Cluster headaches are like migraine's ill-tempered cousin; they come usually without much warning and cause violent, constant pain in one side of your head. It can last from 15 (long-feeling) minutes to even upwards of 3 hours before going away, and these headaches can occur 8 times a day on the high end. The constant question with cluster headaches, however, is not what they are or how long they last -- it's how to get rid of the debilitating pain. If you're looking to get your cluster headache to go the way of the dodo, then here's what you need to know.

Rx Required

With an extreme level of pain, it stands to reason that you'd need an extreme level of pain relief -- the kind that usually comes in an orange bottle from your local pharmacy. Sumatriptan is the usual drug given, either through injection, nasal spray, or the standard little white pill; it helps relieve pain fast, and is usually taken at the onset of the headaches, with a second dose taken in 2 hours if the pain has not subsided. This is just a guideline, however; your doctor will inform you of the dose pattern they wish you to follow.

The other usual suspect is corticosteroids (like prednisone), which can help break a cycle of chronic cluster headaches. They're usually used in conjunction with another medication, which will help immediately while the steroids use their potency to stop the headaches altogether (at least, until the next attack).

All-Natural Consumables

If you're looking for a solution outside the pharmacy, there are plenty of all-natural consumables reputed to help relieve cluster headaches. Chlorophyll drops on the tongue (washed down with a glass of water) can help as they contain high levels of magnesium, which has been linked to lower rates of headaches. Capsaicin cream can also be an option; if you apply it on the inside of the nostril on the side of your head that the headache is currently residing, it can help block pain signals to your nerves.

Things to Do

When all else fails, your last result is to treat the headaches with more unorthodox activities. Standing beneath a pulsing shower head (hot water only) can help soothe the pain, as can attempting to sleep the headache off -- though if the pain is too bad, you may be unable to fall asleep. Another option may be to go get a massage if you can handle the bright lights and movement of being outside -- carrying tension in your neck and back can exacerbate the headaches, and so getting that tension worked out may help relieve your symptoms.

To learn more, contact a neurological services and treatment center today.