Clusterheadaches.com Message Board


    
      
        Clusterheadaches.com Message Board
        (http://www.clusterheadaches.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi)
      

        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies >> chilli powder
        
(Message started by: DavidEH on Aug 17^th, 2006, 1:45pm)

Title: chilli powder
Post by DavidEH on Aug 17^th, 2006, 1:45pm

After reading an article about a news reporter with clusters, being sprayed with pepper spray, and thus being cured....

I found this last night, randomly...

Chili Pepper Pain Relief
Chilis have been used through the ages to relieve pain, and now there's proof they really work. Researchers have recently found that capsaicin temporarily blocks a chemical that transmits pain signals through the nervous system. It works so well, in fact, that capsaicin ointment is now used to relieve arthritis, psoriasis, and nerve pain. And researchers are testing capsaicin nose spray as a treatment for cluster headaches.

Okay, so I did a search on here, and found nothing about chilli powder (I've never lucky with forum searches so, maybe it was my error)...

So as I wait for my Doctor appointment, I am up for anything.

I bought some redbulls, taking some vitamins, but I have to say something very odd... Everytime I feel a shadow come on, I break out the bottle of spice classics- chili powder, and sniff away... And its weird, the shadow goes away...

I am not saying anything yet, cuz I have yet to be hit by the beast today and its too soon, but I'm feeling as if, this might work...

I'm not saying go sniff lines of chili powder, All I do is remove the cap and sniff the aroma of the powder. I'm guessing a small amount of chilli dust enters the system...

I might even boil water, and put chili powder in and breath the steam, if it comes to that....

I'll let everyone know how it goes...

Anyone know anything bout this, am I just being overly hopeful???

Title: Re: chilli powder
Post by seasonalboomer on Aug 17^th, 2006, 1:53pm

David,

Don't get too excited about pepper/capsaicin related products. There is plenty of anecdotal info that has been posted that any of these products you mentioned in your first paragraph don't do diddly for Cluster. We've had people try it and the only reported outcome was that the user felt that the intense pain CAUSED by the pepper spray might have distracted them for a few moments, but that shouldn't be confused with relieving a cluster headache.

If you're getting some help from chili powder, more power to you. Time spent experimenting with remedies such as this could be better spent acquiring proven remedies after your doctor appointment. Get some O2, if the doctor agrees that it is CH. Maybe some Imitrex or some form of preventative. But, don't buy a lifetime supply of chili powder or capsaicin spray quite yet.

Good luck.

Scott

By the way, the "story" you read is from the guys actually selling this crap so watch out for yourself -- it's on their website.

Title: Re: chilli powder
Post by DavidEH on Aug 17^th, 2006, 2:00pm

hahaha,

I shoulda knew that site looked kinda odd...

I do have clusters, been in remission for 2 years, so this is a rebout with the beast... Like I said just waiting on the appointment, so I can get the meds again... After 2 years, its my own fault for forgetting what this is about, and not really being prepared for the sequel (this thing is really like jason from friday the 13th when you think about it ;)

Trust me its a hassle...

But yeah, I basically read your reply, while hold a bottle of spice classics to my nose and breathing away.... As odd as it seems, these headaches make me bonkers...

It doesn't burn or anything, and its not the real pepper spray, maybe its mind over matter, but yeah whatever works... Imma keep trying.

Also I spoke with a friend, whose Thai, and she mentioned something about peppers being used for pain there as well (her mother uses them, and such)..

Back to the grand ol' experiment...

Title: Re: chilli powder
Post by F1World on Aug 17^th, 2006, 2:31pm

Hey David

I've tried 'Sinus Buster' as a natural alternative. The pepper ingredient is Capsicum. This product states on the package that it will alleviate 'Cluster Headaches' ... BS!

I agree wholeheartedly with seasonalbloomer, the only thing it did was momentarily distract me from the cluster, as it's incredibly painful! The package states that with prolonged use you will get used to the 'bite'. Bah, I say! The pain is sooo intense and longlasting, it feels like you've inhaled salt water for a prolonged period of time. My nose started bleeding within two days, and you are supposed to discontinue use if that happens, as it is stated as the number one side affect.

It did not help, and truthfully, I think it caused the cluster to gain strength the next time around. The bottle even states to use it during an attack, well, that was one of my many mistakes, as it just makes things much, much worse. Not only do you have the cluster, but you are adding tangible pain to the process by igniting your sinuses, which makes it feel all that much more worse. Your eye produces way more tearing and you are scared to inhale again, as it just starts another salvo of burning pain. Holy fire on the brain, Batman! I've found better relief from distractions like banging my head into the doorframe of my computer room in a rhythm that coincides with that awful wave of pain that rips through the right side of my head.

I know what it's like to be desperate, man, I've been there ... but save yourself allot of additional, unneccessary pain, some dinero and seek another avenue, please. This treatment is not worth the added agony to an already horrible affliction.

Title: Re: chilli powder
Post by Margi on Aug 17^th, 2006, 2:57pm

My hubby has actually aborted a few h/a by eating a pepper, usually jalapeno at onset. He can only have success with this in the early stages of a cycle though, once the cycle takes firm hold this abort technique doesn't work anymore.

Note to Jeff: hey, nice to see you again! Sorry to hear that you're back in cycle though. You still in SK?

Title: Re: chilli powder
Post by F1World on Aug 17^th, 2006, 3:11pm

Hello Margi! Very good to see you here again!

Yes, still here in SK, you still in Cowtown?

I always feel bad for not coming round at other times as opposed to only when I'm in cycle. I always feel so bad for everyone when I start reading out of cycle, as I feel great, while everyone is feeling miserable. It hurts me emotionally, as well as brings back the horrors that I've just gotten over. I know that sounds selfish, and I'm truly sorry for that.

Got married to my longtime gal, have a 2 year old son, and another little one due in October. Life is good other than this 'thing' happening all over again.

Hey, I started a Zomig nasal spray topic, maybe you could reply with some insight if you have any?

Talk with you again, and I'm again sorry for hijacking this thread. Twice in as many days ... oops.

Title: Re: chilli powder
Post by Margi on Aug 17^th, 2006, 3:27pm

aw, congrats Jeff!! Couldn't happen to a nicer guy!! Marriage, a child and another one on the way!! High fives, my friend!

Yep, still in Cowtown here. I saw your Zomig thread but have no experience with it at all, sorry, but Mike will probably be using next cycle (due this fall), so I will be watching it with interest.

Don't forget to drop in over at OUCH Canada too when you get a chance, ok? We've got a message board just like this one, and the link is at the bottom of my post here.

Title: Re: chilli powder
Post by DavidEH on Aug 17^th, 2006, 3:31pm

hijack away... :)

Well still going today with no cluster, had one yesterday at this very time... Everytime I feel anything in the right side of the noggin, I run over to my bottle of chilli powder, and sniff away...

I've sneezed a couple of times.. No pain from the powder, like I said, I'm not huffing in lines of the stuff, which I could see as being painful, but just sniffing, which I still think lets in small particles.... Smells nice, kinda...

I also have the redbull chilling, just in case it hits....

I must admit, in my last cluster, the med side affects were horrible (Imitrex nasal spray), so if any of these homebrews work in the mean time, before I get the official stuff, so be it..

I am affraid however, that this cycle has started off weirdly.

The time switches off from day to day, from 2pm on one day to 9pm on another day, back to 2pm the next... Sometimes I skip a day, but its always around those times.... Luckily right now at least, its just one a day, with shadows and after effects (basically my cluster turns into mini clusters, which are I would think on par with a kip 5).

So I'll continue this until I get hit..

I may note that I also take Excendrin Migraine pills (2) in the morning when I wake up (despite not having any pain) kind of like an attempt to trick the beast into slumber before hand (hasnt worked the past week)... I'm also taking Centrum Performance, since my eating habits are almost 0 during my cycles ( I loss alot of weight, and well being 170 at 5'11 right now, I'll prolly drop down to 155 after this cycle is done, due to not eating really that much...)

Oh and I advise noone to try and rub Bayer muscle creme on your affected side when your getting hit...

I did this the other day, thinking maybe it would help with the pain (this cream turns hot and cold) and well... I got a hour and a half level 10 kipper. This time with nasty smelling muscle rub all over my right side of my face.... haha I think it actually sped up the timing of the hit, which is no good...

Title: Re: chilli powder
Post by DavidEH on Aug 17^th, 2006, 7:00pm

Just wanted to say, I just got a 8-9 kipper for 2 hours today...

So, yeah chilli powder doesn't work...

Neither did the red bull for me... although, after I chugged the red bull, it sort of numbed down the pain for about few minutes during the initial hit, but then whammo, nothing but a full blown hit...
Oh, I also crushed the redbull can on my head during the attack, apparently...

Still feeling the after effects of the HA.

Man I'm so depressed now (almost on the verge of crying), this one took alot out of me.. I did alot more running/pacing then usual, and I also tried spinning around in place, but that just led to me falling down, dizzy with the beast...

I think the change of timing for this attack, was do to me falling asleep 3 hours after I normally do...

God help me/us...

Title: Re: chilli powder
Post by F1World on Aug 18^th, 2006, 12:19am

Very sorry to hear that man. :(

Keep your chin up dude, never give up or give in.

I'm not a great cheerleader, but I tell ya, there are those here that can uplift you .. I know, cuz they did it for me. Suffering brings out the humanity in us all. I was overwhelmed when I first came here, the support was phenomenal, for the first time I felt like everybody knew what I was going through, and it brought me to tears with all the thoughtfulness and the pure unselfish acts this group of people were offering. I had one gent give me his phone number, just to call anytime, day or night, if I needed to reach out. Where else can you find that kind of compassion from your fellow human being?

Keep fighting the fight DavidEH!

Title: Re: chilli powder
Post by chopmyheadoff on Aug 18^th, 2006, 3:22am

pain free wishes from accross the pond my friend !!

sure does suck that your getting hit at the moment.
I felt like i was going to give up - until i found this site and realised that i wasnt the only one and that i wasnt a freak

we here for you r kid !! keep fighting - remember , the pain DOES go away eventually !!

Do the "normal" meds work for you ?? ie imitrex etc

Title: Re: chilli powder
Post by sandie99 on Aug 18^th, 2006, 3:35am

David,

It's good that you have tried RB & chilli powder; you know now bit more what does not work.

Don't let those setbacks get you down, though. You are bit closer in finding what DOES help and work with your head. :)

When I was diagnosed, my neuro was 100% sure that the very first med would send my ch into remission... that didn't and it got my spirits down. The ways and methods and meds and treatments we use to deal with ch vary and so will what works, but one thing we all need is fighter's mind. Got to stay positive, focused and determined. When one thing has been tried, one must simply try something else.

I'm sure that something WILL work for you. It might take some time before you will find it, but you WILL.
There are lots of different things to try. :)

Best wishes & PF time,
Sanna

Title: Re: chilli powder
Post by Bob P on Aug 18^th, 2006, 7:13am

Quote:

1: Cephalalgia 1993 Apr;13(2):114-6

A double-blind placebo-controlled trial of intranasal capsaicin for cluster
headache.

Marks DR, Rapoport A, Padla D, Weeks R, Rosum R, Sheftell F, Arrowsmith F

Clinical Immunology Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston 92114.

It has been suggested that treatment of cluster headache (CH) patients with
topical capsaicin may desensitize sensory neurons by depleting the nerve
terminals of substance P. We attempted to determine whether capsaicin is
effective in aborting CH attacks. Patients in acute cluster were randomized to
receive either capsaicin or placebo in the ipsilateral nostril for 7 days.
Patients recorded the severity of each headache for 15 days. Headaches on days
8-15 of the study were significantly less severe in the capsaicin group vs the
placebo group. There was also a significant decrease in headache severity in the
capsaicin group on days 8-15 compared to days 1-7, but not in the placebo group.
Episodic CH patients appeared to benefit more than chronic CH patients. These
results indicate that intranasal capsaicin may provide a new therapeutic option
for the treatment of this disease.

Publication Types:
Clinical trial
Randomized controlled trial

Comments:
Comment in: Cephalalgia 1993 Apr;13(2):73-4

PMID: 8495452, UI: 93265525

Title: Re: chilli powder
Post by Flash on Aug 18^th, 2006, 10:12am

I tried pouring tabasco sauce up my nose but this didn't help much other than distracting me a little. And it felt better to have both eyes watering.

Now slightly better, but ONLY for the very brave... I cut the ends off 2 bird eye chillis and stuffed one up each nostril. Yes this does something, I'd rather not say what exactly by trust me the shock of it is enough to abort/postpone a headache if taken early. Not sure the aftermath is an improvement though.

Title: Re: chilli powder
Post by seasonalboomer on Aug 18^th, 2006, 10:45am

on 08/18/06 at 10:12:22, Flash wrote:

I'm not sure if you're familiar with the American show Jackass with Johnny Knoxville and Steve-O. i'm thinking what you just described would make a great featurette - maybe we could get Steve-O to do it on camera. Probably as good as the episode when he had his ass cheeks pierced with a post across them.

Title: Re: chilli powder
Post by Margi on Aug 18^th, 2006, 10:46am

H O L Y C R A P Flash!! :o

This officially surpasses me getting Mike to put hot mustard powder up his nose.

You win. :o

Title: Re: chilli powder
Post by Katherinecm on Aug 18^th, 2006, 1:41pm

lol. I put hot sauce in some saline nasal spray once and sprayed that up my nose. It triggered a migraine that lasted a good 3 hours, but did nothing for the CH shadows or attacks.

Title: Re: chilli powder
Post by georgej on Aug 19^th, 2006, 2:53am

I once had to take a full facial hit of 10% OC (oleoresin capsicum) pepper spray as part of training to be authorized to carry it. I happened to be in cycle at the time.

During the class, there were lots of stories from others about how much it hurt--like "being hit in the face with a 2X4".

When my turn came around, my partner hosed me until I dripped. I remember thinking--"this ain't so bad". Not even close to a CH. Far from being disabled, I took out after him, and would have gotten him too, if my eyes hadn't closed involuntarily.

I got hit that night with a kip 7.

So, at least in my experience, FWIW, I'd have to put the nyet on the pepper thing.

I did smell like stale Mexican food for a couple of days, though.

George

Title: Re: chilli powder
Post by maureenv on Aug 19^th, 2006, 1:57pm

I tried the pepper thing to made me cry but did nothing for the ha. A friend suggested I try fresh lemon juice she had heard it has helped ppl with migraine, well in the middle of a hit your almost willing to try anything.
DON"T DO IT It doesn't help or feel good.

not one of my finer moments ::)