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        New Message Board Archives >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies 2004 >> Exercise
        
(Message started by: dave_in_nj on Aug 4^th, 2004, 9:24pm)

Title: Exercise
Post by dave_in_nj on Aug 4^th, 2004, 9:24pm

I did a search and still felt like I could post this again for some opinion. One of the biggest differences in my lifestyle during this cycle (5 weeks in) is that I joined the gym (but I still smoke...go figure) Early in my cycle I went to the Gym and got hit with an awful CH.

It seems that it helps some people here and hurts others. Just looking for some feedback.

On a side note, I'm on the prednisone and other than my joints hurtin, heartburn, sensitive teeth, and jumpy agitated state I am fine.

Oh yeah, my gut tells me the 9mg of melatonin before bed has helped me have better nights too...

Thanks for reading :(

Title: Re: Exercise
Post by IndianaJohn on Aug 4^th, 2004, 11:23pm

Hi dave,

I've had mixed results on the exercise. I think sometimes it has actually aborted cycles and sometime it just hurt like hell. Not sure why. Seemed to be a connection as to when I started exercising, though it never made the CH go away completly..

PFDAN...

Title: Re: Exercise
Post by jrnyc on Aug 5^th, 2004, 12:33am

Hi Dave,
A couple weeks ago I actually posted a message about exercise helping CH's. I've sufferd through CH's for 10 yrs. plus, and this is the only treatment that has really worked for me: significant strength exercises such as pushups, chair dips, curls with weights if you have them, squats, etc. - anything that challenges your muscles very quickly, thereby getting the blood into your muscles and out of your head/eye. I normally get about 3 to 5 really strong headaches a week during my clusters, for about 6-8 weeks once a year over the 10 years I've had them. Last year was among the longest and worst they've ever been. This year as you can imagine I was happy to discover the workout effect, by accident. With some experimentation I've found that what works best for me is to wait until the headache has gained a little momentum, for about 5-10 minutes of 2/3 + kip scale pain, then deflate it with the exercise. The key is you really have to work hard at the exercises - understandably, many ch sufferers might feel reluctant to do so when they're assuming the headache is going to cripple them soon. I've found that waiting a bit allows the energy of the headache to resolve more, so that it doesn't come back later.
It seems that ch's need to resolve themselves through some kind of pattern, and if you quell it instantly such as with imitrex, it is liable to return even the same day. Of course if you're chronic, another headache could occur anyway.
I really think the strength exercise approach is among the best because it brings fast relief and has no toxic side effects - if anything it is actually good for you!
I wish you the best of luck and believe you can overcome the headaches. Keep your mind open to that possibility.

Title: Re: Exercise
Post by EvertBoer on Aug 5^th, 2004, 5:13pm

Boy, everyone sure is different. With me, heavy exercise will actually trigger a CH. Milder exercise like a brief walk, stretching and twisting movements (dance?) help. Swimming in nice cool water is the best for me.

Title: Re: Exercise
Post by Prense on Aug 6^th, 2004, 12:56pm

on 08/05/04 at 17:13:35, EvertBoer wrote:

Same here...

I can jog a 9 minute mile pace, but if I try to exceed that, I'm pulling the trigger!