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        New Message Board Archives >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies 2004 >> workout to relieve pain
        
(Message started by: jrnyc on Jul 16^th, 2004, 11:57pm)

Title: workout to relieve pain
Post by jrnyc on Jul 16^th, 2004, 11:57pm

I have had cluster headaches about once a year for the last ten years or so. Each bout lasts on average six to eight weeks, either in fall or spring, with the headaches on the left side of the head coming about 4-5 times a week during the cluster. I can relate to and empathize with anyone on this site, as these headaches have made me consider suicide and are the most painful thing I've ever experienced physically. Pretty typical for a cluster sufferer as far as I can tell.

I've tried imitrex, prednisone, diet changes, increased water intake, sinusbuster nasal spray, pot. Ultimately, all fell short in treating the headaches, especially the more painful ones.

This year, however, I've come across the best treatment yet by far for me: a strenuous strength workout. Until this year (I've been in a cluster for a month now, hoping it's on its way out) I had never tried working out as a way to relieve the pain. I had read that cardio exercise such as running has helped some people, but never heard of strength exercise being used. I had tried jogging/running which did help slightly but did not stop any headache for me.

I know it's probably the last thing you feel like doing when your eye is red and watering and your head feels like a small stone has suddenly materialized between your temple and eye socket, but I encourage anyone to try it. Take three or four exercises you feel confident with, such as pushups, dips, pullups, and squats, and do at least one set of reps with each. If you don't feel confident with any exercise, check out a book at any bookstore for strength exercises. Even simple weight exercises, such as arm curls with dumbbells, will do the job. Do enough to really challenge yourself. I

In my experience, even with the worst headache coming on, the strength exercise method has been totally effective as long as I do the exercises within about the first third of the headache's timespan. I have been incredibly grateful for this and hope any of you all get some relief from trying it. I think it has a lot to do with drawing blood away from the head and into the muscles being worked out, in a manner that matches the intensity of the headache.

I'm curious as to wheteher anyone else has experienced this or has heard of it.

Title: Re: workout to relieve pain
Post by BobG on Jul 17^th, 2004, 12:37am

Yes, it has been mentioned many times here. Glad you found something that brings relief.

You didn't say how you used the imitrex. Injection, up the nose or pills? Most find the injections the fastest. There's a button on the left side of your screen 'imitrex tip'. It'll tell you how to save money by getting more out of each dose.

What about verapimil as a preventative? And oxygen as an abortive?

Welcome to the board. Hope there's no pushups, dips, pullups or squats for you tonight.

Title: Re: workout to relieve pain
Post by mynm156 on Jul 17^th, 2004, 12:45am

Hey jrnyc,

Good for you I might have to try that. However, like you have said it is really had to think about much less do when you are in the midst of a Cluster.

GOOD VIBES

MYNM156