy, rehabilitation and wellness continue. Our staff is doing a remarkable job remaining calm, staying positive and keeping up normal daily routines as much as possible so our patients can feel safe and focused on their goals. If you are concerned about symptoms or possible exposure, please stay home and contact your health care provider. As always, you are all in our prayers as we navigate through these challenging and

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uncertain times. Sincerely yours, The Agility Family

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Exercise Essentials Try this exercise to help you relax...

Relieve Head and Neck Pain

SCAPULAR RETRACTION Stand tall, shoulders relaxed. Pull shoulder blades back and down. Don’t hunch your shoulders. Repeat 6 times.

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PATIENT SUCCESS SPOTLIGHT

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“Autumn had the skill and ability to know just how to evaluate my injuries/ issues, identify the areas needing help, and develop a plan which was continually monitored, updated, and evaluated. The plan was very well executed by Tori, Autumn’s assistant. Tori’s skill in identifying the location of trigger points and other hidden issues in the deep tissues is outstanding. They are Champions!” - R.R.

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